School Field Trip Information
- Reservations can be made starting 8/31/2020 for visit dates during the 2020/2021 school year.
- At this time, reservation dates are only available 3 weeks out at a time so that we can adjust capacity limits as needed in accordance with guidance from State and public health guidelines.
- Reservations can be made for visits Monday - Friday only and some black out dates apply.
- Reservations must be made at least 1 week in advance of visit date.
- Reservations are currently limited to no more than 50 in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
- The Zoo currently has timed entry in place. Please plan to arrive in accordance with your assigned entry time.
- Students may not carry backpacks inside the Zoo. Backpacks are allowed for teachers and chaperones only. Small drawstring bags are allowed for students to carry their belongings. We encourage the use of refillable water bottles.
- Lunches are not allowed to be brought into the Zoo. Schools that bring their own lunches can eat at the Solar Point Picnic Area located in the North America parking lot before or after your Zoo visit. There is no re-entry at this time.
- 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. Do not park and unload at the Entrance.
- School field trips require one adult chaperone for every 10 students. Chaperones must remain with and supervise their groups at all times.
- Please be sure to review the Zoo's current operations, health and safety information before planning your trip.
- Face coverings are required while visiting the Zoo in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
- Additional guests/parents/chaperones must purchase tickets online in advance for Zoo entry.
North Carolina Public and Private School (K-12)
North Carolina Public and Private School (K-12)
- Reservations must be made at least 7 days prior to visit date–eligible dates for the 2020-21 school year are between September 8, 2020 through June 4, 2021. Reservations will be taken after August 31 for this upcoming school year.
- Reservations can be made by calling Zoo Advance Tickets/Reservations 336.879.7700 9am - 4pm daily.
- Have your NC DPI-LEA or Zoo assigned ID number ready when making your reservation.
- Reservations are for students in your classes only: siblings and other children are not included in the free admission.
- One complimentary teacher/staff 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.
- Additional guests/parents/chaperones must purchase tickets online in advance for Zoo entry.
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 7 days prior to visit date–eligible dates for the 2020-21 school year are between September 8, 2020 through June 4, 2021. Reservations will be taken after August 31 for this upcoming school year.
- NC home schools must be registered with the state of North Carolina to receive the free entry.
- Reservations can be made by calling Zoo Advance Tickets/Reservations 336.879.7700 9am - 4pm daily.
- Remember to print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit, the serves as your TICKET.
- Additional guests/parents/chaperones must purchase tickets online in advance for Zoo entry.
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.
- Group Sales Discounts are not offered at this time.
- Out of state schools are welcome to visit the Zoo during this time by purchasing advance tickets online.
- Ticket Sales/Group Size is currently limited to 50 per order in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
Out-of-State Home Schools
Out-of-State Home Schools
- Out-of-state home schools are not eligible for free admission to the Zoo.
- Discounts on tickets/admission are not being offered at this time.
- Out of state schools are welcome to visit the Zoo during this time by purchasing advance tickets online.
- Ticket Sales/Group Size is currently limited to 50 per order in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities
- Colleges and Universities are not eligible for free admission to the Zoo.
- Group Sales Discounts are not being offered at this time.
- College and University Groups are welcome to visit the Zoo during this time by purchasing advance tickets online.
- Ticket Sales/Group Size is currently limited to 50 per order in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
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 can call Zoo Advance Tickets/Reservations 336.879.7700 9am - 4pm daily with questions or to make a reservation.
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 make reservations starting August 31st to visit the North Carolina Zoo for free between September 8, 2020 through June 4, 2021. School reservations must be made at least 7 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 7 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 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 must have a reservation (Zoo members) or purchase tickets online in advance for Zoo entry.
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 can call 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 2020-2021 school year are between September 8, 2020 through June 4, 2021. Reservations will be taken starting August 31 for this upcoming school year. Any additional adults, seniors or children that you bring must have a reservation (Zoo members) or purchase tickets online in advance for Zoo entry.
Can North Carolina university/college groups get in free?
Can North Carolina university/college groups get in free?
No, College and University are welcome to plan a visit to the Zoo but at this time we are not offering any group sales discounts. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by calling the Zoo's Advance Ticket/Reservations Office 336.879.7700 9am - 4pm daily. Ticket Sales/Group Size is currently limited to 50 per order in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
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. Out of State Schools are welcome to plan a visit to the Zoo but at this time we are not offering any group sales discounts. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by calling the Zoo's Advance Ticket/Reservations Office 336.879.7700 9am - 4pm daily. Ticket Sales/Group Size is currently limited to 50 per order in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order #163.
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 7 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 up at Farm-to-Table Cafe in North America Plaza or Junction Springs restaurant in Junction 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?
Currently we are asking all guests that bring their own lunches to picnic at our Solar Point Picnic Area located in the North America Parking Lot before or after your Zoo visit. There is no reentry at this time.
Can we bring our lunches into the Zoo?
Can we bring our lunches into the Zoo?
No, We do not allow lunches to be brought inside the Zoo. Currently we are asking all guests that bring their own lunches to picnic at our Solar Point Picnic Area located in the North America Parking Lot before or after your Zoo visit. There is no reentry at this time. If you wish to plan to eat lunch inside the Zoo you may also purchased bagged lunches through the Zoo's catering department when you make your reservation.
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/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. 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 can check in with a zoo admissions team member at the entrance. Please do not arrive at the gate prior to your entry time. For each entry time assigned you have a 30 minute window for which you may enter the Zoo. For example; if you have a 9 a.m. entry time for your reservation you have between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to enter. If you are running late, please call our Guest Services office 336.879.7308 so that we can know when to expect you.