Schools & Groups
Assiniboine Park and Zoo educational programs connect people with nature and inspire them to be environmental stewards.
Assiniboine Park offers curriculum-linked, interdisciplinary programs for students in Pre-K through Grade 12. Our early years programs encourage children to connect with the amazing diversity found in nature and progress into more action-based classes at the middle and senior year’s level. All programs incorporate learning objectives in science with connections to arts, culture, language, social studies and others. Many programs include hands-on activities and different styles of learning are encouraged through story, music, verbal presentations, tours and team work. Our programs can also be tailored for Scouts and Guides at all levels.
Programs are available year-round and run rain, shine, or snow! All programs, regardless of location, include Zoo admission.
Please review the information below for schools and registered daycares, then contact us to book your visit.
Daycares, Day Camps, and Mixed Age Groups
Zoolympics
This 75-minute program is perfect for day care centres and day camps looking for field trips at the Zoo.
There are many incredible creatures with amazing abilities, and it is time to see how we compare. Come join us for a short tour of part of our zoo and then test your group’s skills in a series of relays and athletic events. You will have a fun and fantastic time as you become “faster, higher, stronger.”
Pre-School
The ABC's of Zoos
Nursery / Kindergarten | 60 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Groups will discover the animals of the Assiniboine Park Zoo by working through the alphabet during a fun, interactive classroom session followed by a guided tour for “little feet”.
Learning Outcomes: Kindergarten Science
The ABC's of Trees
Nursery / Kindergarten | 60 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Learn about the seasonal tree cycle while exploring the forest in Assiniboine Park. We’ll investigate what our trees have in common and what makes them unique. Together, we will develop our observation skills, using all of our senses as we search for clues to find out who uses our trees. We will also explore all the wonderful ways trees add value to our everyday lives.
Learning Outcomes: Kindergarten Science
Elementary
Ambassador Animal Programs
Grades 1 to 6 | 60 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Join us for an up close and personal encounter with our Animal Handler/Educator and a selection of three to five of our ambassador animals. Each workshop is broken up into short segments that have participants using all their senses. The theme will be based on grade level as listed below. Mixed classes will be given a choice of themes.
- Animal Essentials (Gr. 1)
- Animal Lifecycles (Gr. 2)
- Homes and Habitats (Gr. 3 & 4)
- Creature Climates (Gr. 5 & 6)
Animal Life Cycles
Grade 2 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn about the life cycles of insects, birds, amphibians, spiders, fish, reptiles and mammals. Students will then tour through the Zoo to look at the animals' daily life. This is eggciting science!
Learning Outcomes: Grade 2 Science
Arctic Ecology
Grades 4 to 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Maximum 30 students
Discover what it means to be an Arctic ecologist. Students will discover the growing field of Arctic ecology through an active exploration of the Journey to Churchill exhibit.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 4 - 6 Science
Awesome Adaptations
Grades 1 to 8 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
How do animals survive the heat and rain of the tropics or the cold winters in the Arctic tundra? Students will learn how animals survive in their habitat and study specific characteristics of animals here at the Zoo through age appropriate activities! Choose from Arctic or Tropical Adaptations.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 - 8 Science
Bats
Grades 2 to 4 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Discover the fascinating and often misunderstood lives of the amazing creatures of the night. We will tour Toucan Ridge to learn about megabats and microbats!
Learning Outcomes: Grades 2 and 4 Science
Creature Classification
Grade 1 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Some animals have limbs and lungs. Others have fins and gills. Discover the differences and similarities among various animal groups by examining a selection of 'biofacts' and touring a section of the Zoo.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 Science
Gakina Ndinawemaaganag : Kakinow Niwahkomakanak (All My Relations)
Grade 4, 5 & 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people of Manitoba have distinct cultures connected by an intimate relationship with animals and the land. In this tour-based program, learn how all nature is inter-connected through Indigenous perspectives and explore how we can all be better stewards of the land.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 4 – 6 Social Studies, Grade 4 – 6 Aboriginal Languages and Culture, Grade 4 and 6 Science
Nature Photography
Grades 3 to 8 | 90 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Photography is a great way to connect with nature and take a closer look at the environment around you. Discover nature through the lens of a camera and learn basic techniques that will help you take great outdoor photographs. Cameras are provided. This program is available March through October.
Maximum 30 students
Learning Outcomes: Grade 3 - 8 Social Studies and Art
North American Animal Stories
Grades 1 to 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Aboriginal people use storytelling as means of entertainment but also as a way of passing important information from one generation to another. Through storytelling, our educators will introduce participants to our indigenous animals and their importance to Aboriginal beliefs, values and stories.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 1, 2, 4 and 6 Language Arts and Social Studies
Polar Bears
Grades 1 to 6 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn the remarkable stories behind the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s polar bears! Tour the Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit and discover how bears have adapted to survive in their habitat. Students will also explore the unique and sometimes challenging relationship between people and bears encounter in the town of Churchill and the western Hudson Bay.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1, 2, 4 & 6 Science, Grade 3 Social Studies
Purrfect Predators: Big Cats
Grades 3 to 7 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn about the distinct characteristics of tigers and leopards and compare their vocalizations to smaller cats such as cougars and lynx. Find out why two-thirds of the world’s cats are endangered and learn what Assiniboine Park Zoo is doing to conserve them.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 4 and 6 Science
Poetry in the Park
Grades 5 and 6 | 90 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Let the gardens and forests of Assiniboine Park inspire you! We will guide students through a creative writing process that ends with a group poetry reading. Program includes an outdoor activity.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 6 Language Arts
Rainforests
Grades 2 to 7 | 90 minutes
Tropical rainforests are considered the lungs of the planet. Through a variety of activities you will discover how rain forests provide valuable resources like medicine, habitat and oxygen. Their location, geography and climate provide an essential support system to an immense variety of animals, plants and people.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 2, 3, 6 and 7 Social Studies, Grade 3 Science
A River Runs Through It
Grades 3 to 5 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park
The riparian forest is very special and important habitat to our local rivers, plants, animals and people. Students will unearth the ecological secrets of the riparian forest through water quality investigations, forest walks, photography, and sensory activities designed to enhance their appreciation and understanding of forests. This program runs April through early November, weather permitting. Sponsored in part by the RBC Water Wise Garden Program.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 3, 4 and 5 Social Studies; Grade 3 Science
The Dirt on Soil
Grade 3 to 4 | 90 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Did you know a single teaspoon of dirt contains more than a billion microorganisms that help sustain plant and animal life? This program delves into the nitty-gritty of dirt, its environmental value, and the conservation of one of the earth’s most precious resources - our soil.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 3 Science; Grade 4 Social Science
Middle & Senior Years
Arctic Field Research: Studying & Managing Populations
Grades 7 to 10 | 120 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Maximum 30 students.
The Zoo's Conservation and Research Department conducts active field work in the Zoo and in the Churchill area. This program highlights how our research is contributing to a better understanding of Arctic species, including possible impacts from a changing climate. Students have the opportunity to engage with actual field data and learn new analysis techniques. Focus areas include: Behavioural Ecology of Seals in Western Hudson Bay and Population Dynamics of Arctic and Sub-Arctic Marine Species.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 7 Science and Social Science, Grade 10 Science
Awesome Adaptations
Grades 1 to 8 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
How do animals survive the heat and rain of the tropics or the cold winters in the Arctic tundra? Students will discover how animals survive in their habitat and study specific characteristics of animals here at the Zoo through age appropriate activities! Choose from Arctic or Tropical Adaptations.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 - 8 Science
Endangered Species & Conservation
Grades 7 to 12 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Did you know that Assiniboine Park Zoo is involved in important conservation and research projects involving muskox, polar bears and even dolphins? Come and learn about what zoos are doing to Save Animals From Extinction (SAFE).
Learning Outcomes: Grades 7, 8, Grade 9 and 10 Social Studies; Grade 7 and 12 Science
Nature Photography
Grades 3 to 8 | 90 minutes | Qualico Family Centre
Photography is a great way to connect with nature and take a closer look at the environment around you. Discover nature through the lens of a camera and learn basic techniques that will help you take great outdoor photographs. Cameras are provided. This program is available March through October.
Maximum 30 students
Learning Outcomes: Grade 3 - 8 Social Studies and Art
Purrfect Predators: Big Cats
Grades 3 to 7 | 90 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
Learn about the distinct characteristics of tigers and leopards and compare their vocalizations to smaller cats such as cougars and lynx. Find out why two-thirds of the world's cats are endangered and learn what the Assiniboine Park Zoo is doing to conserve them.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 4 and 6 Science
The Role of Zoos in a Changing Climate
Grades 10 and 12 | 120 minutes | Assiniboine Park Zoo
How do zoos contribute to climate change solutions? Students will explore the value of interpretation through an interactive activity in Journey to Churchill before examining the impact that zoos currently have on visitors’ sustainability behaviour. Students will then review research conducted at Assiniboine Park Zoo that evaluated the impact of post-visitor action resources and develop a social media strategy to increase the number of visitors taking action on climate change.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 10 Science, Grade 12 Biology
A View to the Arctic - Middle & Senior Years
A View to the Arctic: An Ecological and Environmental Journey
Middle and Senior Years
Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Manitoba Museum are offering a unique way to learn more about Arctic and Sub-Arctic life in Manitoba! With this unique partnership, you’ll learn about polar bears, First Nations and Inuit culture. Explore sustainable resources of the Arctic, and the effects that we as humans have on the environment. Start your morning at Assiniboine Park Zoo, where an outdoor adventure awaits, complete with guided tour and hands-on activities which explore specific adaptations in the Zoo’s premier Arctic exhibition Journey to Churchill. Choose your favourite place for lunch and then make your way to The Manitoba Museum for a fun-filled afternoon exploring Inuit culture, water and ice.
Program Options:
- Arctic Adaptations: Examine the environment surrounding Churchill, Manitoba, and how a changing climate may affect the animals of the north. Explore how the limited resources of skin, snow, stone and bone were integral to the survival of the Inuit.
- Arctic Sea Ice: Discover the connections between tundra and sea ice. Explore the challenges of managing animal species and sustainable resources of water and ice, while exploring the ecosystem in the Arctic and Antarctic regions of the planet.
Minimum: 12 students | Maximum: 12 students
For more detailed information about this exciting joint program, please download the information sheet.
Rates
60 – 90 Minute Education Programs
| Admission | 60 - 90 Minute Program Fee | |
| Student (K - 12) | $8.50 + GST | $1.50 + GST |
| Child Care | $8.50 + GST | $1.50 + GST |
| Extra Chaperone | $12.50 + GST |
- Each participant will be charged admission and a $1.50 program fee plus GST, per program.
- One chaperone per 10 students (1:10) is included free of charge.
- Extra chaperones (above the 1:10 ratio) are $12.50/adult + GST.
Groups not associated with a school or registered daycare may purchase regular admission and add a program for $1.50 + GST per participant.
120 Minute Education Programs
| Admission | 120 Minute Program Fee | |
| Student (K - 12) | $8.50 + GST | $2.00 + GST |
| Child Care | $8.50 + GST | $2.00 + GST |
| Extra Chaperone | $12.50 + GST |
- Each participant will be charged admission and a $2.00 program fee plus GST, per program.
- One chaperone per 10 students (1:10) is included free of charge.
- Extra chaperones (above the 1:10 ratio) are $12.50/adult + GST.
Groups not associated with a school or registered daycare may purchase regular admission and add a program for $2.00 + GST per participant.
Book a Program
Please complete our online form to initiate your booking. This form collects basic information so that we can better respond to your program request. We will review your information and contact you within two business days to discuss your booking.
Having trouble? Call us at 204-927-6070 or send us an email at education@assiniboinepark.ca
Important Information for Schools and Groups
Policies
Please click here to read our school and group policies and more important information prior to your visit.
Please review our COVID-19 response page for the most updated information before your visit. Additional information regarding groups and our COVID-19 response will be provided upon booking.
Food Orders
Boxed lunches for school groups can be ordered in advance through the Tundra Grill. Orders must be received at least 5 business days in advance of your visit. Please download and complete the School Group Food Order Form and return it by fax to 204 927 7205 or by email to tgrill@assiniboinepark.ca.
Group Funding Programs
As part of our mandate to create accessible programming, we have secured funding to assist qualifying Manitoba schools and child care centres with admission and program fees. Some schools and child care centres may also qualify for a subsidy for a portion of their transportation costs to Assiniboine Park and Zoo.
If your class or child care centre is in need of field trip financial assistance and may be considered rural or low socio-economic school/centre, please fill the appropriate application from below:
- Field Trip Funding Program - Application Form - Registered Daycares
- Field Trip Funding Program - Application Form - Schools
- Field Trip Funding Program – Application Form – Community Groups
Alternative Programming
Self Guided Zoo Visit
Reduced rates are available for schools for self-guided Zoo visits.
More information on Self-Guided Zoo Visits
Outreach Programs
Can't come to us, we'll come to you! Our Outreach Programs include workshops for children of all ages, adults and seniors.
More information on Outreach Programs
Guided Tours
Guided walking tours are available for groups year-round at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Tours are 45 to 90 minutes in length and require a minimum of 12 people.
More information on Guided Tours