Nature’s Diner (30 minutes)

Through puppets, props, and a visit from an Animal Ambassador, a National Aviary educator introduces children to different birds, their foods, and how different types of birds use their beaks to eat.

Rainbows in Flight (30 minutes)

Discover how important colors are to the animal world by exploring the huge variety in feathers—from the bright colors of a parrot to the muted camouflage of an owl. Meet a live Animal Ambassador and learn how its coloration helps it to survive and thrive in its own special way.

Penguin Pals (30 minutes)

Attention all penguin protectors! Penguin Ranger Penelope needs your help to find and protect the penguins! Through
an exploration of penguins, children will learn the features that set them apart from other birds, and what makes them unique! This program includes a visit from an African Penguin Animal Ambassador

Amazing Adaptations: Elementary Format (45 minutes)

Birds are equipped with traits that help them survive in their natural habitats. Students discover what these unique
characteristics are and explore amazing feet, feathers, and beaks!

Habitats (45 minutes)

From the frigid arctic to arid deserts, birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive in different habitats and how birds can thrive in even the most extreme environments.

Owls (45 minutes)

Owls are some of the most recognizable birds on Earth, yet they remain elusive to many because of their habits and behaviors.
Learn about the diversity of this remarkable group across the globe and close to home and discover the amazing adaptations
that make them successful hunters, day and night!

Rainforests (45 minutes)

Discover rainforest habitats through the eyes of the birds who live there. Students examine how rainforests, home to nearly half the world’s plant and animal species, support ecological balance and why they are so important to protect.

Penguin Protectors (30 minutes)

Penguin Rangers in South Africa need your help to become Special Agents of Penguin protection! During this program, students will investigate penguin adaptations while learning how rangers use their expertise to protect penguins. This program includes a visit from an African Penguin Animal Ambassador.

Habitats: Middle School Format (45 minutes)

From the frigid arctic to arid deserts birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive in different habitats, and how birds can thrive in even the most extreme environments.

Birds and Conservation: Middle School Format (45 minutes)

Explore the impacts humans and environmental factors have on the decline of various species, and discover how the conservation efforts of zoos, scientists, and everyday community members have led once-endangered species to make a comeback.

Brilliant Birds: The Science of Feathers, Color & Survival (45 minutes)

Unlock the hidden world of avian color and adaptation! In this interactive program, students dive into the vibrant lives of birds from ultraviolet vision to feather pigments and discover how these fascinating features help birds thrive. Through hands-on exploration and real-world connections, students learn how color plays a powerful role in survival, communication, and the search for food and mates.

Zoo Careers (45 minutes)

Do your students wonder what it’s like to be a zoo veterinarian? What about a zookeeper? What other career opportunities are there at zoos? In this program, we’ll explore some of the tools of the trade and learn all about zoo careers and what it takes to work in a zoo environment. 

Science and Animal Behavior (45 minutes)

How do scientists study birds? Students will implement the same methods and data collection techniques that ornithologist use.Your group will watch the birds and animals who live in the National Aviary’s immersive, free-flight habitats and complete ethograms on what they see. A combination of classroom activities and independent observation work encourages students to think that scientist. Available only at the Aviary for groups of 35 or under.

Birds and Conservation: High School Format (45 minutes)

Explore the impacts humans and environmental factors have on the decline of various species, and discover how the conservation efforts of zoos, scientists, and everyday community members have led once-endangered species to make a comeback.

Preschool and Kindergarten groups: 1 adult chaperone for every 5 children.

1st-12th grade: 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students.

These chaperones, along with the bus driver, receive complimentary admission. If your organization requires a higher chaperone to student ratio, please plan your visit in accordance with that policy. Chaperones must remain with their groups at all times during your National Aviary visit. 

To ensure a safe and fun visit for all National Aviary guests, all members of your party must follow National Aviary Guest Policies as outlined on our website.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals and of your participants, please plan to provide the following for the Outreach team.

• A legal parking space close to the entrance of your facility
• A safe holding area for birds before and during the program,
  sufficiently sheltered from direct sunlight and weather
• A presentation space with no moving ceiling fans, balloons, objects
  hanging from the ceiling, or other animals, a 6’-8’ table, and a secure stage area that prevents people from walking behind the birds & our educators
• Chaperones in accordance with your organization’s policies, and at minimum of one adult for every 25 children

To qualify for the discounted group rate, the minimum group size for field trips and other groups is 15 paying participants. All members of your group must arrive at the same time.

To qualify for the discounted group rate, a final count and full payment must be received at least 2 weeks in advance of your program or visit date. Your organization will be charged for the number of people indicated on the agreement by this deadline. If payment is not received, your reservation is subject to cancellation or rescheduling. A member of our team will verify the number of people in your group upon arrival. Any members of your group in excess of the final count are welcome to purchase regular price individual tickets at our Visitor Services Desk. Refunds are not provided if actual attendance is lower than indicated in your final count. Thank you for your support of the National Aviary!