Nature’s Diner (30 minutes)

Through puppets, props and a visit from an Animal Ambassador, National Aviary educators introduce children to different birds, their foods, and how each species eats.

Nature’s Rainbow (30 minutes)

Discover how important colors are to the animal world with the help of an Animal Ambassador and a mystery box of brightly colored bird feathers!

Bird Classification (45 minutes)

Using hands-on observation techniques and interactive activities, students will learn what characteristics make a bird, well, a bird! Students will also learn what makes different families of birds unique. Available for groups 35 and under.

Amazing Adaptations (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 tropical rainforests, birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive and how birds thrive in the most extreme ecosystems.

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!

Rainforest (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.

Backyard Scientist (45 minutes)

Put your scientific observation skills to the test! Venture through National Aviary habitats and get a glimpse of how scientists study wild bird populations. Students will also learn how they can get involved in local community science projects, conservation efforts, and the positive effects they can have on their own backyard. Available only at the Aviary for groups of 35 or under.

Amazing Adaptations: Middle School 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: 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.

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.

For group visits and field trips to the National Aviary, the minimum group size is
15 paying participants. The National Aviary requires 1 adult chaperone for every 5
students for preschool and kindergarten groups, and 1 adult chaperone for every
10 students for all other grades. These chaperones, plus 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, 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!