Have a homeschooler and need a little time outside, away from all the books and computers?
Pick a day and participate in one of the educational programs at the Greenville Zoo. They have lots of special events to help your family learn and enjoy the zoo like story time or with the zoo keepers for questions. They even offer special classes just for homeschoolers. KAG Contributor and local mom Maria Bassett is sharing some of the educational opportunities you’ll find at the Greenville Zoo.
Quick Facts: Greenville Zoo Homeschool & Education Programs 2026
- Location: Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601
- Phone: 864-467-4300 (Education Department: 864-467-4850)
- Zoo hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily March 7 to November 2; 10 am to 5 pm daily November 3 to March 6. Last admission is at 4 pm.
- Admission: Adults $15; kids 3 to 12 $12; kids 2 and under free; seniors 65+ $12
- Season: Tell Me About It Tuesdays, Zoo Tots, and Conservation Club run September through May
- Ages: Programs for toddlers (Zoo Tots, 2 to 4) through high schoolers (Career Programs)
| Program | Ages | Price | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeschool Days | Homeschool families | $10 admission; $2 per person each for the program and the zoo tour | Select dates; next is Wednesday, December 9, 2026 |
| Tell Me About It Tuesdays | All ages | Free with admission | Tuesdays, September to May, 10:30 am & 12:30 pm |
| Zoo Tots | 2 to 4 (with a parent) | $15 members / $20 non-members | Select dates, September to May |
| Conservation Club | 5 to 11 (drop-off) | $25 members / $30 non-members | Select Wednesdays, September to May |
| Career Programs | Middle & high school | $75 per participant | Select dates, 10 am to 3 pm |
| Conservation Lectures | Older kids & adults | See zoo website | Evenings, as scheduled |
Sure a trip to the zoo is fun any day, and it can be an educational adventure. Sometimes, though, my kids run from exhibit to exhibit and we never really take the time to read the signs, observe and learn. That’s frustrating, and doesn’t feel very educational. Sometimes we bring along some animal classification work (if you’d like some freebie worksheets checkout this homeschool giveaways site for some options.)
But sometimes, it’s really just more fun to listen to the great folks at the zoo, than it is to listen to mom! That’s why I am so thankful for the many educational gems that the Greenville Zoo offers. They have so many educational programs, and many of them are completely free with admission.
Homeschool programs at the Greenville Zoo
Homeschool Days
On select days throughout the year, the zoo hosts Homeschool Days, with discounted admission all day plus guided zoo tours and family-friendly educational programs that include an animal encounter. My two oldest boys love these classes! They get some hands-on time with various animals and critters. (After the class that featured a number of invertebrates, I heard a lot about how they got to touch the hissing cockroach. Yuck!)
And they really learn lots of neat facts. On Homeschool Days, general admission is $10 for homeschoolers and their families (no registration needed for admission), and registration for the educational program and the guided zoo tour is $2 per person each. Registration for each Homeschool Day opens 3-4 weeks before the event. The next Homeschool Day is Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Find details on the Greenville Zoo’s website.
Tell Me About it Tuesdays
Free! (with admission) At 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesdays, September through May, you will find knowledgeable volunteer docents at select exhibits talking about and answering your questions about the animals they highlight. Tell Me About it Tuesdays is a great opportunity for homeschool students to get answers straight from the source.
Zoo Tots
Need something for your toddler or preschooler? Zoo Tots is designed specifically for kids ages 2-4 years old. These programs are 45 minutes long and give children a chance to explore and engage with crafts, sensory bins, and educational stations.
There’s also a structured circle time and animal encounter. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Zoo Tots is designed for one parent and one toddler; there is a $5 fee for each extra adult (up to 2 more guests per child). See Greenville Zoo’s website for dates and times.
Conservation Club
Want to see some zoo creatures up close? The zoo’s Conservation Club invites kids ages 5-11 to become young conservationists through interactive lessons, themed activities, crafts, guided zoo tours, and special animal encounters. Each class has its own theme, and kids learn how their actions can make a difference for wildlife.
Classes are drop-off only and meet on select Wednesdays, with a morning session from 10:00-11:30 am or an afternoon session from 3:15-4:45 pm. Each class is 1.5 hours. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. See the Greenville Zoo’s website for upcoming dates and themes.
Note: Tell Me About It Tuesdays, Zoo Tots, and Conservation Club are offered September through May each year.
Career Programs
If you have a middle or high schooler who shows interest in becoming a zookeeper, then definitely check out the Greenville Zoo’s Career Education Programs! Students meet the people behind the scenes, tour behind-the-scenes areas of the zoo, and even try out some of the staff’s daily tasks. These pre-registered programs are limited to 12 students per class, run from 10 am to 3 pm, and cost $75 per participant. Upcoming dates are Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (middle school) and Monday, November 2 and Sunday, December 6, 2026 (high school). The zoo also hosts an all-ages Career Day Open House that’s included with admission (next date to be announced). Check the Greenville Zoo’s website for details, or call the Education Department at 864-467-4850.
Conservation Lectures
Families with older children might enjoy the zoo’s conservation lecture series, where conservation professionals share their work protecting specific animals. Lectures are scheduled in the evening; the most recent one listed (Wednesday, April 29) was held online via Zoom. Check the zoo’s website for the next lecture, and browse the lecture archives for past topics.
Plan your own trip to the Greenville Zoo
150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville
864.467.4300
Greenville Zoo Website
Ticket prices: Adults $15; kids 3-12 $12; kids 2 and under are free; seniors (65+) $12. Members: free. See the zoo’s tickets page for military, group, and SC EBT discounts.
Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily March 7-November 2; 10 am-5 pm daily November 3-March 6. Last admission is at 4 pm. See zoo hours for holiday closures.
Greenville Zoo Homeschool Programs FAQ
Does the Greenville Zoo offer homeschool programs?
Yes. The zoo hosts Homeschool Days on select dates with $10 admission for homeschoolers and their families, plus $2-per-person programs and guided zoo tours. Its other education programs, including Zoo Tots, Conservation Club, and Tell Me About It Tuesdays, also work well for homeschoolers.
When is the next Homeschool Day at the Greenville Zoo?
The next Homeschool Day is Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Registration opens 3-4 weeks ahead on the zoo’s Homeschool Days page.
Are any Greenville Zoo education programs free?
Tell Me About It Tuesdays is free with zoo admission. Volunteer docents are at select exhibits at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesdays, September through May.
How much is admission to the Greenville Zoo?
Adults are $15, kids 3 to 12 are $12, seniors 65+ are $12, and kids 2 and under are free./p>
What is your favorite program for your homeschooler? Tell us in the comments!
Be sure to check out our Homeschool Guide for tons of ideas, resources, and more!
