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Zoocation at the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra delivers a full day of interactive animal encounters, hands-on crafts, and games for primary school kids. This school holiday program is perfect for young animal enthusiasts eager to learn through play and connection.
Zoocation at the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra delivers a full day of interactive animal encounters, hands-on crafts, and games for primary school kids. This school holiday program is perfect for young animal enthusiasts eager to learn through play and connection.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra · Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory
Situated in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra offers a school holiday program that’s anything but ordinary. Zoocation invites primary school-aged children—from Kindergarten to Year 6—into an immersive day filled with hands-on animal interaction, creative activities, and lively games. This program is tailored for young animal lovers eager to understand wildlife through active participation rather than passive observation.
Zoocation runs as a seven-hour daily experience, where small groups of mixed ages foster camaraderie among siblings and friends, while maintaining careful staff-to-student ratios to ensure attentive supervision. The day kicks off with close encounters alongside species that inhabit the zoo’s diverse habitats, ranging from native Australian fauna to exotic aquatic creatures. Children get the chance to craft toys for the animals, enhancing understanding of animal behavior, enrichment needs, and welfare.
This program stands out as a unique blend of education and play. Designed and led by the zoo’s Education Guides, Zoocation supports not just animal knowledge but social and cognitive growth through teamwork and creative problem-solving. The zoo’s location along Lady Denman Drive provides a backdrop rich with native flora, enhancing the outdoor learning environment. The mix of natural and constructed habitats allows participants to appreciate both wild biodiversity and conservation efforts in action.
The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra distinguishes itself within the local outdoor landscape by offering a structured, interactive encounter that blends natural history, conservation awareness, and childhood fun. It’s especially notable in the region for combining animal education with hands-on crafts and games in one inclusive day program, making it a standout choice for families during school breaks looking to engage kids off screens and into nature.
With clear instructions on what to bring, a nut-free philosophy, and a flexible drop-off and pick-up schedule, Zoocation provides a streamlined, safe, and truly memorable learning adventure that parents can trust and kids will eagerly anticipate.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for young children in general good health with typical stamina for a school day
Zoocation is designed for primary school children from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Participants should bring a packed lunch and snacks, or order lunch during booking or drop off.
Yes, Zoocation is a nut-free program to ensure safety for all children and animals.
Drop-off is between 9:00 and 9:15 AM, with pick-up recommended by 4:00 PM; aftercare runs until 5 PM with late fees applicable.
Zoocation is a supervised program; parents sign children in and out but do not stay during activities.
If sick before arrival, contact the zoo for a voucher; no refunds if symptoms develop during or after the session.
Established as Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium, the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra promotes conservation education across diverse species.
The facility actively participates in breeding and rehabilitation programs while educating visitors on responsible wildlife stewardship.
National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra is a combined zoo and aquarium located in Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory. The facility offers a wide range of animal encounters, conservation-focused tours, educational programs and family experiences. Visitors can choose from short, guided encounters—such as 15-minute sessions with sun bears, cheetahs or tigers—to longer interactive tours including family Wonders of Wildlife and full-day conservation experiences. The venue provides school-focused keeper-for-a-day programs for primary and high school students that teach animal care, feeding and enrichment skills in structured three‑hour and longer sessions. Birthday packages and private event options are available, including Adventureland and Safari Extravaganza birthday packages that combine guided animal interactions, activity packs and catering choices suited to groups and children. General admission grants access to exhibits spanning African savannah species, Asian carnivores, Australian native animals and aquatic displays, while specialised encounters let small groups meet animals like giraffes, rhinos, meerkats and ruffed lemurs under staff supervision. Conservation, animal welfare and education are central to the institution’s offerings. Keeper-guided experiences are led by trained staff and focus on species-specific care, enrichment and conservation messaging. Tickets, encounter bookings and school program details are published by the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra and should be checked on official channels for current availability and age guidelines. The facility’s location in Canberra makes it accessible to visitors throughout the Australian Capital Territory and nearby regions. Encounter opportunities include named animals such as Arataki and Otay the sun bears and Solo the cheetah when available. Attendance depends on bookings.
Book with National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra