Guided Programs at the Park & Zoo
Embark on a wild learning adventure at Assiniboine Park Zoo! Year-round, curriculum-connected journeys for Pre-K to Grade 12 bring science, culture, and conservation to life, igniting curiosity and empowering students to protect our planet.
Explore Assiniboine Park and discover the wonders of nature with one of our educator-guides; whether you are a regular or first time visitor, new adventures wait around every turn in the trail.
Program Fees
60 - 90 Minute Program Fee: Student (K - 12) and Registered Childcare: $12.75 + GST/child
120 Minute Program Fee: Student (K - 12) and Registered Childcare: $13.75 + GST/child
Minimum program fee: $150 + GST
This fee includes admission into the zoo for the entire day.
Please note: member admission and discounts do not apply to School & Group Programs.
Fees are subject to change. Programs are subject to a minimum program fee of $150.00 +GST. Prices and programs listed are valid until August 31, 2026. Bookings for the 2025/2026 school year will start September 2, 2025. To speed up processing times, requests for visits after January 1, 2025 will be processed starting October 20.
Groups not associated with a school or registered childcare may purchase regular admission and add a program for $2.75 +GST/participant in a 60 – 90 minute program or $3.75 +GST/participant in a 120 minute program.
Zoo Programs
Wonders of the Zoo | Pre-K/Kindergarten
Pre-K/Kindergarten | 60 minutes
Discover the animals of Assiniboine Park Zoo on a sensory adventure! Join us on an interactive guided tour especially for little feet, as we explore the many ways animals are unique. Use your eyes, ears, nose, and fingertips and prepare to be fascinated by the wild world!
Learning Outcomes: Kindergarten Science
Creature Characteristics | Grade 1 - 2
Grade 1 - 2 | 90 minutes
Earth is home to amazing animal diversity: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and more! Each type follows a defined life cycle — a series of changes from birth to adulthood.
Grade 1 students will identify, describe, and compare animal groups. Grade 2 students will deepen their understanding by comparing the life cycles of these groups.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 1 and 2 Science
Polar Bears | Grade 1 - 3
Grade 1 - 3 | 90 minutes
Learn about the remarkable features that make polar bears so well suited to Arctic living. Tour Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit and discover how polar bears have adapted to survive in their habitat. Students will also explore the unique and sometimes challenging relationship between people and bears in the town of Churchill and the western Hudson Bay.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 & 2 Science.
Please note: this program may not include a classroom component during May & June.
S’no Problem – The Zoo Winter Adaptations | Grade 3 – 5
Grade 3 – 5 | 120 minutes
Winter is s’no problem for a lot of cold-adapted animals!
This outdoor Zoo experience focuses on the animals that love cold weather, and how they are adapted to thrive. Students will learn about animals from winter regions around the globe, and engage with local wildlife as we snowshoe through forested areas in the Zoo. Just like ducks or geese, we migrate “south” indoors to Toucan Ridge to warm up and visit some animals that head to the tropics and wait out winter, too.
This program is perfect for putting lessons about adaptations, ecological roles, and changing seasons into action this winter.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 3 – 5 Science and Physical Education
Maximum students: 40
Available January 14, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Gakina Ndinawemaaganag: Kakinow Niwahkomakanak (All My Relations) | Grade 4 - 6
Grade 4, 5 & 6 | 90 minutes
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 interconnected 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
Amazing Adaptations | Grade 4 - 6
Grade 4 - 6 | 90 minutes
How do animals survive and thrive in the wild? How are they built for success, and what do they do to meet their needs? Students will learn how animals are adapted to survive in their habitat alongside each other and throughout the seasons. Learn about specific characteristics of animals in the Zoo, and how these adaptations inspire people who live alongside them.
Learning outcomes: Grade 4 Science and Social Studies; Grade 5 Science; Grade 6 Science
Worldwide Webs: Predator & Prey Relationships | Grade 4 - 7
Grade 4 - 7 | 90 minutes
Food webs around the world are made up of dynamic predator and prey relationships. Students will learn about the distinct adaptations of prey and predators, explore different animal classes, and understand the importance of every animal to the balance of our global ecosystem.
Learning Outcomes: Grade 4 - 7 Science
Endangered Species & Conservation | Grade 7 – 12
Grade 7 – 12 | 90 minutes
Did you know that Assiniboine Park Zoo is involved in the conservation of both North American and international species at risk, such as grassland butterflies, polar bears, and even snow leopards? Learn about what zoos are doing to Save Animals From Extinction (SAFE) through breeding programs, population reintroduction efforts and other research projects.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 7–10 Social Studies, Grade 7 and 12 Science
Ambassador Animal Program Add-Ons
Grade 1 - 12
Join us in the Zoo’s Education Centre for an up-close encounter with an animal ambassador, and a presentation from one of our animal care professionals or educators.
- This experience includes hands-on animal contact.
- Maximum number of participants is 25 per program.
- Availability is subject to animal care schedules.
- This experience cannot be booked on its own.
Price: $50 + GST per group (max 25 participants per group)
Guided Tours at The Zoo
Please note tours do not include a classroom component.
General Guided Tour
Grade 1 - 12 | 90 or 120 minutes
Tour the Zoo with a program instructor, learn fun facts and hear great stories about the animals that call Assiniboine Park home.
Journey to Churchill
Grade 1 – 12 | 90 minutes
Discover the animals of Canada’s north as we tour the award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit. Learn about the Zoo’s role in conservation while observing these amazing animals.
Park Programs
Nature Photography | Grade 3 – 7
Grade 3 – 7 | 90 minutes
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.
Learning Outcomes: Grades 3–7 Social Studies and Visual Art
Maximum Students: 30
Price: $8.00 + GST/child – available September - October & April - June (does not include admission to the Zoo or Leaf)
S’no Problem – The Park Landscape at Rest | Grade K – 2
Grade K – 2 | 90 minutes
Winter is s’no problem for resting plants and animals, or the creatures that stay active all winter long!
This outdoor experience, based at the Qualico Family Centre in the heart of Assiniboine Park, encourages imagination as students come to know snow as a blanket keeping the landscape warm during the winter. Seasonal changes come to life, and observation skills grow as we spot active animals, and signs of those resting with the land during the dark, long winter. We get active alongside squirrels, deer, and birds as we snowshoe peaceful winter trails.
This program is perfect for putting lessons about the seasons, winter weather, and how different animals embrace (or hide from) winter in action!
Learning Outcomes: Grade K – 2 Science and Physical Education
Maximum students: 40
Available January 14, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Book Your Program
When submitting a request for a program, please provide a minimum of three dates that work for you and your school schedule. Our Education & Programs team will reach out to confirm your program.
Supervising Adults
- Supervising adults must be responsible teachers, volunteers, or parents. Group control is NOT the responsibility of Assiniboine Park Conservancy staff or volunteers.
- Supervising adults within the ratio of 1 adult per 10 students (rounded to the nearest 10) in grades Pre-K through 12 are included free of charge.
- Additional supervising/accompanying adults will be charged $22.00 + GST each. All chaperones must be paid with the school. (NOTE: Membership discounts do not apply to guided school programming at Assiniboine Park, The Leaf, or Assiniboine Park Zoo)
- We recommend no more than one supervising adult to five students. This keeps group sizes manageable and allows all participants to fully engage in our programming.
Policies for Schools and Groups
Booking Policies
- Space is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure availability, please contact us at least 3 - 4 weeks in advance for non-peak months and 3-4 months in advance for the peak months of April, May, and June.
- All programs are subject to a minimum charge of $150 + GST, regardless of the number of participants.
- An invoice for the balance owing will be emailed before your visit date. The total amount is due upon arrival and can be paid by business cheque only. If paying by EFT, Visa, or Mastercard, it must be paid at least 2 business days prior to your arrival.
- All prices are subject to change.
Cancellation and Weather Policies
- Programs cancelled 15+ days in advance of the program date will be 100% refunded. A 50% refund will be issued for programs cancelled within 14 days of the program date. This includes programs for which the group fails to arrive.
- All programs will run in all weather, with exceptions for dangerous weather conditions. Programs will be modified to provide a safe, more enjoyable experience.
- We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any program. A full refund will be issued if the Education Department cancels your program.
CLICK TO SEE full WEATHER POLICy
Field Trip Tips
- For guided programs led by our Education staff, please bring the confirmation e-mail that you received in advance of your visit.
- We strongly encourage all visitors to bring filled water bottles.
- We do not offer lockers or storage and are not responsible for visitors’ personal belongings.
Lunches
- Lunches are eaten outdoors at The Leaf, Park, and Zoo. During the winter months (November – April) indoor lunch spots may be available by prior request ONLY, subject to availabilty.
- Outside food is not allowed in any restaurants. Food can be purchased in the restaurant and at various concessions located within the Park.
- Picnic tables can be found throughout the Park, and Gardens at the Leaf. There is a covered eating space available at Nature Playground.
After Your Program Has Been Booked
- A confirmation of the date and time will be sent to the booking teacher within five to ten business days of submitting the booking request.
- An invoice will be sent to the booking teacher, based on the numbers you have provided closer to your visit date.
- We understand that numbers can change. If you need to make adjustments, you can do so up to two business days prior to your visit.
- To adjust your numbers, please contact us by email and include your invoice number. Otherwise, you will be charged for the numbers on your original booking form.
Please note: additional students and chaperones beyond your confirmed amount will incur extra charges. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee accommodation for extra participants in the guided program.
Assiniboine Park is a gathering place for all in our community and we want to ensure we are providing spaces and experiences that make everyone feel welcome, safe, and respected. To that end, please see our Safe Spaces for All statement. This statement shares our values and the expectation that the creation of safe spaces in the Park is a responsibility shared by all Park users. The statement also outlines a behavioural code of conduct and some limitations on activities in the Park.
For more information please contact:
Phone: 204-927-6070
Email: education@assiniboinepark.ca
