At A Grade Ahead, we provide superior academic enrichment for our students. Time spent in our classrooms is vital to academic growth. While classroom time is important, time spent outside the classroom can also be a great learning opportunity. A Grade Ahead knows that learning happens everywhere. Our headquarters in Central Ohio is surrounded by endless opportunities for educational field trips. Join us as we explore one of these: the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Does your family love animals? Do you enjoy learning about different species from all over the world? If yes, the Columbus Zoo is the place for you! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been ranked the number one zoo in the US in multiple polls over the years. Home to over 10,000 animals representing 600 species, this world-class zoo offers countless exhibits for animal-lovers. Visitors can feed the giraffes in Africa, watch polar bears swim in the Arctic, and see elephants keeping cool in Asia. In addition to animal viewing, the zoo offers a fun way for kids to learn about zoology and environmental science. Does your child love this subject? Check out A Grade Ahead’s curriculum, or see if a location near you is offering our Eco-Explorers enrichment camp!
Adventure Cove
Adventure cove is a great way to start your journey at the Columbus Zoo. Located just inside the main entrance, it features sea lions, harbor seals, and a variety of other animals. Zoo goers can walk through the underwater tunnel to view sea lions and seals as they swim and play about. Afterward, guests can stop at Animal Encounters Village or Sting Ray Bay for hands-on fun. Kids will be excited to learn how to pet a sting ray. Get in on the action with your kids and pet a sting ray for yourself! Do you want your kids to be excited about learning? Join A Grade Ahead by taking a free assessment today!
Asia Quest
Head to Asia Quest to view elephants, red pandas, tigers and more. You will learn so much about these majestic creatures. Do you know how to identify an Asian elephant from an African Elephant? Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants. Also, Asian elephants have bumps on their backs, making them resemble the shape of India. Did you know that A Grade Ahead has roots in India? Check out our story!
Australia and the Islands
Can you imagine standing three feet away from a kangaroo? The kangaroo walkabout in Australia and the Islands allows you to do just that. Zoo guests can stroll through the exhibit where kangaroos are free to move about. After the walkabout, hop over to check out Australia’s other favorite marsupial: the koala. These lazy bears like to eat eucalyptus and sleep up to 18 hours per day. What a life!
Congo Expedition: African Forest
Continue your zoo journey through the Congo Expedition featuring monkeys from the African forest. Did you know that monkeys are great communicators? They use various types of language to communicate with each other. Particularly, bonobos are very closely related to us human primates. Their vocalizations help them express emotions and talk about food just like we do! Does your little primate excel in language? Check out our English classes to enrich your child’s language skills, or see if you can have your child participate in our Time Traveler Tales enrichment camp!
Heart of Africa
Lions and tigers and giraffes, oh my! The Heart of Africa, the zoo’s largest area, has all this and more. Guests can feed the giraffes, watch cheetahs run at top speeds, and dine with a view of the Serengeti. While the actual Serengeti spans over 3.7 million acres, the Columbus version is only 43 acres. You could turn this fact into a math story problem for your child: what is the size difference between the zoo’s Heart of Africa, and the actual Serengeti? Does your child enjoy math story problems? Sign them up for AGA math classes to help them develop the skills they need to solve story problems. Want even more? Consider our two enrichment camps: MathVenture Junior and MathVenture!
North America
The oldest part of the zoo, the North America section, is currently under renovation. Dating back to 1985, this area features wildlife native to the continent we call home. The first phase of this exciting update is scheduled to be revealed in the spring of 2025. While we will have to wait patiently for this unveiling, our AGA headquarters has just finished a renovation! Stop by to check out the beautifully updated classrooms at our home office, now offering in-person classes.
Polar Frontier
My personal favorite animal is the polar bear. Due to the scarcity of food in the arctic, polar bears are considered one of the most dangerous animals for humans to encounter. Lucky for me, the Columbus Zoo has the Polar Frontier, where guests can safely view these beautiful creatures. In line with its focus on conservation and education, the zoo is a proud funding partner of Polar Bears International.
Shores and Aquarium
Are you and your children fans of Finding Nemo? If yes, then you must stop in the Columbus Zoo’s Shores and Aquarium. You will love the world class aquarium featuring Nemo, Dory, sharks, and many other exotically aquatic creatures. Be sure to stop by the manatee exhibit for a chance to see these adorable sea cows gobble up some lettuce. This charming area of the zoo is sure to be a family favorite.
Here at A Grade Ahead, we love having the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium right in our backyard. Has your family ever visited the Columbus Zoo? Do you have another zoo that you love? What is your favorite animal? Let us know in the comments below!
Author: Amanda Hutson, Curriculum Assistant at A Grade Ahead
