FIELD TRIPS

Self-guided field trips are available to any group visiting for an educational purpose

FIELD TRIPS

To be eligible for the education rate, groups must:

Be coming for an educational purpose (preK-12th schools, colleges, out-of-school camps, daycare centers and senior groups). If you are a homeschool group please reach out to us at schools@zoo.org for information on home school days.
Make reservations at least three weeks in advance.
Have a minimum of one adult chaperone (teacher or parent/guardian, age 21+) for every six students. Groups of college age and older participants do not require chaperones. Note: Please do not include 1:1 aides/para-educators in your chaperone count. Please contact us for more information on 1:1 aides and chaperone requirements.
Chaperone students (regardless of age/grade) at all times while on zoo grounds.
Agree to follow Woodland Park Zoo’s Rules of Conduct.
Pre-pay by credit card at the time of registration, we are no longer accepting POs.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you may be eligible for the Group Rate.

Important Parking Information

Parking availability in Woodland Park Zoo parking lots is very limited, available on a "first come, first served" basis, and is not guaranteed. Parking fees are paid at the parking kiosks. Please contact schools@zoo.org for more information about bus and car parking.

Learn more about parking at the zoo

Register

Step One

Verify Eligibility and Prepare

Collect the information you will be asked at the time of registration (group leader's name and phone number, your school's name its address including zip code and phone number, FRL %, grade, number of students, number of chaperones, and a credit card)

Step Two

Book Your Trip

Use the registration button below to start your booking for dates through the end of 2024.

Check back in November for 2025 openings.

Everyone on the trip will need a ticket including teachers, don't forget to add them to your chaperone count.

Step Three

After Booking

Once booked, email schools@zoo.org if you need to change or cancel your visit. Adjustments can be made up until the day before your arrival. Tickets bought day of will be at the daily admission rate. We recommend prepurchasing all field trip tickets.

Education Rate

The education rates listed below are per person for students and chaperones (educators, teachers and parents/guardians).

January 1 — June 30: $11.00
July 1 — September 4: $13.00
September 5 — December 31: $13.00

Register

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is availale to eligible groups. For more information and to register please visit our financial assistance page.

School-to-Zoo Levy Available: September — June
Wasington Low Income (WALI) Available: Year-round

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Classroom Resources

Discovery Den

Connect your class to the Zoo before, during, and after your field trip using Discovery Den. A free, continually-updating resource library by educators, for educators.

On Discovery Den, you'll find resources such as:

Standards-aligned lesson plans
Authentic data sets
Printable activity sheets
Behind-the-scenes videos
Curriculum connections to field trips... and more!

Access Discovery Den

Field Trip FAQ

When are field trip dates released?

We aim to release field trip dates on a 6-month rolling window. However, there are times when we need to pause our window while we adjust our ticket quantities and prices.

Can I change the time, day, or number of tickets on my order?

Absolutely! We can make adjustments until 24 hours before your arrival. We will not make changes day of. Please email schools@zoo.org to make changes to your order. Please include your order number and the number of student and chaperone tickets you are requesting.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Your tickets must be prepurchased to receive the field trip admission rate. You can email schools@zoo.org to adjust your tickets up until 24 hours before you arrive. Tickets purchased on the day of will be at the daily admission rate. We recommend pre-purchasing all field trip tickets.

Can I get a refund for my tickets?

Yes! We will refund your tickets as long as we have at least 24 hours' notice. Send your cancellation or adjustment request to schools@zoo.org. We cannot refund tickets on the day of or after your visit.

Can I pay with a purchase order?

No, we no longer accept purchase orders. If your school or district does not have a purchasing card, please email schools@zoo.org.

Can students use memberships?

We cannot admit students using memberships without the named adult on the membership in attendance on the field trip.

Is bus reimbursement available?

Bus reimbursement is available for King County schools that meet the requirements listed on our financial assistance page.

Who is considerered a chaperone?

All adults over the age of 18, this can include educators, teachers, and parents/guardians. Note:Please do not include 1:1 aides/para-educators in your chaperone count. Please contact us for more information on 1:1 aides and chaperone requirements.

What should we do to prepare for a successful visit?

Please review the zoo rules of conduct with students. Help prepare your chaperones with the Zoo Visit Chaperone Sheet. Don't forget to see which programs and activities are offered during your visit!

Is there space to park a bus at the Zoo?

There is limited bus space in our parking lot, and we cannot guarantee parking. We can accommodate 6 buses on a first come, first served. Buses are required to pay for parking at the self-serve kiosks.
Bus Driver Info Sheet

Where do we enter the Zoo?

All field trips enter through our South Entrance located off the Hippo Lot.

What should I do if my group is running late?

If your group is running late, please call our guest services line (206-548-2604) and let them know your group name and when you expect to arrive.

Do you offer any accommodations for individuals or groups?

Yes, additional information about accommodations can be found here. Please send an email to schools@zoo.org to request an accommodation.

Will there be maps available?

Please preprint your group's maps. You can find maps here.

Is there a place to store our lunches?

We do not have space to store lunches.

What is the cost of parking?

Parking costs can be found here.

CONTACT

Contact Us

For additional questions or assistance, please contact the registration office at schools@zoo.org.