Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®

Home of the world famous hippo Fiona. Family friendly Zoo committed to inspiring visitors with wildlife and saving species.

Field Trips with the Zoo

Visit the Zoo with Your Group Today!

Enhance your students’ learning with a field trip where the Zoo is your living classroom! Field trips to the Zoo are available year round every day of the week.

Important Notes for 2022-23

Bus Parking: All buses that are parking at the Zoo must purchase a bus parking pass. Please see diagram for bus parking fees.

Close Encounters: Schools that register for a Close Encounter are committed to a $25 per program fee, unless cancelled before arrival to the Zoo.

Festival of Lights: Schools wishing to come to the Zoo after 2pm during Festival of Lights (November 19th-January 8th) must book through Group Sales.

Need financial assistance?

Applications are now open for 2022-23. Visit the Living Classroom Education Access Fund for details.

Zoo Field Trips – Where the World is Your Classroom

Field Trips to the Zoo are a great way to observe animals and feel a connection to wildlife. Students will discover and learn at a world-class zoo that is actively engaged in conservation and sustainability, and filled with opportunities to get up-close and personal with wildlife. Field Trips are available year-round every day of the week.

For 2022-23 school year, buses parking at the Zoo must purchase bus parking. Parking locations have changed, see Field Trip Map for locations.

Register for a Field Trip

Is your school from the TriState area? Do 50% or more of your students receive free/reduced lunch? Get a free field trip!

LEARN MORE

Who: daycares, preschools, private & public/charter schools, universities, alternative education schools, homeschool families and co-ops
Dates: Sunday-Saturday, year-round
Time: March 12-October 30: 9:00am-5:00pm . November 1- March 11: 10:00am-5:00pm
Cost: Students $7; Adults $7.
Parking Cost: Buses: $10-50 parking pass, Cars: $10; Location: See Field Trip Guide once registered. Some dates are bus drop-off only.

Note: We require 1 adult (teachers, staff, guardians) for every 7 students. Required adults are free. Students in grades PreK-12 must be supervised by their chaperone at all times. Required 1:1 student aides and bus drivers are always free in addition to your 1:7 adults.

To receive the $7 school group rate, all participants (students and adults) must be part of the school group order. Individuals will not be able to purchase tickets at the school rate at the general admission windows. Zoo Memberships are only valid for parking when coming as part of a field trip.

Do More with Your Field Trip

Teacher Field Trip Guide

All the information you need for your booked field trip to the Cincinnati Zoo, including parking, directions, maps, tips, and more. Learn More >

Self-Guided Activities

These standards-based, multi-curricular activities are meant to be a la cart so teachers can choose which topics and subjects they want their students to explore.  Learn More >

Close Encounters Programs

No stuffy lectures here, these programs introduce students to live animals while sharpening students’ sensory and observation skills as well as supporting Tri-State academic standards. Close Encounters are the perfect way to supplement your Zoo visit! Masks are required regardless of vaccination status during Close Encounter programs. Please note that mask policies may change at any time and may vary by program. Learn More >

CREW Building Tours

The CREW Building Tour introduces students to the conservation research science that goes on at the Zoo everyday. During this 30-minute guided tour of the CREW building, students will have the opportunity to see scientists in the labs and gain a better understanding of the science taking place every day. Learn More >

Sustainability  Tours

The Zoo is committed to greening its daily operations and reducing its impact on the environment through the use of rain gardens, recycled building materials, solar panels and more. The Sustainability Tour introduces students to the sustainability and green practices that go on at the Zoo everyday.   Learn More >

School Lunches

Order lunches from the Zoo or bring your own. Shelters available on first-come basis, or rent a shelter. School lunches are available to purchase for groups of 10 or more, Monday-Friday, year-round. Learn More >

All Day Train & Carousel Rides

Students $4; Adults $4. Must be purchased by time of check-in. Train and Carousel are unavailable during Festival of Lights before 4pm, and during Penguin Days (January-March 12th) Learn More >

Animal Encounters & Experiences

Get up close and personal with some of our animals around the park or learn in depth information at exhibits from our zookeepers! Schedules change seasonally. Learn More >

Field Trip Programs

Get more from your field trip with interactive and engaging educational programs designed specifically for school groups. Programs are offered for preschool-college ages, and are aligned to state education standards.

All programs must be pre-registered. Programs must be booked two weeks in advance.

LEARN MORE

group salesClose Encounters (PreK-8th)

No stuffy lectures here, these programs introduce students to live animals while sharpening students’ sensory and observation skills as well as supporting Tri-State academic standards. Close Encounters are the perfect way to supplement your Zoo visit! Masks are required regardless of vaccination status during Close Encounter programs. Please note that mask policies may change at any time and may vary by program.

Audience: all school children (traditional or homeschool) from preschool through 8th grade.
Program Length: 30 minutes
Program Capacity: classroom: 8-20 students; assembly 20-35 students
Program Cost: $25 per program. Schools that register for a Close Encounter are committed to a $25 per program fee, unless cancelled before arrival to the Zoo.

Dates: Mondays-Fridays; September 13th-May 21st
Times: 10:30-11:00am, 11:15-11:45am, 1:00-1:30pm (afternoon programs March-May only)

Note: Programs must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are required during Close Encounter programs.

Due to space limitations, Close Encounters are limited to 1 adult to 7 students. Additional chaperones are encouraged to enjoy the Zoo during the encounter and reunite with the group upon its completion.

Cancellation: Programs must be cancelled at least to weeks in advance to avoid being charged. Cancellations less than 2 weeks or no shows will be charged the program fee.

Topics

Adaptations (PreK-8th Grade): Adaptable for younger or older students, this program introduces several unique live animals and explores their adaptations related to survival.

 

CREW Tours (7th-College)

Through advanced animal and plant research, CREW is leading the way to secure a positive future for endangered species. During this 30-minute guided tour of the CREW building, students will have the opportunity to see scientists in the labs and gain a better understanding of the science taking place every day, right here at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Audience: all school children (traditional or homeschool) from 7th through 12th grade and college-aged students.
Program Length: 30 minutes
Program Capacity: 8-15 people
Program Cost: FREE

Dates: Mondays-Fridays; year-round
Times: 10:30-11:00am, 11:15-11:45am, 12:00-12:30pm

Location: Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife Building.
Note: Programs must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Programs at limited to 15 people, including adults. Masks are required for all participants.

Sustainability Tours for Schools (6th-12th)

The tour highlights the Zoo’s sustainability efforts in terms of green building design, energy efficiency, water conservation, storm water management, solid waste management, and land stewardship. Go Green Challenges throughout the tour present tangible suggestions for how visitors can address the same issues at home.

Audience: all 6th-12th Grade school children (traditional or homeschool)
Program Length: 45 minutes
Program Capacity: 8-20 students & up to 10 adults
Program Cost: FREE

Dates: Mondays-Fridays; September 19th-May 19th
Times: 10:30-11:15am, 1:00-1:45pm

Location: Meet at The Food Garden between Discovery Forest and Elephant House, tour throughout Zoo
Note: Programs must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. In the event of poor weather, an indoor presentation may be possible, depending on room availability.

FAQs & Policies

When can we come for a field trip?

Field trips are available year-round, 7 days a week. Operating Hours for School Field Trips:

  • January 5 – March 13: 10am – 5pm
  • March 14 – October 31: 9am – 5pm
  • November 1 – November 20: 10am-5pm
  • November 21 – January 4 (Festival of Lights): 10am-9pm
    • During Festival of Lights, any school wishing to come after 2pm must book through Group Sales.

When can we schedule a field trip to the Zoo?

Registration for school field trips is open year round. You can register online anytime or call 513-559-7730 Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm. We encourage you to make your reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. The earlier you schedule, the greater the availability of field trip dates. Some days in April and May sell out.

What can we do during a field trip?

Close Encounters Programs No stuffy lectures here, these FREE programs introduce students to live animals while sharpening students’ sensory and observation skills  Learn More >

Sustainability Tours The tour highlights the Zoo’s sustainability efforts and green practices to to save water and energy and reduce waste. Learn More >

CREW Building Tours The CREW Building Tour introduces students to the conservation research science that goes on at the Zoo everyday.  Learn More >

Animal Encounters & Experiences Get up close and personal with some of our animals around the park or learn in depth information at exhibits from our zookeepers! Schedules change seasonally. Learn More >

All Day Train & Carousel Rides Students $4; Adults $4. Must be purchased at registration/check-in. Learn More >

How do we pay?

Payment is only accepted the day of the field trip at the Ticketing Window. This allows for last minute adjustments to your totals up to the minute you leave for your trip. We accept check, credit card, cash, or Purchase Order for total group payment. If paying with a PO, you must bring a copy of the actual PO; PO numbers only will not be accepted. Over-payments less than $10 will not be refunded. Over-payments of $10 or more will be mailed by check and may take 2-3 weeks for processing.

Where do We park

  • Click here for parking map

    Bus parking (mini, mid-size, full-size, charter): will park in the main Vine Street parking lot at 3400 Vine Street.

  • Bus drop-off: will drop-off in the main Vine Street parking lot at 3400 Vine Street.
  • Vans, Cars: will park in the main Vine Street parking lot at 3400 Vine Street.
    • Chaperones parking in main Vine lot should cross over the bridge at meet their group at the turnstiles.

Due to heavy construction around and within the Zoo, parking for buses and cars will be limited in the spring. On busy days, cars may be directed to overflow lots. Please follow road signs and staff directions.

Click here for parking map

Please share this address with your bus driver and chaperones as parking locations have changed from past years.

  • Bus parking (mini, mid-size, full-size, charter): will park in the our new Erkenrebcher Ave lot at 3301 Euclid Avenue.
  • Bus drop-off: will enter in the our new Erkenrebcher Ave lot at 3301 Euclid Avenue.
  • Vans, Cars: will park in the main Vine Street parking lot at 3400 Vine Street.
    • Chaperones parking in main Vine lot should cross over the bridge at meet their group at the turnstiles.
    • Some cars may be able to park in the Erkenbrecher Ave lot.

Can chaperones use their Zoo Membership?

  • Memberships cannot be used for field trip admission or rides (train and carousel).
  • Memberships can be used for free parking in the parking lot.

This is part of the membership agreement when memberships are purchased/renewed, and listed on the back of the card.

Do you have any financial aid available?

The Zoo is proud to offer free field trip grants through the Living Classroom Education Access Fund. To find out more information and if you qualify, click here.

Rescheduling & Cancelling

There is no fee to reschedule or cancel your trip. Please call 513-559-7730 or email [email protected] to let us know as soon as possible.

Rescheduling

We can move most schools from one dates to another. Please note that due to high school numbers in May, dates may be limited. Rescheduling Close Encounter and CREW Tours may be difficult due to limited availability.

Cancelling 

Send us an email with the name of your school, teacher name, and confirmation number and we can cancel your field trip.

What should we do about lunch?

What to Eat

  • School Lunches by the Zoo. We have a convenient lunch program for children and adults. This great option will save you the exhausting and time-consuming hassles of packing, hauling, and sorting out lunches. Let the Zoo do the work for you! Learn More >
  • Bring your own lunches. We strongly encourage students to pack a sack lunch and either carry it themselves or have a chaperone carry it for the group in a bag. Space to store lunches is limited and is first come, first serve OR reserved for groups that have rented a shelter space for the day.
  • Purchase Lunch Individually. There are general dining options around the Zoo to purchase lunch. Base Camp Café is open year-round. Additional concessions are located throughout the park but are open seasonally and weather-dependent. Kids’ meals start as low as $6.50. Note: Lines may be long during our busy season. There is plenty of seating at all dining locations, open or closed.

Where to Store Your Lunches and Where to Eat

  • We strongly encourage students to pack a sack lunch and either carry it themselves or have a chaperone carry it for the group in a bag. This way, while in their smaller groups, when they are ready for lunch they can find a bench or table near by and eat, rather than traveling across the Zoo to meet for lunch.
  • Vine Street Village: limited lunch storage is available by the family bathroom located at Vine Stree Village. Tables are available for seating, as well as covered shaded space under the pavilions at Elephant Reserve (no seating inthis covered area).
  • Picnic Shelters by the Grove: picnic tables are available first come, first served by The Grove between Lemur Lookout and Manatee Springs.
  • There are small picnic areas scattered throughout Zoo grounds for smaller groups to eat.
  • Please place lunches along the sides of shelters and table areas.
  • The Zoo is not responsible for items left.

Field Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Registration for a Cincinnati Zoo Field Trip constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth. Upon entry to the Zoo, school groups grant the Zoological Society of Cincinnati (the “Zoo”) permission to use images or media of anyone in the school group in advertising, publicity and other promotions without payment or compensation to holder. The school group voluntarily assumes all risk of personal injury (including but not limited to death) and loss of property, by accident or otherwise, incidental to attending the Zoo and using its rides, attractions and facilities, and agrees that the Zoo, its directors, officers, employees, and agents are not responsible for and shall not be liable for any such injuries or losses, no matter how caused.
  • Entry to the Zoo evidences a revocable license to enter the Zoo’s property, and this license may be revoked (and the holders ejected from the Zoo’s property) at the sole discretion of the Zoo, without refund, if misused or if the holder fails to abide by the policies, rules or regulations of the Zoo. Such policies, among other things, prohibit the possession and/or use of controlled substances and intoxicants on Zoo property. Park hours, prices, policies, and programs are all subject to change without notice.
  • One chaperone per seven students is required. Students in grades PreK-12 must be supervised by their chaperone at all times. Unsupervised groups may be detained by Zoo staff or security until their chaperone is located. Students 18 years+ may not act as chaperones for groups.
  • All school groups must respect Zoo animals and property. Climbing on rails or fences, littering, picking plants or flowers, tapping on windows, screaming at exhibit animals, unauthorized feeding of exhibit animals, chasing free-roaming peacocks, ducks, chickens, or geese are all grounds for dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
  • Cincinnati Zoo Memberships may not be used for school group entry or rides and attractions. The revenue generated from Field Trips helps to keep student admission rates low for all schools visiting the Zoo and allows us to offer world-class programming at no additional cost. Any chaperone attempting to use a membership will kindly be asked to purchase a chaperone ticket from a ticketing window.

Education Terms and Conditions

See our updated and consolidated Terms and Conditions for additional details for all programs.

Call or email: 513-559-7730 or [email protected]

css.php