Although we all cannot celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month in person, we can definitely take advantage of the amazing programs being offered by local zoos and aquariums right now.
AQUARIUMS
Chicago, IL
Shedd Aquarium is offering a large range of activities and engagements for kids and adults alike. The Shedd invites you to continue experiencing their aquarium through their social media [Twitter, Facebook and Instagram], Sea Curious YouTube series, live streaming from the Underwater Beauty special exhibit, 360-video view to Keep Sharks Swimming and more! Check out their virtual summer camps for added summer fun!
Milwaukee, WI
Discovery World in Milwaukee offers activities to engage kids in science and other learning projects with their Discovery World @ Home program. Kids can learn about the Great Lakes and also make a DIY guitar or homemade barometer. Discovery World is also offering virtual summer camps. Visit www.discoveryworld.org to learn more.
Austin, TX
If you're in the Austin area, you're in luck. As of June 1, Austin Aquarium has reopened to the public. Although some regularly scheduled activities may not be available, they have reopened feeding and up-close experiences with their animals. Visit www.austinaquarium.com to plan your visit.
St. Louis, MO
There's nothing better than the real deal! St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station has reopened to the public. Make sure to visit their New Protocols page to ensure your visit is fun and trouble-free! Get more information by visiting www.stlouisaquarium.com.
Baltimore, MD
Want to walk down the halls of the National Aquarium? Take a virtual tour and you'll feel like you're there from the comfort of your couch. Watch their live stream or find downloadable activities for kids on their At Home Aquatic Activities page. The National Aquarium also has an app (Apple/Android) where you can view and learn about their 100+ animals.
Monterey, CA
We love webcams, but this aquarium really gets you engaged. Check out the live cams from the Monterey Bay Aquarium every day for various narrated animal feedings that include penguins. Learn more about the animals, their habitats and read their stories all on the aquarium's Animals page. More information available at www.montereybayaquarium.org.
ZOOS
San Diego, CA
Live cam views of animals like giraffes and tigers are just the beginning of your virtual experience at the San Diego Zoo. You can find Zoom backgrounds for your work from home meetings and best of all access the Kids Corner. Kids can read about their favorite animals, play games, try activities and watch learning videos teaching them about habitats, species and more at www.kids.sandiegozoo.org. And don't worry, San Diego Zoo reopens shortly. Visit their Reopening Guidelines page before you visit to be ready.
Atlanta, GA
Although the zoo is now open to the public (with limited hours and new rules), Atlanta Zoo continues to offer at home activities and engagement for those who cannot make it out for a visit. Check out their Panda Cam, their virtual events, at home learning and their Facebook page for more interactive opportunities and live events. Atlanta Zoo is also offering a virtual summer camp this year.
Houston, TX
Start planning your trip to the Houston Zoo ahead of time by visiting their Plan Your Visit page to find new hours and procedures. If you can't make it, enjoy the zoo from your phone or computer by visiting their Webcams page where you can watch animals like flamingos, leafcutter ants and gorillas.
Cincinnati, OH
Reserve your spot to visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden this summer. To best plan your trip, visit them online for all the information you'll need before you head out. Or create your virtual visit to the zoo by visiting their Facebook page, where you will find daily content on all of your favorite animals like hippos, sloths, penguins and so much more.
Asheboro, NC
Now open to the public, the North Carolina Zoo wants you to be prepared for a visit to their zoo with these new guidelines. Continued online learning and videos will be available. Check out Untamed Science series, Zoo EDventures series, Zoo Classroom and more all online at www.nczoo.org.
Washington, DC
The Smithsonian remains closed until further notice. Stay up to date here for reopening news. In the meantime, check out their webcams to watch ferrets, cheetahs and elephants live in their zoo habitats.
Enjoy your virtual (or in-person) aquarium and zoo experiences! Make sure to check the websites of your local zoos and aquariums for new hours or regulations before heading out.