Programs at Assiniboine Park & Zoo

Zoo Programs start at the main Zoo entrance at 2595 Roblin Boulevard unless otherwise stated in your confirmation email. A program instructor will meet you and guide you to your program.

Colours of the Zoo 

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 (K-2-01, K-2-02, K-2-07, K-0-5a)  
 

Creature Characteristics

Grade 1 | 90 min

In this engaging program students will learn why some animals are furred and feathered, and others have fins, gills, scutes, or scales.  Program includes hands-on activities and a zoo tour. 

Learning Outcomes: Grade 1 Science 
 

Animal Life Cycles 

Grade 2 | 90 minutes 

Adventure through the Assiniboine Park Zoo while exploring the diverse life cycles of reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, and insects. Students will observe a wide range of animals from tiny to gigantic, while learning about their unique physical differences and life cycle processes.  

Leaning Outcomes: Grade 2 Science
 

Polar Bears  

Grades 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.   
 

Gakina Ndinawemaaganag: Kakinow Niwahkomakanak (All My Relations)

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 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
 

Arctic Adaptations  

Grades 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 (all units) and Social Studies (most units); Grade 5 Science, Weather Unit; Grade 6 Science, Diversity Unit
 

Purrfect Predators: Big Cats 

Grades 4-6 | 90 minutes 

Learn about the distinct characteristics of our feline predators and compare how these similar animals are different due to their habitats. 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 
 

Endangered Species & Conservation 

Grades 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 

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)

Please note tours do not include a classroom component.
 

General Guided Tour

Grades 1 - 12 | 90 or 120 minutes

Tour The Zoo with a program instructor and learn fun facts and hear great stories about the animals that call Assiniboine Park home.
 

Journey to Churchill

Grades 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.

Nature Photography 

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  

Choose from three locations:

• The Zoo - $12.50 + GST/child – available Sept - Oct & April - June
   
• The Park - $7.00 + GST/child – available Sept - Oct & April - June (does not include admission to the Zoo or Leaf)
   
• The Leaf - $10.50 + GST/child – available Sept - June

• 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 grade Pre-K -12 are included free of charge.

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 upon your booking being processed. The remaining amount can be paid upon arrival for your program with cash, debit, MasterCard, Visa, or business cheque to “Assiniboine Park Conservancy."
• 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.

Good Behaviour Policy

• Groups visiting the Zoo must respect and follow the Zoo rules.
• Please be kind to the Park and Zoo. Do not litter. Use the available garbage and recycling cans.
• Class and group behaviour is the responsibility of chaperones NOT Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s Program Instructors.
• We reserve the right to ask a group that is disruptive, or presents a danger to themselves or others, to leave the Zoo without compensation.

Field Trip Tips

If a student is lost or injured, please notify any staff member or volunteer. They will immediately alert security.

• ALL ZOO/PARK VISITORS are to arrive at the location listed on your confirmation letter which you will receive after we have processed your deposit payment. Buses are to park at the Zoo overflow parking lot located inside the Park on the East side of the Zoo (view maps). Your group can exit through the former East Gate entrance however re-entry is not allowed at this location. For re-entry to the Zoo you must enter at the Zoo entrance (2595 Roblin Blvd).
• For Guided Programs led by our Education Coordinators, please bring the confirmation sheet that has been emailed to you in advance of your visit.
• We strongly encourage all visitors to bring filled water bottles.
• Please dress appropriately for your visit. We recommend visitors wear weather-appropriate clothing and protection from the elements.
• We do not offer lockers or storage and are not responsible for visitors’ personal belongings.
• 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 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.

Payment

For guided programs (booked in advance and led by our education staff):

• An invoice will be emailed to you after your booking is processed (based on numbers on your booking form).
• Numbers can be changed up to 7 days prior to your visit.
• 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.

Payment is due upon arrival. POs are not an accepted form of payment. Accepted forms of payment include cash, debit, Mastercard, Visa, and business cheque.

Program Locations

Qualico Family Centre | 330 Assiniboine Park Drive
Please meet your instructor in the lobby of the Qualico Family Centre located next to the Riley Family Duck Pond.

Assiniboine Park Zoo | 2595 Roblin Boulevard
Please meet your instructor at the Zoo Entrance at 2595 Roblin Boulevard. A Program Instructor will meet you and guide you to your program.

Special Events Entrance | 54 Zoo Drive
Please meet your instructor at the Special Events Entrance at 54 Zoo Drive. A program instructor will meet you and guide you to your program location.

*Please note: your program location will be indicated on your confirmation.

1. A confirmation and invoice will be sent to the booking teacher, based on the numbers you have provided.
    
2. We understand that numbers can change. If you need to make adjustments, you can do so up to 5 business days prior to your visit.
    
3. 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.