Outreach programs

The list of traveling programs that we can bring to your event or facility is listed below.

Oxbow Park offers outreach programs in "booth style." This option is great for fairs or large events and offers visitors a chance to come and go while seeing live animals, zoo artifacts, and ask questions to the Oxbow Park naturalists.

Outreach programs will run Monday through Friday. Morning sessions can start as early as 9:30 a.m. We are flexible with our times, please call or email to schedule a class.

Outreach program cost (facility/school visit)

$150 within a 50-mile radius of Oxbow Park for a 45-minute session

Additional $50 for every extra 45-minute class session

Additional $50 travel expense for outreaches outside of a 50-mile radius

Outreach booth cost (event)

$150 within a 50-mile radius of Oxbow Park for a 1-hour session

Additional $50 for every extra hour.

Additional $50 travel expense for outreaches outside of a 50-mile radius

Due to staff shortages during certain times of the year we do reserve the right to decline outreaches

Things to know when calling or emailing:

  • Facility name or event name
  • Facility address or location of the event
  • Grade level and Number of students
  • Class desired
  • At least (two) preferred dates to visit
  • Contact person and email address

We are looking forward to teaching your group and hope to see you this year!

Please feel free to call 507-328-7340 or email oxbow@olmstedcounty.gov with any further questions.

Outreach programs offered:

Animal Classification - 3rd grade and up

The animal kingdom is broken down into five different classes: mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish. This class will discuss the differences between each classification. Live animals will be used to represent some animal classes.

Note: Live reptile, amphibian, and bird ambassador animals.

Reptiles And Amphibians  - 2nd grade and up

This class will teach students to differentiate between reptiles and amphibians. Students will learn life cycle differences, skin differences, behavior differences and habitat differences. We will provide an opportunity for students to see the animals up close and the option to touch the live animals.

Note: Live reptile and amphibian ambassador animals.

Life Cycles - 2nd grade and up

This class will give examples of animals that go through metamorphosis and will demonstrate how that compares to us and most other mammals. This class will also explain metamorphosis in the complete form and incomplete form, with examples of species from each type.

Note: Possible live amphibian ambassador animal and stuffed animal puppets. 

Owls/Birds Of Prey - All grades

Also known as Raptors!  Five distinguishing characteristics make these birds more impressive than other birds. Students will learn about the 5 characteristics, see live birds of prey and experience real examples of the characteristics of raptors.

Note: Live bird of prey ambassador animal.

Animal Introductions - Pre-K - 4th grade 

This is an excellent starter program for younger students.  Topics discussed include the daily happenings here at the zoo and park, as well as some basic environmental principles.  We also provide the opportunity for some "hands on" learning with our live critters and wildlife artifacts.

Note: Live snake, turtle, and bird of prey ambassador animals.

Totally Turtles - All grades

Minnesota is home to nine different species of turtles. Turtles are one of the longest living species in the world dating back to the era when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Learn the yearly events a turtle lives through that has allowed this animal to live for many centuries. Also meet the zoo's resident turtle.

Note: Live turtle ambassador animal.