• Field Trip Notice

    Field Trip reservations for the 2022-2023 School year between September 6, 2022 and June 8, 2023 are now being accepted.

    Looking for tickets for a group visit? Click here for group rates or call 336.879.7700 for more information.

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 2022/2023 school year are available for visit dates between September 6, 2022 and June 8, 2023.
  • Reservations can be made for visits Monday - Friday only. Blackout dates apply for 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.
Children on school trip observing the gyser

FAQ's for School Field Trips