Cool Cats

Cool Cats

What has whiskers, retractable claws, and sharp teeth? Cats do! Which cat can leap as high as the rim of a basketball hoop? A Jaguar can! Learn about the cats at the Oakland Zoo and their important adaptations as we explore these magnificent animals through the Main Zoo and California Trail.

Participants: This program is for participants ages 5-6.

Drop off: Class begins at 9:30 am. Drop off takes place at the Lower Entrance (near the Maddie's Center for Science and Education Center ). There will be directional signage as your enter Knowland Park. You will turn left into the lower parking lot (even if the sign says it is closed). Do not drive up the big hill.

Pick up: Class ends at 12:00pm. All ZooKids classes finish at the Lower Entrance, inside Maddie’s Center for Science and Environmental Education. Let the ticket booth cashier know you are picking up a ZooKids participant and they will direct you to the Education courtyard.

Parents/Chaperones: A parent or chaperone is required to sign-in and introduce themselves and their child to the ZooKids instructors. Once the child is signed into the class, adults are free to go. A parent or chaperone is required to come into the education center to sign out their child.

These classes are designed for children to participate independently. Parents are not allowed to stay with their children. If your child has diagnosed special needs and is unable to participate without an aide, please contact us to discuss accommodations at: [email protected]).

Most classes end with a short presentation (song or recitation) for the parents. If parents or families want to enter the zoo during or after class, they will need to pay regular zoo admission (reservations required). Oakland Zoo member families can use their membership for admission. Although the ZooKids class starts at 9:30 am, the zoo does not open until 10 am. Parents or families who wish to visit the zoo while their child is in ZooKids will have to wait outside the entrance gates until the zoo opens.

Parking: Zoo members receive free parking in Knowland Park as part of member benefits. The parking fee is waived for non-member families dropping off and picking up ZooKids participants. Please tell the parking booth attendant that you are dropping off or picking up for Zoo Kids and they will direct you to the Education Center.

Weather: ZooKids programs happen rain or shine (unless the zoo is closed). Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. If it is raining heavily, the schedule will be altered to spend more time in the classroom. However, a light rain or drizzle won't keep us from touring the zoo.

Refund/Transfer Policy: Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for cancellations unless the zoo is closed or we do not reach the minimum number of participants (6) required to hold the class.

One change to your reservation date can be made as long as it is requested at least 7 days prior to your originally-scheduled program. Should you need to make a change, we will gladly work with you to reschedule a later date, if space is available, and any previous payments will be applied to the new reservation. We can be reached at: [email protected]

We look forward to seeing your child at ZooKids!

Host or Publisher Oakland Zoo