Homeschool Classes Ages 5-8

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens › Education › Children, Family & Adult Programs › Homeschool ZOOventures › Homeschool Classes Ages 5-8

The Wildest Classroom in Central Florida

Bring learning to life through unforgettable Zoo experiences! Designed specifically for homeschool students, these engaging, standards-aligned classes combine science, wildlife, and conservation with hands-on activities, up-close animal encounters, and outdoor exploration.

Education Resource Guide 2026-2027

September 8 and 10, 2026: Fabulous Felines

Strength, stealth, and speed are all amazing feline adapations. Join us to learn more about fabulous felids.

October 9 and 13, 2026: Design a Zoo

Learn what it takes to design a zoo. From animal habitats, to fun things to do, it’s all important to create a great zoo!

November 10 and 12, 2026: Out Back Safari

There’s a whole big world waiting for you to explore! Discover the wild side of wildlife right here in Florida as we travel out our back doors.

December 8 and 10, 2026: Nocturnal Navigators

Discover what happens after dark with some nocturnal animal exploration. Learn about the special adaptations these animals use to survive in the night. Myth busters included!

January 12 and 14, 2027: Chain Reaction

What links cheetahs, otters, and great horned owls? Follow the food chain to discover who eats what in an ecosystem.

February 9 and 11, 2027: Adventures in Science

Biology, zoology, ecology, so many ‘ology’s! Find out what it’s like to be a scientist and what each of the natural scientists study.

March 9 and 11, 2027: That’s My Baby!

It’s all about baby animals as we learn about animal parents and their young. Parental care, to no care, how do they survive and thrive?

April 13 and 15, 2027: Wild About Disguises

Discover how animals “disappear” in the wild. Learn how they use their camouflage skills to hunt and to hide.

May 11 and 13, 2027: Island Seekers

It’s time to set sail for far off and mysterious islands where strange and unusual animals roam the forests and walk the beaches.

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Annual Pass Holders: $20.00/per child

Non-Pass Holders: $24.00/per child

Registration

Students must be registered for the appropriate age group. Registration is required at least one week in advance. Class size is limited. Classes are subject to cancellation if the minimum number of students is not met one week before the program date. Refunds will not be provided for self-initiated cancellation once registration and payment have been processed.

Annual Passholder Registration

Non-Passholder Registration

For more information or questions

Call: 407.323.4450 ext. 123

Email: education@centralfloridazoo.org

Need to Know Info

Click for more info

Check In

All programs will begin at 2:00 p.m., however, we ask that parents and students arrive by 1:45 p.m., so we may start the programs promptly at 2:00 p.m. When you arrive, please park in the main parking area and follow the winding path to the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center, a large yellow building on your right. Your Zoo Teachers will meet you inside the building for check in. This is also where parents will pick up students at the end of each program. All classes are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Please bring a refillable water bottle and comfortable closed-toe shoes

Pick Up

A photo I.D. is required at pick up, no exceptions. (Pictures of photo I.D.s are not accepted.) We will ask for a list of individuals who are approved to pick up the student during check-in. However, we will not accept the approved pick-up list prior to the program date.

Liability/Photo Release Form

The following link is for our photo release and liability waiver. Please complete a form for each participant prior to the day of the program. It is only necessary to fill in the form once for the September-May program schedule. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PT9Q9F9

Refunds and Cancellations

Refunds will not be provided for self-initiated cancellation once registration and payment have been processed. Events with insufficient registration are subject to cancellation or rescheduling.

Should you have any questions in the meantime please contact the Education Registrar at 407-323-4450 ext. 123 or via email at education@centralfloridazoo.org.

Payment

We do accept checks but request that they be hand-delivered the day of your program. We do not accept checks sent through the mail.

Scholarship Reciept for Reimbursement

We can provide Instructor credentials and a detailed receipt as requested. Please email education@centralfloridazoo.org to request these items.