School Field Trip Information
North Carolina Zoo offers unique and entertaining learning experiences for children in grades K-12, and for college and university students. By visiting The Zoo, students get to enjoy a fun field trip, while also learning about animals.
- Only North Carolina Public, Private and Registered Home Schools (K-12) are eligible for free admission benefits at the North Carolina Zoo.
- Reservations for the 2023 - 2024 school year are available for visit dates between September 6, 2023 and June 7, 2024.
- Reservations can be made for visits Monday - Friday only. Some dates are unavailable for reservations due to certain holidays and school break periods.
- Reservations must be made at least 1 week before the visit date.
- Please print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit. Your confirmation letter is the ticket for your group.
- Parking and Unloading buses near the entrance is not permitted.
- Bus parking is located in Lot A and Solar Point in the North America parking lot and Lot 1 in the Africa parking lot. Buses must park and unload/load in one of these lots.
- School field trips require one adult chaperone for every 10 students. Chaperones must remain with and supervise their students at all times.
- Please be sure to review the Zoo's current operations before planning your trip.
- Additional guests/parents/chaperones can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate for Zoo entry.
- Students may not carry backpacks inside the Zoo. Backpacks are allowed for teachers and chaperones only.
- Students may carry a small drawstring bag for their personal belongings if needed. We also encourage the use of refillable water bottles.
- Lunches are not allowed into the Zoo. Schools that bring their own lunches can eat at the picnic areas located outside the Zoo entrance gates.
- Lunches are available for purchase through the Zoo's Catering Department. Be sure to have the lunches ordered and paid for 2 weeks prior to the visit date.
- If you choose to leave the Zoo to eat during your visit be sure to see a representative from admissions to receive a hand stamp before exiting. This hand stamp guarantees re-entry after exiting to the parking lot or picnic areas.
Need or Want Help Planning a Field Trip to the North Carolina Zoo?
We are here to help. Attend one of our virtual or in-person workshops and learn the ins and outs of bringing a group to the Zoo. We offer a variety of ways to enhance your school's fieldtrip to the Zoo? Make it a powerful learning experience instead of just a fun day out. During this workshop we will share a variety of free (e.g., app with activities designed for every grade level, free virtual program on careers followed by a career quest at the Zoo) and paid (e.g., educational program, animal ambassador encounter) educational opportunities as well as the tips and tricks needed to make sure you have the best field trip ever! This workshop is offered both virtually and in-person. During the in-person option we will get first hand experiences of some of the educational opportunities and walk you through things like checking your group in. If you have any questions about the workshop please email schoolprograms@nczoo.org.
Please register through SurveyMonkey
Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday 8/22/2023 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. - In-person
- Thursday 9/28/2023 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Virtual
- Wednesday 2/21/2024 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Virtual
North Carolina Public and Private School (K-12)
North Carolina Public and Private School (K-12)
- Reservations must be made at least 1 week before the visit date.
- There’s a limit of 2 free visits per school year per class.
- Eligible dates for the 2023 - 2024 school year are between September 6, 2023 and June 7, 2024. Blackout dates apply for free Public and Private K-12 school visits.
- Reservations can be made for Monday - Friday visits only.
- Reservations can be made by calling Zoo Advance Tickets/Reservations at 336.879.7700 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday.
- Reservations for free entry is for students in your classes only: siblings and other children are not included in the free admission.
- NC Public and Private Schools (K-12) are eligible for one complimentary teacher/staff admission 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. This is your ticket.
- Additional guests/parents/chaperones can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate for Zoo entry.
North Carolina Home Schools (K-12)
North Carolina Home Schools (K-12)
- Reservations must be made at least 1 week before the visit date.
- NC home schools must be registered with the state of North Carolina to receive free entry.
- There’s a limit of 2 free Zoo visits per school year per registered home school.
- NC home schools must make individual school reservations, not as a group.
- Eligible dates for the 2023 - 2024 school year are between September 6, 2023 and June 7, 2024. Blackout dates apply for free homeschool visits.
- Reservations can be made for Monday - Friday visits only.
- Reservations can be made by calling Zoo Advance Tickets/Reservations at 336.879.7700 9 a.m. - 4 .p.m Monday - Friday.
- Reservations for free entry are for students in your classes only: siblings and other children are not included in the free admission
- Eligible NC homeschool reservations receive one complimentary adult admission per reservation for the adult listed on the NC homeschool registration.
- Remember to print and bring your confirmation letter received via email for entry on the day of your visit. Your confirmation letter is your ticket.
- Additional guests/parents/chaperones can 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.
- Out-of-state schools are welcome to visit the Zoo by purchasing tickets online.
- Group Ticket pricing is available for groups of 15 or more.
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 schools are welcome to visit the Zoo during this time by purchasing tickets online.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities
- Colleges and Universities are not eligible for free admission to the Zoo.
- College and University Groups are welcome to visit the Zoo during this time by purchasing tickets online.
- Group Ticket pricing is available for groups of 15 or more.
FAQ's for School Field Trips
How do North Carolina public and private schools make reservations at the North Carolina Zoo?
How do North Carolina public and private schools make reservations at the North Carolina Zoo?
School staff can call Zoo Advance Tickets/Reservations at 336.879.7700 with questions or to make a reservation. This line is available 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Call today to schedule a unique learning experience for your students.
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 in August. Schools can visit the North Carolina Zoo and enjoy a learning experience for free between September 6, 2023 through June 7, 2024. Blackout dates apply on some holidays and school break periods. School reservations must be made at least 1 week in before 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 1 week before the 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 available for holidays, weekends or certain dates throughout the year that are typically high visitation dates (i.e. Spring Break). These dates are referred to as blackout dates.
Schools are welcome to visit on these dates by purchasing tickets online. Group Ticket rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
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. Free admission does not apply to parents, siblings, other children, clubs, after-school programs, extracurricular activities or summer camps. Free admissions are exclusive for public and private school learning experiences at the Zoo.
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, and bus drivers. Any additional adults, seniors or children that you bring can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate for Zoo entry.
Can North Carolina homeschools come to the Zoo free-of-charge?
Can North Carolina homeschools come to the Zoo free-of-charge?
Yes, North Carolina registered home schools can access the Zoo free of charge through individual reservations. Home schools can call 336.879.7700 Monday - Friday to make reservations. We will verify that you are a state registered home school to complete your reservation.
Eligible dates for the 2023-2024 school year are between September 6, 2023 through June 7, 2024. Blackout dates apply on some holidays and school break periods.
The Zoo will take reservations starting August 23rd for this upcoming school year. The school-aged children and one adult registered to the homeschool will be granted free admission. Any additional adults, seniors or children that you bring can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate for Zoo entry.
What are the blackout dates for the 2023 - 2024 school year?
What are the blackout dates for the 2023 - 2024 school year?
Free school reservations are not accepted on certain days throughout the year that are typically high visitation dates (i.e. holidays, teacher work days, spring break). These are referred to as blackout dates.
Schools are welcome to visit on these dates by purchasing tickets online. Group Ticket rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
2023 - 2024 school year blackout dates:
- Friday Nov 10th
- Nov 22nd - 24th
- December 18th - 31st
- Jan 1st and 2nd
- Monday Jan 15th
- Monday Feb 19th
- March 25th - 31st
- April 1st - 5th
- Monday May 27th
Can North Carolina university/college groups get in for free?
Can North Carolina university/college groups get in for free?
No, Colleges and Universities do not get free admission to visit the Zoo. Colleges and Universities are welcome to plan a visit to the Zoo and enjoy its unique learning experience by purchasing tickets online. Group Ticket rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
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 to bask in a new learning experience by purchasing tickets online. Group Ticket rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
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. You must purchase lunches at least 2 weeks before 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 entrance plaza, Junction Springs restaurant in Junction plaza or Billy D's in Akiba Market at the Africa entrance.. Specific pick–up locations and times 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?
School Groups that bring their own lunches can use the picnic areas located outside the Zoo entry gates. Lunches are not allowed to be brought inside the Zoo. If you choose to leave the Zoo to eat during your visit be sure to see a representative from admissions to receive a hand stamp before exiting. This hand stamp guarantees re-entry after exiting to the parking lot or picnic areas.
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. School Groups that bring their own lunches for their field trip can use the picnic areas located outside the Zoo entry gates.
If you choose to leave the Zoo to eat during your visit be sure to see a representative from admissions to receive a hand stamp before exiting. This hand stamp guarantees re-entry after exiting to the parking lot or picnic areas.
If you wish to plan to eat lunch inside the Zoo you can purchase bagged lunches through the Zoo's catering department when you make your reservation. Orders must be made and paid for 2 weeks prior to the date of visit.
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. However, you must let the Admission gate staff know about 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?
No, students cannot carry backpacks into the Zoo. Students can have a small drawstring 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 a backpack with medical needs for the children, etc. but these bags may be checked by Admissions staff at the entrance. We encourage all guests to bring a refillable water bottle.
Where can the buses unload?
Where can the buses unload?
Buses cannot park, load or unload in front of the Zoo entrances. Please proceed to one of the Bus Parking Areas; Lots A or Solar Pointe in North America and Lot 1 in Africa to park and unload.
You may drop off a group leader at the entrance for check in prior to continuing the bus parking lots. This will help expedite the check in process for your group.
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 and must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times during the visit. This helps ensure a safe trip and learning experience.
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. We highly recommend sending your group leader ahead to the entrance to check the group prior to the group. We will ask the group to wait off to the side while we are completing the check in process.
After check-in is completed admissions staff will work with your group to get you into the Zoo as quickly as possible. We will send an attachment along with your reservation confirmation with more instructions and tips for a smooth check-in process. We ask that all additional parties that are buying tickets do so ahead of time and wait for the group inside the entry gates.