Adventure Collective
Zoologist for a Day: Denver’s Hands-On Wildlife Experience - Denver

Zoologist for a Day: Denver’s Hands-On Wildlife Experience

Denvereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels as activities mostly involve light walking and standing indoors.

Overview

Spend a day living the life of a zoologist at Denver’s Downtown Aquarium. Interact with animals, assist in care, and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets for a truly memorable experience.

Denver, Colorado

Zoologist for a Day

5 Hour workshop for children in grades 1-4th, 5-8th, & 9-12th

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Zoologist for a Day photo 1

About This Adventure

Dive into a thrilling day at the Downtown Aquarium, where young animal enthusiasts can explore the world of zoology! Participants will interact with diverse species, assist in animal care, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access. This hands-on experience promises unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.

Examine our Impressive Species & Interact with Animals!


Rates

Grades 1-12

Person: $75 per child


Duration

5 Hours


About

For children who love animals, this is a perfect opportunity to spend the day learning how to be a zoologist. There are more than just fish here at the Downtown Aquarium. The children will have a fun day examining our impressive species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Spend your day learning how we handle and train our creatures that live outside the ocean. Interact with animals, build animal enrichment toys, talk with tiger and bird keepers and much more!



What to Expect & What You Should Bring

During this program, you will experience what it takes to work at a zoo or aquarium as a biologist. You will meet some of our staff and learn about the ins and outs of this career.

We will be going behind the scenes and in “staff only” areas throughout the program. These areas require you to wear closed-toed shoes. In order to participate in the program, you must have the proper footwear. Flip-flops and other sandals are NOT permitted. We will also be helping the staff with the preparation of the daily diets for the animals. This involves cutting up seafood. Please wear clothes that can get a little dirty and wet. All other materials for the program will be provided by the Education department. T-shirts & lunch are included. Come ready to have a great time and have tons of fun!

Please bring this letter with you to present at the entrance and indicate that you are here for an Education program, or show us your confirmation.

Please note - this program is a drop off workshop program for children. We are not able to have adults participate in this program. Please make sure to choose a date with the proper grade level for your child.


Appropriate Behavior

To make your program educationally rewarding and enjoyable, we request that you review the following guidelines prior to your visit. Program participants must stay with the program instructor at all times, whether inside or outside the building. Cooperate with the program instructor and follow guidelines that he/she gives. Please be considerate of other participants and guests. Downtown Aquarium is home to many animals. Please do not tap on exhibit windows, put hands or other objects in the water, feed anything to the animals, or handle any animal without permission from aquarium staff. No outside food or drink is allowed in the building. The food we provide is to be eaten in designated areas only – it is not allowed near the exhibits. Please pick up after yourself - help us keep the classrooms, exhibits and restrooms clean.


Special Needs

If a participant has any special needs, allergies, or health concerns, please note this on the registration form. Program participants must be able to administer their own medication (i.e. inhalers, epi-pens) if needed, as aquarium staff and volunteers are not permitted to administer medication. If the program participant has severe disabilities, you must arrange for the participant to be accompanied by an adult caregiver and contact the Education department prior to the program date. There will be no additional charge for adults attending with disabled participants. If you have any additional concerns or questions please contact one of our Education program sales and service representatives at the above number.


Emergency Contact Information

The Security Office is located in the Administration Office on the first floor of the aquarium, just around the corner from the Ballroom Entrance. Security staff will be present and are trained in First Aid and CPR. If someone needs to contact you in an emergency, they can call the Security Office at (303) 561-4529. They will need to indicate that they need to contact a participant in the Education program you are attending.


Liability

Downtown Aquarium, its staff, and volunteers are not liable for injury, property loss or damage that occurs during the course of the program. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult when not participating in programs; we are not responsible for children unattended by a parent or guardian.

Adventure Tips

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Dress in casual, comfortable clothes suitable for indoor animal-related activities and some walking around the facility.

Arrive Early

Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled time helps with check-in and ensures you won’t miss any part of the experience.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Notify staff in advance if you or your child have allergies, especially to animals or certain cleaning products used in animal habitats.

Follow Staff Instructions Closely

For your safety and the animals' well-being, always listen carefully to staff guidance during interactions.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Amazon River fish like the arapaima
  • January the green tree python

History

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver was originally a marine life center that has expanded to include diverse aquatic and terrestrial species, educating the public since 1999.

Conservation

The aquarium actively promotes wildlife conservation, participating in breeding programs and educating visitors on protecting endangered species and habitats.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Denver

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Sneakers

Essential

Supportive footwear ensures comfort during walking and standing throughout the aquarium.

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is important even indoors, and many facilities have refill stations available.

Light Jacket or Sweater

Indoor air conditioning can feel chilly during cooler months; layering keeps you comfortable.

fall specific

Notebook and Pen

Useful for jotting down interesting facts or observations during the educational portions of the experience.