Looking for fun things to do in Orlando with kids that are still educational? The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers one of the best family-friendly attractions in Orlando, combining outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters and hands-on education.
With several fun family activities to choose from, kids have no shortage of vibrant educational opportunities at this beloved Orlando attraction. Here are some of the kids programs at the Central Florida Zoo.
Searching for Orlando summer camps for kids or activities during school breaks? From the ages of 5 to 17, kids can attend a variety of Zoo camps with their own unique activities. The camps are filled with Zoo adventures, featuring meeting animals, crafts, games, activities and more!
Summer camps run weekdays, June through August. Each camp is divided into age groups 5-6, 6-8, 9-12 and 13-17 so each camper can interact with peers at a developmentally appropriate level.
The Central Florida Zoo also offers school break camps for adventures all year round, making it one of the top Orlando kids activities. These camps occur on holidays or long weekends as opportunities to keep kids learning outside of the classroom.
Cub Club programs are also available for kids ages 2 to 5 so that even the smallest animal lovers can stay engaged! With so many camp options at various price points, families can register for fun family activities that fit their child’s preferred educational interests.
Teachers looking for Orlando field trip ideas will find immersive, curriculum-based experiences at the Zoo.
K-3 STEM programs allow students to enjoy immersive adventures tailored to their age group. Schools can choose between a Planet Safari or Endangered Species tour that each offers alternative ways for students to explore Florida’s beautiful wildlife and botanical environment.
If a custom adventure sounds more enticing, creating your own ZOOventure field trip allows teachers to tailor an educational program that brings their curriculum to life. Activity sheets are also available to further drive learning in this engaging atmosphere.
Looking to connect to the Zoo’s animals even closer? Consider adding Ambassador Animal Encounters to the itinerary to create memories of animal encounters in Orlando that your students won’t stop talking about for weeks to come!
For families searching for homeschool programs in Orlando, the Zoo offers Homeschool ZOOventures. This program offers an environment where students ages 5 to 17 can explore outdoor education that’s also affordable.
Homeschool programs run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on select days from September to May. ZOOventures are great for homeschool families looking for a new learning environment.
Teenagers are known for unapologetically exploring many passions. Why not foster a love for animals at the Central Florida Zoo and create a genuinely transformative opportunity in their life? At the Zoo, teens ages 13 to 17 can make new friends while playing a vital role in educating Zoo visitors through our Teen Team volunteer program, making it one of the most meaningful and unique things to do in Orlando for teens.
This program offers hands-on training to educate the public about conservation, wildlife and handling animals. This real-world experience is a learning opportunity like no other that builds confidence, independence and responsibility in teens.
Applications open in February and stay open for two months. Once active, Teen Team members can volunteer on select Saturdays and Sundays each month, as well as assist with Summer Camps.
What are you waiting for? If you’re looking for events for kids or activities in Orlando that make learning adventurous, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is the place to be! Whether you’re a teacher, a homeschool parent or a student, the Zoo has something for everyone. Visit us at centralfloridazoo.org to explore and register for our programs today!
