School Programs

Our trained Museum educators offer a wide range of science programs to local schools. We provide hands-on and interactive programming to children from preschool through 5th Grade. Our programs align with current science standards. 

The Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo offers programming in your classrooms, at our Museum, and in open space preserves.  

Due to staffing shortages, we are not scheduling classroom lessons until November.  Feel free to complete a Classroom Lesson Request form below, and we will reach out to you in November when we are ready to schedule.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Classroom Lessons

Classroom lessons last about 50 minutes. Each of our lessons involve hands-on and interactive science. Many include live animals, natural artifacts, and science tools and materials. We can bring our lessons to your school classrooms or you can take part in your lesson at our museum as part of a field trip.

You can find a list of our programming options, including fees, in the menus below. We may apply an extra transportation fee for some locations.

Program options and fees can be found in the menus below. We may apply an extra transportation fee for some locations. 

Junior Museum K-5 Program Offerings 2025-26.pdf(PDF, 5MB)

Junior Museum Preschool & TK Program Offerings 2025-26(PDF, 133KB)

Junior Museum Program Fees 2025-26(PDF, 175KB)

To book a classroom lesson, please fill out the JMZ Classroom Lesson Request form below. For any other questions, contact jmzinterpretive@paloalto.gov.

Field Trips

Open Space Field Trips

Some programs take place in local Palo Alto preserves. Open Space field trips can last from 1-3 hours.  While primarily for elementary school students, these programs can be booked for preschool groups. 

To book an Open Space field trip, please visit our online reservation system.  Our Baylands Naturalist will then confirm the date via email and you'll be able to pay online.  For questions, please email naturalist@paloalto.gov.

Self-Guided School Field Trips to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

Schools may visit the Junior Museum on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings for self-guided exploration of its immersive Zoo and indoor exhibit hall. Admission is $7 per student and adult.

To book a self-guided school field trip to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, please fill out our form. 

Please note: Self-guided school field trips must be booked in advance. We strongly recommend submitting your request at least one month ahead of your desired visit date (though several months in advance is ideal). Availability is limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis depending on space.

Details & Pricing

Field Trip Programs(PDF, 5MB)