Stroller Safari
Leap into the world of stroller discovery with your 0–2 year olds as we start with a fun story, walk, talk and learn about specific animals. Don’t forget the stroller! Program runs 1:30-2pm.
Class Fee $15 - One adult is required to attend and is included in the program fee
April 4 - Bouncing Bunnies
May 2 - Giant Giraffes
June 3 - Fuzzy Friends
July 8 - Commotion in the Ocean
August 1 - Penguin Palooza
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Early Explorers
Gather your gear and join our explorer’s program for children ages 2–3. We will uncover a wide variety of topics including colors, patterns, shapes, habitats and biomes. Imagine the discoveries that will be made! Program runs from 1:30-2:15pm.
Class Fee $20 - One adult is required to attend and is included in the program fee.
March 14 - Rumble in the Jungle
April 11 - Animal Homes
May 9- Monkey Business
June 10 - All Aboard
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Preschool Pals
Join our Preschool Pals Class for an interactive educational experience designed for preschool-aged children! These themed programs created for children ages 3-5 include: stories, crafts, and visits from an animal ambassadors. One adult is required to attend with each child. Programs run 1:30-2:30pm.
Class Fee $20 - One adult is required to attend and is included in the program fee
April 15 - Animal Groups and Troops (10:00-11:00am.)
April 18 - Animal Groups and Troops
May 16 - Super Sealions
June 17 - Loud Lions (10:00-11:00am.)
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Class Fee $22
Programs run 10:00-11:00am unless otherwise noted.
January 28 - Rattlesnake Appreciation
February 18 - Happy Hippo Class
March 11 - Its Not Easy Being Green Class
Marine Biology Series
Life under water is amazing. Discover the countless creatures that call the water their home and meet a few of our very own water-loving animal crew members. Programs run 10am-12pm.
(Check Back for More Classes)
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Class Fee $25
Programs run 10:00-12:00pm unless otherwise noted.
March 25 - Zoology - Desert Discoveries
May 13 - Zoology - Birds of a Feather Stick Together
Marine Biology Series
Life under water is amazing. Discover the countless creatures that call the water their home and meet a few of our very own water-loving animal crew members. Programs run 10am-12pm.
(Check back for more classes)
Register for a Class
Class Fee $25
Marine Biology Series-Life under water is amazing. Discover the countless creatures that call the water their home and meet a few of our very own water-loving animal crew members. Programs run 1pm-3pm.
Dec 3 - Jellyfish, Eels and Fish Frenzy
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Family Classes
Family classes are geared towards parents and children 3-8. We will read a story, create enrichment for the animals, visit exhibits and learn some interesting facts.
Class Fee $15 - Any adults and children over the age of 2 must register
Check back for new dates!
Register for a Class
Storytime/Playgroup
Come on down to the zoo and meet new friends, listen to a story, play with awesome toys, and learn the benefits of play for children. One adult is required with each child. This program is designed for children 3 and under.
Class Fee $15 - One adult is required to attend and is included in the program fee
Check back for new dates!
Register for a Class
Adult Photography Classes (18 years and Older)
Photo by Mike Benkis
Endangered Species Photography Class (open to 18 yrs and up)
Date: Sunday, May 21, 2023
Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Cost: $40 per person
On a crisp May morning, join fellow photographers as we explore the early spring habitats of Asian species at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and use your skills to capture their daily lives here in Nebraska. After this journey, we will continue to a a west coast shoreline, the world’s largest indoor desert, and a lush valley where gorillas wonder. Where else than at the Omaha Zoo can you visit all these places and capture World Class images before lunch? A bonus is that this journey includes private hours before the Zoo is open to the public. Registration required and space is limited.
This education class is run by the Zoo’s Photographer, Mike Benkis, who will teach you photography skills needed to get the perfect shot through exhibit obstacles such as glass, quick moving targets, and underwater shots. Mike will also provide animal information about the Zoo's species.
Come celebrate National Endangered Species Day (May 19th) and learn how you can help species around the world. Docents and Conservation Instructors will be on hand to answer questions and inform participants about conservation efforts at the Zoo and in the wild.
Photo by Mike Benkis
Sea Lion Photography Class (open to 18 yrs and up)
Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Cost: $40 per person
Summer is upon us and what better way to celebrate World Ocean's Day (6/8/23) than to listen to the waves and take some beautiful pictures of the “Pacific Northwest” like habitat with Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions swimming in a playful manner. Owen Sea Lion Shores is a state-of-the-art habitat featuring a 275-thousand-gallon pool, 40-foot-long underwater viewing window, natural boundaries, an underwater kelp forest and sandy beach areas. Bring your morning coffee or beverage of choice (non-alcoholic) and join fellow photographers as we learn to take quick shots at the multiple underwater viewing windows and get that perfect image! A bonus is that this journey includes private hours before the Zoo is open to the public. Registration required and space is limited.
This Educational class is run by the Zoo’s Photographer, Mike Benkis, who will teach you photography skills needed to get the perfect shot through exhibit obstacles such as glass, quick moving targets, and underwater shots.
The purpose of World Ocean's Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world's population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans. Docents and Conservation Instructors will be on hand to answer questions and inform participants about conservation efforts at the Zoo and in the oceans around the world.
Photographer - Mike Benkis
Mike is a Nebraska native that started in Wildlife photography back in 2014 and has had his work published by the Omaha World Herald, Nebraskaland Magazine, Omaha Audubon Society, Nebraska Games and Parks, and various other publications. He has always been passionate about wildlife, especially birds. A clean, bold, dramatic, artistic photographic style has become the hallmark of his work.