Field Trip FAQ
Do chaperones and/or teachers receive free admission?
For every 10 student tickets purchased, you will receive one complimentary ticket for a chaperone. Additional chaperone tickets should be purchased in advance of your trip and will be eligible for the group rate. Chaperones must be 21 years of age or older.
How much is bus parking and where is it located?
Buses will be directed to park along 34th Street, south of the entrance to Tiger Lot. Buses park for free, and bus drivers are admitted to the Zoo for free with proper ID. Anyone traveling in their own vehicle will need to pay for parking in any of our open lots.
Are we allowed to bring lunches? Do we need to reserve a time for lunch?
You are permitted to bring your own lunches and eat freely at any of our available picnic areas, no reservations required. Please note that we do not have storage for lunches. You may leave and re-enter the Zoo if you choose to store lunches on your bus. Lunch may also be purchased onsite at any of our eateries. For menus and more information, please click here.
Are masks required?
While inside any building and in designated exhibits at the Zoo, all guests over the age of 2 must wear a mask, face covering, or face shield for the safety of our guests, staff, and animals. We recommend all guests bring a face mask. Guests who are fully vaccinated will be permitted to be without face coverings in outdoor locations.
We anticipate that many of our younger visitors may be fully masked throughout their visit as a result of their vaccination status. That said, minors at the Zoo must be accompanied by an adult, and the decision to have children wear masks outdoors will be left to the discretion of parents, guardians, or chaperones.
We anticipate that many of our younger visitors may be fully masked throughout their visit as a result of their vaccination status. That said, minors at the Zoo must be accompanied by an adult, and the decision to have children wear masks outdoors will be left to the discretion of parents, guardians, or chaperones.
Are guided tours available?
We are not currently offering guided group tours.
Are there any unavailable calendar dates?
Please check our calendar for available dates. Please note our discounted school rate is available for grades K-12 during our weekday operating hours only. Our discounted summer camp rate applies between June 15th and September 3rd.
Can we purchase tickets at the box office?
All payments must be made in advance; tickets cannot be purchased on the day of your visit. Cash is not accepted. Tickets are sent electronically prior to your visit.
How do I reschedule?
If you need to cancel or reschedule for any reason, please reply to the last email you received from the Zoo as a separate email can delay response times. Rescheduling is based on availability, and we may not always be able to accommodate a change in date.
Where do we go when we arrive?
All buses will unload on 34th Street, where they may be greeted by a Zoo staff member. Buses are not permitted to drop off or pick up in the designated drop-off zone, which is reserved for cars.
What if I need first aid or have a lost child?
If one of your students gets lost or injured, speak to any Zoo staff member for assistance. You may also use one of our red emergency phones located throughout the Zoo and highlighted on our map. If you are unable to locate a staff member or red phone, you may call 215-243-1100 to reach the Zoo’s operator.
Where should I meet my group at the end of the day?
The Zoo recommends that groups meet at the main entrance (North Gate Plaza) to regroup at the end of your day.