Homeschool Programs
Homeschool programs are a great way to enrich your homeschooling education while learning about animals, nature, conservation and more. For homeschool families, these programs are great alternatives to our School & Group Programs, which are designed for larger groups and subject to a minimum program fee. Join other homeschooled students online or at the Zoo!
Homeschool programs are offered online or at the Zoo. Read below for detailed information regarding both options.
Contact Us: phone 204-927-6070 or email at education@assiniboinepark.ca
Homeschool Days at the Zoo
Program Details
Exclusive to homeschool families — bringing you closer to zoo animals!
- Programs are offered on the last Thursday on the month, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am.
- Programs include a 90 minute guided educational tour and discounted Zoo admission.
- Students must be at least five years of age.
- Students are divided into two age groups. Program content is tailored accordingly.
- Adult/parent chaperones are not required.
- Adults/parents who wish to accompany students must register and pay the program fee.
- Program fee of $15.00 + GST applies to all participants, regardless of age.
- Zoo member discount does not apply.
Capacity is limited. Book your spots early!
Upcoming Days at the Zoo Programs
Date |
Grades 1 - 3 |
Grades 4+ |
| April 29 | Gakina Ndinawemaaganag : Kakinow Niwahkomakanak (All My Relations) | |
| May 27 | Zoo Photography | Gakina Ndinawemaaganag : Kakinow Niwahkomakanak (All My Relations) |
| June 24 | Animal Life Cycles | Zoo Photography |
Days at the Zoo Program Descriptions
Animal Life Cycles | Grades 1 – 3
Learn about the life cycles of insects, birds, amphibians, spiders, fish, reptiles and mammals. Students will then tour through the Zoo to look at the animals' daily life. This is eggciting science!
Arctic Ecology | Grades 4+
Discover what it means to be an Arctic ecologist. Students will discover the growing field of Arctic ecology through an active exploration of the Journey to Churchill exhibit.
Creature Classification | Grades 1 – 3
Some animals have limbs and lungs. Others have fins and gills. Discover the differences and similarities among various animal groups by examining a selection of 'biofacts' and touring a section of the Zoo.
Endangered Species & Conservation | Grades 4+
Did you know that Assiniboine Park Zoo is involved in important conservation and research projects involving polar bears, butterflies, and birds? Come and learn about what zoos are doing to Save Animals From Extinction (SAFE).
Gakina Ndinawemaaganag : Kakinow Niwahkomakanak : All My Relations | All Grades
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.
Polar Bears | Grades 1 – 3
Learn the remarkable stories behind the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s polar bears! Tour the Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit and discover how bears have adapted to survive in their habitat.
Prefect Predators | All Grades
Learn about the distinct characteristics of tigers and leopards and compare their vocalizations to smaller cats such as cougars and lynx. Find out why two-thirds of the world’s cats are endangered and learn what Assiniboine Park Zoo is doing to conserve them.
Zoo Careers | Grades 4+
Whether you like animals, food or people, there’s a job for every kind of person here at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Get a look at the people that work behind the scenes to keep the animals, plants, and zoo visitors happy.
Zoo Photography | All Grades
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. Disinfected cameras are provided.
Days at the Zoo Policies
- Weather – Programs run rain, snow or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Programs will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather conditions that require the closure of the Zoo.
- Refunds – Refunds will only be offered in the event of a Zoo closure or other circumstances that require a program to be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Public Health – On-site programs are offered in compliance with public health orders, which are subject to change. Physical distancing is mandatory at all times. Masks must be worn indoors and are encouraged outdoors when physical distancing is challenging or unpredictable.
Homeschool Online Programs
Program Details
- Programs are offered on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. See dates below.
- Programs include a 40 minute facilitated program. Content includes pre-recorded behind the scenes interviews with animal care professionals plus a live Q&A session with one of our Education Coordinators (up to 20 minutes).
- Students must be at least five years of age.
- Program fee of $7.00 + GST per participant.
- Zoo member discount does not apply.
- Our virtual programming is offered through the Zoom platform. Please ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements.
Refund Policy: Refunds will only be offered in the event that a program is required to be cancelled or rescheduled.
Capacity is limited. Book your spots early!
Upcoming Online Programs
Date |
Program |
| April 6, 2021 | Zoo Careers: The Role in Making a Difference | Career Development Curricular Links: Grade 9 – Work Exploration |
| April 20, 2021 | The Needs of Living Things: How Zoos Care | Science Curricular Links: Grade 1 – Characteristics of Living Things |
| May 4, 2021 | Life on the Ice: Learning About Polar Bears and Seals | Science Curricular Links: Grade 4 – Habitats and Communities |
Online Program Descriptions
The Needs of Living Things: How Zoos Care
All animals have the same basic needs, but animals in the zoo meet some of those needs differently. Discover the passionate people who work at Assiniboine Park Zoo to learn how they ensure all of our animals’ needs are met.
Science Curricular Links: Grade 1 – Characteristics of Living Things.
Recognize that plants, animals, and humans, as living things, have particular needs.
Life at the Zoo: Understanding Lifecycles at the Zoo
Whether they are born here, come here, or leave here – every zoo animal experiences part or all of their lifecycle at the zoo. Learn how our zoo supports animals throughout their lifecycle, and helps animal lifecycles in the wild!
Science Curricular Links: Grade 2 – Growth and Change in Animals
Identify and describe ways in which humans help other animals
Roles of the Rainforests and Tropical Adaptations
Rainforests can be tough places for plants and animals to live, but we all depend on rainforests to help our planet. This program explores the awesome adaptations of rainforest plants and animals. It will also explore the symbiotic relationships between rainforest plants and animals.
Science Curricular Links: Grade 3 – Growth and Changes in Plants
Explain how different adaptations of plants help them survive in particular environments
Life on the Ice: Learning About Polar Bears and Seals
What brings Polar Bears and Seals together? Sea Ice! Learn how these two marine mammals are adapted to sea ice and bonded to their habitat. Unfortunately, this connection is in jeopardy and we can also discover what we do to help it.
Science Curricular Links: Grade 4 – Habitats and Communities
Identify physical and behavioural adaptations of animals and plants, and infer how these adaptations help them to survive in a specific habitat.
Comparing Cats: The PURRfect Predators
Cats are excellent hunters that can be found all over the world in a range of different habitats. This program will introduce you to some of the felines at the zoo, including the adaptations they all share and the unique adaptations specific to their habitat. It will also explore how the zoo supports a predator when it can’t predate.
Science Curricular Links: Grade 6 – Diversity of Living Things
Compare and contrast the adaptations of closely related vertebrates living in different habitats, and suggest reasons that explain these adaptations.
Zoo Careers: The Role in Making a Difference
Discover the functions that a modern zoo plays in today’s society, and the people involved at Assiniboine Park Zoo who support those roles. This program explores the development of the modern zoo and the variety of professions available at the Park. It will also highlight how individuals and careers can make a difference for the animals and the planet.
Career Development Curricular Links: Grade 9 – Work Exploration
Expose to meaningful community and career experiences.
