Homeschooling in the Wild: Offerings of the Greenville Zoo

Have a homeschooler and need a little time outside, away from all the books and computers? Pick a day and participate in one of the educational programs at the Greenville Zoo. They have lots of special events to help your family learn and enjoy the zoo like story time or with the zoo keepers for questions. They even offer special classes just for homeschoolers. KAG Contributor and local mom Maria Bassett is sharing some of the educational opportunities you’ll find at the Greenville Zoo. 

Sure a trip to the zoo is fun any day, and it can be an educational adventure. Sometimes, though, my kids run from exhibit to exhibit and we never really take the time to read the signs, observe and learn. That’s frustrating, and doesn’t feel very educational. Sometimes we bring along some animal classification work (if you’d like some freebie worksheets checkout this homeschool giveaways site for some options.) 

But sometimes, it’s really just more fun to listen to the great folks at the zoo, than it is to listen to mom!  That’s why I am so thankful for the many educational gems that the Greenville Zoo offers.  They have so many educational programs, and many of them are completely free with admission.

Homeschool programs at the Greenville Zoo

Homeschool Days

The zoo offers a homeschool day once for kids ages 2-11 years old. My two oldest boys love these classes! They get some hands-on time with various animals and critters. (After the class that featured a number of invertebrates, I heard a lot about how they got to touch the hissing cockroach.  Yuck!)

And they really learn lots of neat facts. Each class costs $8 for homeschool kids and their families. You can find the next date on the Greenville Zoo’s website.

Tell Me About it Tuesdays

Free! (with admission) At 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesdays you will find zoo staff at specific exhibits talking about and answering your questions about the animals they highlight.  Tell Me About it Tuesdays is a great opportunity for homeschool students to get answers straight from the source.

Zoo Tots

Need something for your toddler or preschooler? Zoo Tots is designed specifically for kids ages 2-4 years old. These programs are 45 minutes long and give children a chance to explore and engage with crafts, sensory bins, and educational stations.

There’s also a structured circle time and animal encounter. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. See Greenville Zoo’s website for dates and times.

Learning Safari Thursdays

Want to see some zoo creatures up close?  Check out the Learning Safari Thursdays for kids ages 5-7 years old on Sundays from 3:00-4:30 pm and Mondays from 10:00 – 11:30 am. These are fun, hands-on exhibits. What a great chance for homeschoolers to learn from zoo staff, without the added cost! Program is 1.5 hours. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Zookeeping Kids

This is a chance for your 8-11 year olds to see what it’s like to be a zookeeper! Each week will cover a different aspect of a zookeeper’s job, and kids will have the chance to play games, participate in activities and experiments, chat with zookeepers, and have animal encounters up close.

Programs are 2 hours from 10 am – 12 pm. Price is $25 for members, and $30 for non-members. See the Greenville Zoo’s website for the next date.

Note: All three of the above free programs meet September through May.

Career Day

If you have a 6th-12th grader who shows interest in becoming a zookeeper, then definitely take a visit to Greenville Zoo for Career Day! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo and even participate in some of the zoo’s daily tasks. Cost is $50 per person. Check the Greenville Zoo’s website for upcoming dates.

Conservation Lectures

Families with older children might enjoy the zoo’s free conservation lecture series. The zoo has partnered with Furman to bring educational lectures about conservation efforts for specific animals. Lectures take place at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, The Upcountry History Museum, or a Greenville Library and are scheduled in the evening. These lectures are totally free!

Plan your own trip to the Greenville Zoo

150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville
864.467.4300
Greenville Zoo Website

Online ticket prices: Adults $13; kids 3 – 12 $10; kids 2 and under are free. Members: free
Walk-up ticket prices: Adults $15; kids 3-12 $12; kids 2 and under are free. Members: free

What is your favorite program for your homeschooler? Tell us in the comments!