Zoo Programs for Adults

The zoo is not just for kids! Join us to learn about animals and help with special conservation efforts in one of our adult-only programs. Adult programs are for teens 15 & over and all adults. Teens (15-17) must be accompanied by another registered adult.

Horseshoe Crab Census
Each spring, the zoo travels to Cape May to observe horseshoe crabs' annual mating ritual - and to participate in an organized horseshoe crab census. This is a two-part program; you may register for the zoo class, the field component, or both!
Come to the zoo to learn all about these incredible creatures, their ecological significance, and participate in a mock horseshoe crab census. For those wishing to "get their feet wet" and learn more, join us again on a May or June weekend in Cape May to count horseshoe crabs for the census and observe the world-famous shore bird migration.

Frogwatch!
The zoo has recently started participating in amphibian field work; come learn how we monitor the frog populations in Van Saun Park, and learn how you can help us monitor our frogs, or monitor the frogs in your own backyard! This program consists of a classroom portion and a walk into the park. Great activity for families, individuals, and civic/scout groups!

SPARKS
Supporting Parents in Advocacy, Reform, and Knowledge in Science: This 3-day workshop is perfect for all parents of elementary school children. Learn how children learn, how important science is to their everyday lives now and in the future, and how to make learning science a fun, family activity! You'll also learn how to help your child's teacher bring more science into the classroom. This workshop is especially helpful for parents who also volunteer as scout leaders, class parents, on parent-teacher associations, etc.

Discovery Center
The zoo's Education/Discovery Center is open every day from 10 am - 4 pm. Stop inside to discover what awaits you! From the marine touch tank, to the computer kiosk games, to nature videos in our mini theater, the Discovery Center is a great place to take a break and get in out of the cold, heat or rain! (Groups must be chaperoned.)

Nursing Home/Senior Center Programs
Would you like a zoo animal to visit your residents/clients every month? Consider our Animal Encounters program! Teams of specially-trained volunteers travel to nursing homes throughout Bergen County to spread a little sunshine with a special animal visitor. We currently have 23 facilities enrolled in this program, which is offered free of charge to Bergen County nursing homes/long-term care facilities. Call our Volunteer Coordinator at 201-262-3771 x 124 to find out about the availability of having an Animal Encounters team come to you.

Looking for something more in-depth? Schedule a one-time visit with a zoo educator to talk to you about the history of the zoo, what we're doing now, and what we plan to be in the future! Contact our Education Curator at 201-262-3771 x 125 to schedule a "Zoo History" presentation. Great for active senior programs, as well as civic organization guest speaker engagements ($100 outreach program fee applies.)

Fees
All fees are per class. Each class consists of approximately 25 children.
In-Zoo Program fees:
Bergen County groups: $50 per class
Out-of-County groups: $100 per class

*There is an admission fee to the Bergen County Zoo daily from May - October. (link to New Pricing Structure Here.) The admission fee will be waived for children and up to 3 adults per class that have reserved an education program through the Education Department. Additional adults must pay the admission fee, even if they are coming with a registered group.

Outreach Program fees:
Bergen County groups: $100 for one class, $50 for additional classes on the same visit
Out-of-County groups: Outreach programs not available.

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