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
March 7 - Froggy Fun
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
January 10 - Animals in Winter
January 24 - Exploring Animal Tracks
February 14 - My Heart is like a Zoo
February 28 - Enormous Elephants
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
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.
January 14 - Sharks and Rays
January 21 - Penguins
January 28 - Marine Mammals
February 25 - Jellyfish, Eels and Fish Frenzy
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Class Fee $25
Programs run 10:00-12:00pm unless otherwise noted.
February 11 - Zoology - Desert Dwellers
February 25 - Zoology - Oceans
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.
Dec 3 - Jellyfish, Eels and Fish Frenzy
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
Register for a Class
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
Penguin Photography Class (open to 18 yrs and up)
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2023
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Cost: $40 per person
No need to travel to the Southern Hemisphere to capture the beauty of King, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins. In celebration of Penguin Awareness Day* come to the Omaha Zoo to spend the morning photographing penguins interacting in their exhibit located in the Scott Aquarium. While you are working, you will learn about penguin behaviors and lifestyle as well as conservation issues different species face in the wild. You will even get the inside scoop from one of our own Penguin Keepers about their life here at the Zoo! This experience will be before general admission hours to ensure a private viewing of the penguin exhibit.
This 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.
*Penguin Awareness Day helps raise awareness about the flightless birds whose numbers are dwindling by the day. The day also aims to bring international focus on the conservation of penguin habitats.
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.