Brandywine Zoo - Education Programs

Planned learning activities at the Brandywine Zoo are numerous and available for all ages.
Our mission is to enhance and enrich people's understanding and respect of the complex relationships among all living things and inspire wildlife conservation.

If you have any questions about our programs, please contact Jill Karlson, Curator of Education, at (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 or email jill.karlson@state.de.us.

Free Family Experiences

The following programs are free with your paid admission. During certain seasons.

Close Encounters of the Wild Kind

Keeper Watching

Story Time

Zoo Camps

Spring Break Zoo Camp

Summer Mini-Camps

Summer Full-Day Camps

Family Programs

Tod-ZOO-lers & Preschool Programs (18 mos. - 3 yrs.)

Pint Sized Planeteers (18 mos. - 6 yrs.)

Adults (18 and over)

Scout Day - for Boys & Girls

Special Events - All Ages

Education Programs

Home School Programs

Discovery Tours

Traveling Zoo

Teacher Resources and Loan Kits

Self-guided Tours

The Brandywine Zoo is a member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, a distinction that marks its commitment to provide excellent care for animals, a great experience for the visitor and a better future for all living things.

The Brandywine Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan. This is a plan, which was begun by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, to promote the long-term survival of certain endangered animals. Because of the Zoo's participation, visitors may get to know endangered species like the golden lion tamarin.

Also, the Brandywine Zoo works to secure the survival of endangered species through captive breeding. When possible, the Brandywine Zoo works with other zoos to help reintroduce a species into the wild. Professionally run zoos, like the ours, serve as the last refuge many animals have against extinction.

The Brandywine Zoo is proud to be an active participant in this worthwhile effort.

Free Family Experiences

Programs held here at The Brandywine Zoo over the year change frequently to include new and exciting ZOOventures around every corner. The following are free programs with your paid admission.

Close Encounters of the Wild Kind

Experience wildlife up close and personal at the Brandywine Zoo. Learn about your favorite animals from zoo staff! For all ages.

Programs Run: Daily June- August
Time: 10:00am-3:30pm
Location: Daily postings will be placed at the front of the zoo describing which exhibits will be discussed.
Fee: Free with paid admission

Keeper Watching

Experience the Zoo from a Zoo Keeper's perspective. Learn interesting facts about the zoo's fabulous animals and the special ways that keepers deal with them. For all ages.

Programs Run: Daily June-August
Times: 11:30am & 1:30pm
Location: Will be posted on the day of what exhibits will be discussed at the front of the Zoo.
Fee: Free with paid admission

Story Time at the Zoo

Delightful animal stories read by a lively storyteller near the Otter Exhibit, may include craft or activity. Story time will be moved indoors if it is raining! Free with paid admission to the zoo. Please notify the zoo at DNREC_Parks_ZooPrograms@state.de.us if you have a group of 5 or more participants. All Ages - Especially the Young

Programs Run: Every Thursday
Time: 10:00am - 10:30am
Location: Near the Otter Exhibit in the summer and in the Education Building in the winter
Fee: FREE with paid admission.

Zoo Camp

The Brandywine Zoo also offers special camp programs for children.

Family Programs

The Brandywine Zoo also regularly offers programs for the whole family for a variety of age groups year round with the exception of the summer months.

Family programs include:

Pint Sized Planeteers

The Brandywine Zoo offers programs specially designed for children 18 months to 6 years old. These fun-filled frolics into the animal world may include a story, a live animal visit, and a craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult is admitted free for each participating child. Programs are held in the Education Building. Space is limited, so pre-registration is strongly suggested.

Fee: $8 per child; $6 per child for Delaware Zoological Society.

Scout Day - An Event for Boys and Girls!

Enjoy a morning at the zoo designed for scouts and their families! Registered participants for this program get to enjoy special early admission to the zoo before it opens to the public! Enjoy a morning of games, crafts, and activities all geared toward scout requirements. Brandywine Zoo patches will be available for purchase. This is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather. Fee: $7.00 per person. Space is limited, please register early! For registration information call the zoo at 302-571-7850 ext. 209.

Click Here for a Registration Form.
Registration Forms Can be Mailed or Faxed in to The Brandywine Zoo.

Special Events

For all ages
All Special Events take place in the zoo, unless otherwise indicated. Special Events are held at the Brandywine Zoo on a regular basis.

Education Programs

The Zoo staff invites teachers and activity coordinators for senior and youth groups to consider the Brandywine Zoo a satellite classroom for teaching about science and nature. Programs are established for all ages, from toddlers to adults and senior citizens, as well as for onsite here at the Zoo or at your location.

WILD Home School Programs

The Brandywine Zoo's Home School series offers many different subjects to homeschoolers as a part of their Zoo Education Programs.

Learn about specific subjects and how they relate to wildlife, plants, and zoos overall!
Have a WILD adventure while learning about subjects applicable for grades Pre-K through 12.

Discovery Tours

These educational tours provide participants with an experience that is fun, exciting and educational. These programs include a brief introduction to the topic and a guided tour of the zoo complete with hands-on learning activities.

Discovery Tours require a minimum of 15 participants. One responsible teacher or adult chaperone must accompany each 12-15 students.
There is a small fee per person.
Call early to get your choice of dates. Mid-April through June is our busiest season, and we encourage you to consider alternative dates. We are open every day in every season. Discovery Programs run during the summer as well as throughout the school year. Arrangements must be made in advance. Please call, (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208.

Self Guided Tours

You are invited to visit the Zoo with your group on your own.

If you have special activities for your students or want to introduce the Zoo in a more informal way, this is the format for you.

Call (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 for group rates and visitation information.

Traveling Zoo

Teachers and activity coordinators for organizations such as, libraries, day care centers, youth groups, retirement communities, and neighborhood organizations are invited to host the "zoo-to-you" at your location. A zoo naturalist or zoo docent comes to your location and provides a fun and interesting program featuring live zoo animals! For more information, visit our Traveling Zoo or call (302) 571-7850 Extension 224.

Most Traveling Zoo programs meet State Standards too.
These programs require a minimum of 15 participants and there is a small fee.

Contract Programs

Contract Programs for large groups or schools (including grade level appropriate Discovery Tours and Traveling Zoos) are available for a reduced rate. Please call the Curator of Education for more information or to set up a Contract Program at (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208.

Design Your Own Program

If you do not see a program that covers the information you wish to illustrate, please call (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 and let us help you design your own program.

Teacher Resources

The Brandywine Zoo offers several different types of resources for teachers who want to lead their own program.

Teacher Resources for workshops and educational zoo-related materials you may borrow for your classroom.
Loan Kits are available for classrooms or special group meetings. These self-contained kits provide a teacher/leader with the tools to teach about the welfare of wild animals and about zoo careers.

For more information, contact the Curator of Education at (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 or email jill.karlson@state.de.us