Homeschool Classes For Ages 9-12

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens › Education › Children, Family & Adult Programs › Homeschool ZOOventures › Homeschool Classes For Ages 9-12

The Wildest Classroom in Central Florida

Homeschool families can experience various interactive programs at the Zoo, where the classroom comes to life! Up-close animal encounters, games, crafts, and activities are all part of this exciting learning environment. These drop-off programs are offered September through May, program descriptions and dates are listed below.

Education Resource Guide 2026-2027

September 8 and 10, 2026: Animal Architects

Animal homes range from simple to extreme. From honey combs, to bird nests, tunnels to tree tops, let’s explore and discover some incredible animal architecture.

October 9 and 13, 2026: Wild Weather Wonders

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the animals are…? As we study weather facts we will learn what animals do to weather the storm.

November 6 and 10, 2026: Zoo Life

Who works at a Zoo and what do they do? Check out what goes on behind-the-scenes as we take a look at what it takes to run a Zoo.

December 8 and 10, 2026: We Like to Move It Move It

We’re moving and grooving on our way to meet animals from the island of Madagascar! How do real life animals compare to those in the movie? Join us to find out!

January 12 and 14, 2027: Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Students rotate through different natural science stations as they explore some of nature’s animal mysteries up close.

February 9 and 11, 2027: Wildlife Rehabilitation

What should you do if you find an injured animal? Who takes care of these animals? It’s wildlife specialists to the rescue!

March 9 and 11, 2027: Species Discovery

Explore newly discovered animal species using classification key activities, variations and biodiversity.

April 13 and 15, 2027: Zoo Keepers

Join us to discover what it takes to care for animals at the zoo. Whatever the weather, Zoo Keepers are on duty and taking care of the animals!

May 11 and 13, 2027: Mission: Possible!

It’s mission POSSIBLE as we discover what we can do to save animals and our planet!

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

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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.