Classes and Programs

Classes and Programs

Whether you’re a budding artist or photographer, or interested in what it takes to care for our feathered friends, the National Aviary offers exciting classes and programs to encourage, teach, and inspire!

Brushes & Birds: Great Argus

Sun., November 15 | 3 – 5 pm | Members $40; Non-Members $45 | Register
All materials and National Aviary General Admission Included 

  • Brushes & Birds: Great Argus Details

    Create your own “GREAT” work of art! Join beloved local artist Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasIdeas.com) for a creative and colorful painting class where you’ll paint your own fine-feathered masterpiece. 

    Designed for painters of all ages and abilities, follow Maria’s simple, step-by-step instructions to paint a portrait of one of the Aviary’s most famous birds: Gus the Great Argus! Before class begins, venture into the Tropical Rainforest habitat to see if you can spot the “model” himself strutting along the walkway or perched near the waterfall.

    Mock-up of a Great Argus painting with the bird perches on a tree.

    Brushes & Birds classes are open to participants 8 years and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No prior drawing skills necessary; a tracer will be provided!

Species Spotlight: Penguins

Thurs., December 3 | 2 – 4 pm  | Members: $25; Non-Members: $30 | 18+ | Register
National Aviary General Admission Included

  • Species Spotlight: Penguins Details

    What tuxedoed bird is known for waddling and swimming…NOT flight? 

    The National Aviary’s African Penguin colony is a favorite of visitors and staff alike. But did you know that this charming bird is a fierce aquatic predator…one that the Aviary works with in the wild, as the species is at serious risk of extinction by the year 2035? During this in-depth class for adults, MEET an African Penguin Animal Ambassador and learn more about the conservation challenges its wild counterparts face. Learn from an Aviary expert who leads the Saving Animals from Extinction African Penguin program. They will share the threats to African Penguins and how we are part of a team, including people from North America, South Africa, and Namibia, who are working together tirelessly to save them…while we still can.

    African Penguin swimming through the water

    This program is designed specifically for an adult learner audience. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.

“I did the camp a few years ago. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about attending. I had a wonderful experience.” – Lisa, former Summer Camp…for Adults Participant

Virtual Fun: Meet and Tweets!

Brighten your team’s day by having a special guest attend your next video meeting or virtual happy hour! You can schedule a surprise video drop-in with a penguin, parrot, or owl!

Learn More!

Visit the FAQ section of our website for our cancellation policy. In cases of insufficient registration, the National Aviary reserves the right to cancel any program. Under these circumstances, you will receive a full refund. 

Find information about our fun and engaging camps for all ages here!

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