Home-school and Scout Programs are available

There is no admission charge to visit the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and programs are free unless otherwise noted!
Groups are encouraged with advance registration. Contact the Belle Isle Nature Zoo office at
(313) 852-4056 ext 3023.

Saturday's Family Fun Day at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo
Every  Saturday during the months of March-May, 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Come join the fun, make a free craft, enjoy snacks and a family presentation on different nature topics.
No registration  required for groups of less than 10.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT (PK – 3)
Explore the relationship between plants and animals such as insects, birds and bats whose lives are tied to flowers as we learn about pollination. How do bees and other pollinators find flowers? Through a combination of color, scent and some other special cues not visible to humans they are able to locate foliage. Using fun activities and games learn the cues that are used by pollinators.

ALL ABOUT REPTILES (PK -12)
What is the value of not having a “spine”? Find out how the anatomy and biology of these animals are needed in the world that we live.  Reptiles are an amazing group of animals with some unique similarities; yet very different from each other. Find out what reptiles have in common, how they differ from each other and other vertebrates. Learn how they survive in their environment and about their life cycles. This class features various reptilian activities and fun games.

WEB OF LIFE (PK – 12)
What happens when the web of life is broken? Students will learn how all living things are important to the ecosystem as we discuss the food chain and food web. We will explore how life is connected by looking at different relationships between plants, animals and the environment. Students will get a chance to build a food web to better enhance their understanding of this subject.

WILD WINTER WONDERLAND (PK - 7)
How do animals survive in cold conditions? Students will learn about the physical features or special behaviors that animals possess that help them adapt to their environment. We will explore winter survival in different creatures starting from animals in our backyard to animals in the Arctic. Seasonal activity.

TINY WONDERS (PK – 12)
Learn about the unique features and behaviors that make spiders an important part of a healthy environment. Spiders walked the earth with dinosaurs and they are still a dominant species today. Find out why they are a model for adaptation

ANIMALS IN OUR BACKYARD/CITY CRITTERS (PK – 5)
What animals share our neighborhoods? Students will list animals that inhabit their neighborhoods – both wild and domestic. Students will also learn that animals have the same basic needs as humans; food, water, shelter and space to raise their young. Students will become better citizens of our planet as they learn how to peacefully co-exist with these animals

FLYING FEATHERS (PK -7)
Participants will view and observe the Belle Isle Nature Zoo Bird exhibits and get a chance to share what they observe. We will learn about our native Michigan birds, winter birds and summer birds. We will explore the migration pattern and factors affecting migration. Different types of birds and their intelligence will also be investigated. This class will also feature various bird activities and fun games.

FANTASTIC VOYAGE (PK – 12)
Come take a tour of the zoo exhibits - visit the deer trail, learn about their life cycle including how dominant the male deer is and how fast they build and shed their antlers. This class will also include deer feedings. Also visit the bee hives exhibit, turtle exhibit, snake exhibits, bird exhibit and the spider and cricket exhibit. Learn about the animals in these exhibits and factors to consider before exhibits are built. Also, what type of animals lives on Belle Isle?

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINTS (3-12)
How much waste one generates and how much water one consumes determines how we personally impact the environment. Chemical application and the type of cars that we drive can also have a very devastating effect on the environment (water & air). How will your ecological footprint look if you use a bike or walk to and from your destinations instead of driving or riding in a car? This class will include many kinetic activities for children of all ages. Class will be held outside (weather permitting) or inside.

BEE-HAVIOR (PK-12)
Learners will discover how social bees can be in their environment. The importance of bees including honey production and helping with pollination is demonstrated. Fun activities and games about bee pollination are included.

INVASIVE SPECIES vs. ENDANGERED SPECIES (3-12)
Learn how current invasive species, such as the phragmities plant and the zebra muscle (former invasive species) have invaded the island and many of Michigan’s dry and wet lands. Pictures and facts about some of our endangered species will be shared. The importance of native plants & animal survival and why they are endangered will also be shared.

WATERSHED/WATER QUALITY(5-12)
Everyone is connected to a watershed. There are certain microscopic animals that may be found in the water that can make us ill.  Using a computer generated microscope, participants will be able to identify microbes found in our water system.  This class will also include the health assessment of a body of water by sampling aquatic insects. After collecting insects, a measurement known as Biotic Index is used in order to produce a single number summary describing the quality of the water. This is a total hands-on activity. Weather permitting.

YUCKY FIELD TRIP /YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM ADVENTURE (PK -12)
What is in the soil in you yard? What organisms can you find in your soil?  How important are worms to our environment and our ecosystem. Visit our outdoor classroom and see how the flora and fauna on Belle Isle adapt to the changes in the environment. This is a seasonal activity. Weather permitting.

REUSE, RECYCLE, REDUCE (PK-12)
Using a replica of a land fill, participants will be able to learn the difference between garbage (which is bio-degradable) and exactly how long it takes for garbage (which is non bio-degradable) to disappear.

Scout Badge Programs
Earn merit badge requirements by visiting the Belle Isle Nature Zoo!  Bring your troop, pack, or den and choose one of our daytime adventures.  All badge requirements are fulfilled in these indoor/outdoor programs.  There is a maximum of 35 scouts per program.  Most programs do not require a minimum. 
Pre-registration is required and no fee.  Contact the Belle Isle Nature Zoo  (313) 852-4056 ext 3023.