Virtual Classes and Tours
Can’t make it to the Zoo? Whether you are learning from home or in a classroom, connect to the zoo and learn about wildlife through these interactive and engaging virtual classes and tours. These programs align with state science standards and explore topics such as tropical rainforests, Minnesota animals, enrichment, adaptations, and ocean conservation.
All virtual tours and programs take place on the Zoom platform. Each program is approximately 30-45 minutes long and can accommodate up to 25 people.
Fees: $125/tour or class.
Virtual Classes and Virtual Tours are offered during the school-year September 30, 2025 through May 8, 2026 at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am Monday through Friday.
To register, fill out the request form below. Custom programs are available for an additional fee. If you have any further questions, please email [email protected].
Virtual Tours
All ages
Offered year-round
30 minutes in duration
Choose from the following themes:
Ocean Tour featuring Discovery Bay
Coral reefs harbor the greatest diversity of life in the ocean. In this program, we’ll navigate these underwater “cities” and explore the variety of life under the sea in Discovery Bay. View our shark reef, tidal pools, sea horses, and more! This tour is designed to highlight the importance of marine ecosystems and what we can all do to protect them.
Tropics Tour featuring the Tropics Trail
From the forest floor to the canopy and beyond, many unique and interesting plants can be found here and nowhere else. Although usually well-camouflaged, we’ll also uncover some of the amazing animals that call these plants home. Come with us on a tour of a section of our Tropics trail and meet some of its amazing inhabitants!
Penguin Tour featuring the 3M Penguins of the African Coast - offered June-August only
It is time to meet the penguins—virtually! During this 30-minute experience, you will visit our South African penguin exhibit and see what makes these birds so amazing. Learn more about how penguins are able to "fly" underwater, stay warm in cooler waters, and much more!
Virtual Classes
Offered September 30, 2025 to May 8, 2026
30-45 minutes in duration
Choose from the following themes:
Penguin Palooza (grades K-2)
What makes a penguin so amazing? Learn more about how penguins survive in the wild using their unique adaptations and find out how we care for our penguins at the Zoo. This virtual program takes place on a Zoo trail.
Animal Enrichment (grades 3-5)
Join us to learn how animal observation data is collected and used to plan and assess successful enrichment that encourages animals’ natural behaviors. This virtual program takes place in a classroom. During your virtual class, here is an activity page for your students to complete.
Advanced Animal Enrichment (grades 6-12)
Go deeper into exploring the science behind helping wildlife thrive in human care. Discover how observation helps us collect valuable data used to design and evaluate enrichment that supports species-specific behavior and enhances animal well-being. This virtual program takes place in a classroom. During your virtual class, here is an activity page for your students to complete.
Creature Feature (All ages) - NEW!
It’s all about the animal in this up-close and personal encounter. You’ll meet two ambassador animals, learn about their special adaptations and personal stories, and have time to ask our educator questions. You never know who you might meet during this unique and surprising program!
Ask a Naturalist: Wetlands (grades K-5)
Guided by a Zoo naturalist, participants will learn about wetlands of Minnesota and the unique wildlife found in and around them. Students will meet and observe two wetland animals and discuss their adaptations for survival with a Naturalist. There is lots of time for Q&A! This program is designed to support Wetland Workshop teachers and their students, but is open to anyone interested in learning more about wetlands.
Registration
To register, fill out the request form below. If you have any further questions, please email [email protected].
Virtual tours/classes must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance. Please note, as part of our new ticketing procedures, we are now asking for payment to be made by credit card or single check in advance of your virtual class or tour.
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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