School Field Trip Information
- Students may not carry backpacks inside the Zoo. Small drawstring bags are allowed for students to carry their belongings and we encourage the use of refillable water bottles. Backpacks are allowed for teachers and chaperones only.
- Lunches are not allowed into the Zoo. Schools that bring their own lunches can eat in one of the picnic areas outside of the Zoo's North America or Africa entrances. Schools may also pre-order bagged lunches through the Zoo.
- Please print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit.
- Buses can unload and park at North America in parking lot "A" or Solar Pointe. In Africa, the location is parking lot 1. Buses can not park, load or unload in front of the Zoo entrances.
- School field trips require one adult chaperone for every 10 students. Chaperones must remain with their groups at all times.
North Carolina Public and Private School (K-12)
North Carolina Public and Private School (K-12)
- Reservations must be made at least 15 days in advance of visit date–eligible dates for the 2019-20 school year are between September 3, 2019 through June 5, 2020.
- Have your NC DPI-LEA or Zoo assigned ID number ready when making your reservation online.
- Reservations are for students in your classes only: siblings and other children are not included in the free admission.
- One complimentary teacher/staff admission and one complimentary adult chaperone admission is included for every 10 students in your group.
- Remember to print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit.
- Book a Field Trip Reservation Today
North Carolina Home Schools (K-12)
North Carolina Home Schools (K-12)
- NC home schools must make individual school reservations, not as a group.
- NC home school reservations receive one complimentary adult admission per reservation.
- NC home school reservations must be made at least 15 days prior to visit date–eligible dates for the 2019-20 school year are between September 3, 2019 through June 5, 2020. Reservations will be taken after August 22 for this upcoming school year.
- NC home schools must be registered with the state of North Carolina to receive the free entry.
- Home school representatives must call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700 to make the reservation. Reservations cannot be made online.
- Remember to print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit, the serves as your TICKET.
Out-of-State Public and Private Schools (K-12)
Out-of-State Public and Private Schools (K-12)
- Out-of-state schools are not eligible for free admission to the Zoo.
- Ticket purchases must be made at least 15 days in advance of visit date–eligible dates for the 2019-20 school year are between September 3, 2019 through June 5, 2020..
- Out-of-state schools are eligible for the group discounted rates and will receive one complimentary admission for a group leader and one complimentary admission for a bus driver.
- Out-of-state school representatives must call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700 to purchase your tickets. Tickets cannot be purchased online.
- Remember to print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit, the serves as your TICKET.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities
- Colleges and Universities are not eligible for free admission to the Zoo.
- When purchasing in advance College and University groups of 15 or more are eligible for the group discounted rates and will receive one complimentary admission for a group leader and one complimentary admission for a bus driver. Colleges and Universities can call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700 to purchase your tickets or purchase group tickets online.
- If paying individually on the day of visit College and University students that present a current college ID are eligible for a $2 discount on individual admission to the Zoo.
Out-of-State Home Schools
Out-of-State Home Schools
- Out-of-state home schools are not eligible for free admission to the Zoo.
- Out-of-state home schools are eligible for discounted admissions.
- Out-of-state home school representatives must call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700 to purchase your tickets. Tickets cannot be purchased online.
- Remember to print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit, the serves as your TICKET.
FAQ's for School Field Trips
How do North Carolina public and private schools make a reservation to the North Carolina Zoo?
How do North Carolina public and private schools make a reservation to the North Carolina Zoo?
School staff making the reservation will need to know their NC DPI-LEA or Zoo assigned ID number before beginning registration and use your school assigned email address in billing. For assistance, please call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700.
How do I get my NC DPI-LEA or Zoo assigned ID number needed to make a reservation for NC public and private schools (K-12)?
How do I get my NC DPI-LEA or Zoo assigned ID number needed to make a reservation for NC public and private schools (K-12)?
Call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700.
When can North Carolina public and private school groups come to the North Carolina Zoo for free?
When can North Carolina public and private school groups come to the North Carolina Zoo for free?
North Carolina public and private schools can currently make a reservation to visit the North Carolina Zoo for free between September 3, 2019 through June 5, 2020. School reservations must be made at least 15 days in advance of the visit date.
Do North Carolina public and private schools need to make a reservation in order to visit for free?
Do North Carolina public and private schools need to make a reservation in order to visit for free?
Yes, all school reservations are required at least 15 days prior to visit date.
Can North Carolina public and private schools make a reservation to visit on holidays or weekends?
Can North Carolina public and private schools make a reservation to visit on holidays or weekends?
No, school reservations are not taken for holidays, weekends or certain dates throughout the year that are typically high visitation dates (i.e. Spring Break).
Can additional adults/seniors/children not part of the school come to the Zoo free-of-charge with our school group?
Can additional adults/seniors/children not part of the school come to the Zoo free-of-charge with our school group?
No, North Carolina public and private school reservations are for teachers and the students in their class only. Free admission does not apply to siblings, other children, clubs, after school programs, extracurricular activities or summer camps. When you book a school reservation you are given one adult staff and one adult chaperone ticket for every 10 children in your class. These adult tickets are for your teachers, chaperones and bus drivers. Any additional adults, seniors or children that you bring or come along must pay regular price at the admission gate.
Can North Carolina home schools come to the Zoo free-of-charge?
Can North Carolina home schools come to the Zoo free-of-charge?
Yes, North Carolina home schools are required to make individual reservation but not as a group. Home schools may begin by calling 336.879.7700 to make reservations and we will verify that you are a state registered home school and complete your reservation. Eligible dates for the 2019-2020 school year are between September 3, 2019 through June 5, 2020. Reservations will be taken after August 22 for this upcoming school year.
Can North Carolina university/college groups get in free?
Can North Carolina university/college groups get in free?
No, When purchasing in advance College and University groups of 15 or more are eligible for the group discounted rates and will receive one complimentary admission for a group leader and one complimentary admission for a bus driver. Colleges and Universities can call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700 to purchase your tickets or purchase group tickets online. If paying individually on the day of visit College and University students that present a current college ID are eligible for a $2 discount on individual admission to the Zoo.
Can out-of-state schools come to the Zoo for free?
Can out-of-state schools come to the Zoo for free?
No. Out-of-state public, private and home schools do not get free admission to the Zoo. All schools are required to register and make a reservation by calling 336.879.7700. For a discounted group rate, registration and payment are required at least 15 days in advance. Any person paying separately will be charged regular posted admission rates. Registration is good for the date of confirmation only. If the school shows up without their confirmation for the current date, the entire group must pay regular rates at the gate ($15/adult, $11/child).
Can school groups K-12 order bag lunches?
Can school groups K-12 order bag lunches?
Yes, bagged lunches are available for order at the Zoo. Lunches must be purchased at least 15 days prior to your visit and you must have already made your field trip reservation. For assistance, please call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700.
We pre-ordered lunches from the Zoo, where can they be picked up?
We pre-ordered lunches from the Zoo, where can they be picked up?
School lunches can be picked at Iron Hen restaurant in North America Plaza, Junction Springs restaurant in Junction Plaza or at Billy D’s restaurant located in Africa Plaza. Specific pick–up locations will be arranged with your group when you submit your order.
Where can school groups go to eat if we bring our own lunches?
Where can school groups go to eat if we bring our own lunches?
We have free picnic areas outside of both North America and Africa entrances for your convenience. Sites have shaded picnic tables, lovely lake views and nearby restrooms. Please remember to have your hand stamped or use your admissions receipt to leave and re-enter the zoo. Africa picnic site: There is a lot of room for children to run and play. Restrooms are ADA compliant and located in close proximity to picnic tables. North America picnic site: You can park your car closer to the picnic areas. Restrooms are ADA compliant and are located in close proximity to the picnic tables.
Can we bring our lunches into the Zoo.
Can we bring our lunches into the Zoo.
No, We do not allow lunches inside the Zoo. We have free picnic areas outside of both North America and Africa entrances for your convenience. We recommend that your groups plan to eat lunch before heading into the Zoo or before boarding your buses for your return trip in order to maximize the amount of time you have to spend with your students inside the Zoo.
If a student has a food allergy/special dietary need, can they bring their own food?
If a student has a food allergy/special dietary need, can they bring their own food?
If your school has pre-purchased bagged lunches from the Zoo and you have a student(s) with food allergies/special dietary needs you may bring his/her own lunch inside the Zoo as long as they make Admissions gate staff aware of the meal restriction. Admissions staff will place a sticker on the lunch box/book bag.
Can the school children bring backpacks?
Can the school children bring backpacks?
Students cannot carry backpacks into the Zoo. Students can have a small draw string bag ONLY if it is needed to carry their belongings. Students are not allowed to bring lunches in this string bag. A bottled water and an individual snack will be allowed. An individual snack is defined as a single snack size portion such as an apple, a granola bar or a small snack size bag of crackers. Teachers/Chaperones may carry backpack with medical needs for the children, etc. but these bags may be checked by Admissions staff at the Admissions gate. We encourage all guests to bring a refillable water bottle.
Where can the buses unload?
Where can the buses unload?
Buses can unload and park at North America in parking lot "A" or Solar Pointe. In Africa, the location is parking lot 1. Buses cannot park, load or unload in front of the Zoo entrances.
Do students have to stay with staff/chaperone(s) when entering with their school group?
Do students have to stay with staff/chaperone(s) when entering with their school group?
Students are required to stay with staff/chaperones for the entire visit.
Can you tell me more about the school group check-in process upon arrival at the Zoo?
Can you tell me more about the school group check-in process upon arrival at the Zoo?
After exiting the bus and arriving at the entrance, the group leader should proceed to admission lane 5 at either entrance and present his/her confirmation sent to them by North Carolina Zoo reservations. The attendant will ask how many teachers/staff, additional chaperones and children are in their school group. The group leader will then be given ticketed maps for chaperones only. Children do not need a ticket as long as they remain with the school staff/chaperones. The group leader will be reminded of the Zoo guidelines and will then be directed to the exit gates where the leader will hand out Admit One maps to chaperones. As the group enters, each school staff/chaperone will present their Admit One map or receipt to the Admissions staff member at the gate. Students on field trips to the North Carolina Zoo can only receive a map upon leaving for the day. Please note that our Africa entrance is closed November-March.
What happens if I lose my ticketed map and need to exit the Zoo for any reason?
What happens if I lose my ticketed map and need to exit the Zoo for any reason?
You will need to get your hand stamped by a Zoo Admissions staff member before leaving the entrance gate.
Can school groups K-12 purchase discounted fun tickets?
Can school groups K-12 purchase discounted fun tickets?
School groups K-12 registered for a field trip at least 15 days prior to visit can receive a discount for students and teachers on our FUN tickets. FUN tickets are accepted at the Carousel, Butterfly Garden, Giraffe Deck and Paddle Boats. The FUN attractions are only available April 1st through October 31 and all are weather dependent. Certain FUN attractions do have height, weight and age restrictions. Please call 336.879.7700 to purchase or for more information.
My confirmation says to be at the Zoo by 9 a.m., what if we can't get there that early?
My confirmation says to be at the Zoo by 9 a.m., what if we can't get there that early?
No problem, 9 a.m. is the time that the Zoo opens. Get here when you can. We'll see you soon!