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.





School/Organization Name*
Grades/Ages*
Number of students/children*
Number of adults*
Number of adult devices logging in to the Zoom*
Number of student/children devices logging in to the Zoom*
Your First Name*
Your Last Name*
Email*
Phone Number*
School/Organization Street Address, City, State, Zip*
County*
School District Number (n/a if not applicable)*
Select three dates/times you would like to do your virtual tour/class, with your preferred date/time as number one.

Date and Time 1*
Date and Time 2*
Date and Time 3
How will you be paying?
Payment is due two weeks in advance of virtual tour/class. We strongly encourage paying by credit card, but can also accept a single check if that is the only method that your school/organization is able to provide.
Credit CardCheck

Which virtual tour/class are you registering for?
Virtual Tours/Classes are $125 for up to 25 people. If you have more than 25 people we would schedule a 2nd tour/class for you at a different time.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about your group? What goals do you have with this virtual program? Are there any specific accommodations or support you need (examples: Closed Captioning or an ASL interpreter can be provided upon request)?
Any Questions?

You will receive an email within 10 days confirming your reservation. Note, your date has not been confirmed until you receive a confirmation. If you requested a program the scheduler will contact you to arrange program times. If you have questions email [email protected].

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