Outreach Programs

AquaZoo Outreach Programs

At Hill City AquaZoo, our mission extends beyond our gates. Through our outreach programs, we bring wildlife education, conservation awareness, and meaningful animal connections directly into our community.

Our outreach experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, encourage stewardship of the natural world, and support learning in a variety of settings.

About Our Field Trips

Elementary and middle school adventurers will participate in hands-on activities designed to test their observation and scientific reasoning skills. Teenage explorers will learn about animal psychology, positive reinforcement as a training tool, symbiotic relationships, and the dangers of invasive species in wild habitats.

Each Field trip guided tour and hands-on interactive experience delivers:

An increased appreciation for our planet’s oceans. A new respect and awe for marine life and the rich aquatic resources of our planet. Understanding our ecosystems as they engage the senses for maximized learning. Free time to explore. Encounters with: Sharks and stingrays  Birds and reptiles Amphibians, snakes and so much more!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Our trained educators visit:

Schools


Community centers


Retirement homes


Businesses or organizations


Events

Animal adaptations & habitats

Conservation & environmental responsibility


Careers working with animals


Responsible animal care & respect for wildlife

Programs align with educational standards and can be customized for different age groups.

Why Outreach Matters

Through outreach, we aim to:


Foster empathy and respect for animals


Inspire future conservationists


Increase access to wildlife education


Build strong community partnerships


Every outreach program supports our commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement.

Recurring Outreach Services

Outreach partnerships allow us to provide consistent, high-quality programming while offering flexibility in scheduling to best meet your needs.

Outreach agreements may include:

A set number of animal education programs


Priority scheduling and simplified booking


A reduced per-program rate compared to single event bookings

Contact us and we would be happy to tailor a proposal that best fits your audience size, age range, and programming goals.

Inclusive & Accessible Programs

We strive to make wildlife education accessible to everyone. Outreach programs can be adapted to meet diverse learning needs and accessibility considerations whenever possible.

Pricing

Basic Outreach

$175

1 animal

30 minutes

Premium Outreach

$300

3  animals

30–45 minutes

Ultimate Outreach

$425

4-5 animals

45–60 minutes

What animals will be included?
Animals vary by program and availability. Specific animal requests cannot be guaranteed.

Is animal interaction allowed?
Some programs may include limited, supervised interaction when appropriate. Animal welfare and participant safety are always our top priority. Animal cooperation depends on the animal.

What ages are these programs appropriate for?
Programs can be tailored for all ages, from preschool through adults. Content and interaction levels are adjusted to match the audience.

Do you provide everything needed?
Yes. We bring the animals, supplies, and educational materials. Hosts typically only need to provide a space that meets animal requirements. Hosts will be asked if a table or chairs will be provided, but we have access to our own.

What are animal requirements?
For indoor or outdoor settings, animals require an environmental setting of 65°–85°F.

Are you insured?
Yes. We carry liability insurance and follow all applicable animal welfare and educational outreach regulations.

What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance. In the event of inclement weather, AquaZoo reserves the right to reschedule or cancel events.

FAQs

Scheduling & Fees

There is a minimum of four weeks’ notice for any program


A $75 deposit is required four weeks prior to your planned event


There is an additional $100 charge for outreach programs occurring outside regular operating hours

Complete our request form to schedule. After submitting the form, a member of the AquaZoo team will reach out to confirm details and finalize your booking.

Title One Schools

Dive into an engaging, hands-on learning adventure with our Science Labs field trip activity! Led by our knowledgeable Keepers and Educators, this interactive experience gives participants a glimpse into everyday science and what goes into our animal care practices. After completing three (3) lab activities (selected by our Educators), your group will have the chance to ask questions and engage in a brief Q&A session with your instructor. The activities are correlated to various Commonwealth of Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL). Each lab activity is approximately 30 minutes in duration and is designed for 10-15 students.Important: Some activities may involve shellfish. Please let us know if anyone in your group has allergies.

$12.99

(per student)

$13.99

(per chaperone pre-booked)

Chaperones full admission price day of field trip if not pre-booked.
1 Teacher, PCA or teaching assistant admitted free with school ID for every 15 paid students. Maximum number of chaperones is 10 for any group.

NOTE: The Science Labs Field Trip does NOT INCLUDE aquarium access.

Standard Field Trip

Dive into an engaging, hands-on learning adventure with our Science Labs field trip activity! Led by our knowledgeable Keepers and Educators, this interactive experience gives participants a glimpse into everyday science and what goes into our animal care practices. After completing three (3) lab activities (selected by our Educators), your group will have the chance to ask questions and engage in a brief Q&A session with your instructor. The activities correlate with various Commonwealth of Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL). Each lab activity is approximately 30 minutes in duration and is designed for 10-15 students. Important: Some activities may involve shellfish. Please let us know if anyone in your group has allergies.

$16.99

(per student)

$13.99

(per chaperone pre-booked)

Chaperones full admission price day of field trip if not pre-booked.
1 Teacher, PCA or teaching assistant admitted free with school ID for every 15 paid students. Maximum number of chaperones is 10 for any group.

NOTE: The Science Labs Field Trip does NOT INCLUDE aquarium access.

Homeschool Field Trips

Homeschool Field Trips will be available for booking quarterly:
● February, May, August and November
● Booking on the second Monday of those months
● Book at 10:30 AM for Guided Tour
● Book at 11:00 AM for Science Labs (only Middle & HS, grade 6 & up)
(aquarium access additional $19.99/pp with Science Lab field trips)
● Standard Field Trip pricing applies - no other discounts

2025 dates:
● Monday, May 12
● Monday, August 11
● Monday, November 10

While there is a difference in pricing between Title One and Standard for the lab activity alone, any group that chooses to include aquarium access
will pay $19.99 per student, regardless of their Title One or Standard status.