Programs at Assiniboine Park & Zoo
Assiniboine Park Conservancy education programs connect people with nature and inspire them to be environmental stewards.
The mandate of a modern zoo is conservation and education; learn about the wonders of the wild world and what action you and your students can take to protect them at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
Our programs are carefully designed to captivate young minds and provide immersive, curriculum-based learning experiences for students from Pre-K to Grade 12.
We firmly believe that learning should be a multisensory adventure and that science, culture, language, and action blend for the best learning experiences. We encourage various styles of learning, incorporating hands-on activities, storytelling, presentations, tours, and teamwork.
The best part – our programs are available year-round, regardless of the weather! Whether it's raining, shining, or snowing, we're ready to provide an unforgettable experience. Join us at Assiniboine Park and Zoo, where learning comes to life in the most exciting and enriching ways!
Program Fees
60 - 90 Minute Program Fee: Student (K - 12) and Registered Childcare: $12.55 + GST/child
120 Minute Program Fee: Student (K - 12) and Registered Childcare: $13.55 + 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, 2024. Bookings for the 2024/2025 school year will start September 3, 2024. To speed up processing times, requests for visits after January 1, 2025, will be processed starting October 21.
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.
Fees and Payment Policies
To ensure a smooth experience, all program fees must be settled either before the scheduled field trip date or on the day of the visit. Failure to comply with this policy may lead to the cancellation of your program.
Accepted forms of payments include:
- Electric Funds Transfer: EFT’s must be sent at least 2 business days prior to your visit. Please include the following details:
- Booking Number
- School Name
- Date of Program
- Cheque: present cheque at visitor services upon arrival for your program.
Please note Assiniboine Park Conservancy is no longer able to issue refund cheques for changes in numbers less than two business days ahead of your visit.
- Visa or Mastercard: please email education@assiniboinepark.ca to schedule a time for us to process your payment over the phone prior to your arrival. We no longer accept debit or cash for programmed visits. POs are not accepted.
Zoo Programs
Colours of the Zoo | Nursery/Kindergarten
Nursery/Kindergarten | 60 minutes
Discover the animals of Assiniboine Park Zoo, exploring the fabulous and fanciful colours on display. Join us for a rainbow of fun on an interactive guided tour especially for little feet, as we learn why animals look the way they do.
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.
NEW! 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 20, 2025 – March 14, 2025
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
Arctic Adaptations | Grade 4 - 6
Grade 4 - 6 | 90 minutes
How do animals and people survive the cold winters of the Arctic tundra? In this program, students will learn how people and animals have adapted to survive in their habitat alongside each other and throughout the seasons. They will learn about specific characteristics of animals here at the zoo and learn about the relationships that people have with the animals they live with.
Learning outcomes: Grade 4 Science and Social Studies; Grade 5 Science; Grade 6 Science
NEW! Worldwide Webs: Predator & Prey Relationships | Grade 4 - 7
Grade 4-7 | 120 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 30 per program.
- Programs are 15 minutes in length.
- Availability is subject to animal care schedules.
- This experience cannot be booked on its own.
Price: $50 + GST per group (max 25 students 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 16, 2025 – March 14, 2025
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
- Chaperones must be responsible adults (i.e. teacher, volunteer, or parent).
- Chaperones provide safety and help guide your students’ educational experience at Assiniboine Park and Zoo and should take an active role in supervision.
- Class and group behaviour is the responsibility of chaperones, NOT Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s Program Instructors.
- Chaperones who fall within the ratio of 1 adult per 10 students in grade Pre-K -12 are included free of charge.
- Extra chaperones will be charged $21.75 + GST each.
Policies for Schools and Groups
Booking Policies
- 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 MasterCard, Visa, or business cheque.
- All prices are subject to change.
Cancellation and Weather 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.
- If you need to cancel your program, please do so as soon as possible.
- 15+ days in advance = full refund
- All groups failing to show or cancelling within 14 days will be charged 50% of the total fee
- We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any program. A full refund will be issued if the Education Department cancels your tour or program.
- All programs run rain, snow, or shine, with the exception of severe weather conditions (thunderstorms, high wind chills, unsafe travel conditions, school closures). Depending on the severe weather situation, attempts may be made to reschedule your program.
Field Trip Tips
If a student is lost or injured, please notify any staff member or volunteer. They will immediately alert security.
- For guided programs led by our Education staff, please bring the confirmation sheet that has been emailed to you in advance of your visit.
- We do not offer lockers or storage and are not responsible for visitors’ personal belongings.
Lunches
- Lunches are eaten outdoors in the Park and Zoo. During the winter months (November – April) accommodations may be made by advance request ONLY and are subject to availability.
- Outside food is not allowed in Tundra Grill. Food can be purchased in the restaurant and at various concessions located within the Zoo.
- Picnic tables can be found throughout the Park and Zoo. There are covered eating spaces available in the Zoo, Nature Playground, and Duck Pond.
- It is recommended that groups bring a wagon for lunches as there is nowhere to refrigerate or store them during your visit.
After Your Program Has Been Booked
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A confirmation of the date and time will be given to the booking teacher within five business days.
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An invoice will be sent to the booking teacher, based on the numbers you have provided closer to your visit date.
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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.
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To adjust your numbers please contact us by email with your updated numbers along with your invoice number. Otherwise, you will be charged for the numbers on your original booking form.
Please note that any 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 here. 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
