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Field Trips

The School Field Trip season for 2023-2024 is sold out!

2023-24 Season is Sold Out

The School Field Trip season for 2023-24 are SOLD OUT. We’ll see you next season!

Field Trips Information

Welcome to our Field Trips Reservations system where you can take care of everything in one place! Book your spot, pay online, and your tickets will be mailed out the following Tuesday.

Schools with Title I accreditation and schools within Houston City Limits qualify for free admission. View the Texas Education Agency, Federal Program Compliance to see if you qualify.

Pricing:

  • Students: $15
  • Adult chaperones: $17
  • Processing fees: $25 (payable by credit card only)
  • Wildlife Carousel rides: $3 per ticket

Payment is due at the time of your booking. Once payment is finalized, your booking cannot be modified. You will automatically receive a detailed receipt by email. Tickets will be mailed every Tuesday. All tickets and processing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Booking stops automatically for each day when capacity is reached. No exception will be made. 

For any field-trip related questions, please read the FAQ below.

Booking Your Field Trip

To book your field trip, you will need:

  • A credit card (only form of payment available)
  • Name, address, and district of your school
  • Name, phone number, and email of an official contact booking the field trip
  • Total number of students
  • Number of chaperons (automatically calculated based on ratio described below)
  • Number of extra adults (not covered by the free chaperon program) and extra children visiting with your group
  • Number of buses
  • Name and phone number for an emergency contact while on Zoo grounds the day of the field trip

Chaperone Program

Chaperone calculations are as follows:

  • One free adult chaperone for every ten students grades K-12
  • One free adult chaperone for every five Pre-K students
  • One free adult chaperone for every one Person with Special Needs (PSN)

Chaperones must accompany their groups for the duration of the visit. Free chaperon tickets will be added automatically to your cart according to the ratio above. Teachers, staff, and bus driver are considered part of this ratio. Purchase additional adult discounted tickets for any adults not part of that ratio. Tickets are not available to purchase at the gate.

Buses and Parking

All bus drivers must unload students at Hermann Park Drive curbside, between Gates 4 and 7. A Zoo Ranger/Security Officer will assist teachers and students during unloading. This area is designated as bus parking so buses may remain there once the children have been unloaded. A security officer will patrol this area for the duration of the field trip. At the end of your students’ visit, you will load students, chaperones and teachers back at the curb at Hermann Park Drive where originally dropped off. Zoo Rangers will assist with making sure all students load buses safely.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to grow in support of our mission to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

View map online.

Adopt An Animal for Your Classroom

Calling all educators! We’ve added a NEW level of Adopt an Animal, the Classroom. This package includes customizable certificates and conservation bracelets for the whole class, plus an animal fact sheet, 5×7 animal photo and a cute, cuddly plush!

Find your school’s mascot, or choose one of your favorite animals from our collection. Your included Adopt            E-newsletter is a great way to teach students about wildlife conservation and learn about the Zoo’s efforts on saving these beautiful animals.

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for field trips?

Only educational institutions accredited by the Texas Education Agency or the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission qualify for school field trips. Requests made by affiliate programs will be denied.

Which schools qualify for free field trips?

Public and private schools located within the Houston city limits and Title 1 schools in outlying cities qualify for free field trips. Processing fees apply and are not refundable.

Who is considered a chaperone?

Any adult accompanying your group is required to have an adult ticket (either a complementary chaperon ticket or a paid adult ticket). If a chaperone has a Houston Zoo Membership, they are able to use the membership for entry. (Please note that all students must have a field trip ticket and cannot enter with a membership.)

What is your cancellation policy?

All tickets and processing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Houston Zoo reserves the right to cancel any program due to inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances, in which case tickets will be refunded. For more questions, email us at fieldtrips@houstonzoo.org.

How do I schedule a field trip in the summer?

Our field trip program runs from September through May, please schedule accordingly. If you plan a visit to visit Houston Zoo this summer (June through August), discounted admission is available for groups of 20 people or more. Please visit our Group Admission Discounts page for details.

What if it rains on the day of our visit?

The Zoo is open rain or shine. We have many indoor facilities, and if you dress for the weather, you can still thoroughly enjoy your visit!

Where do buses park?

All bus drivers must unload students at Hermann Park Drive, curbside between gates 4 and 7. A Zoo Ranger/Security Officer will assist teachers and students during unloading. This area is designated as bus parking so buses may remain there once the children have been unloaded. A security officer will patrol this area for the duration of the field trip. At the end of your students’ visit, you will load students, chaperones and teachers back at the curb at Hermann Park Drive where originally dropped off. Zoo Rangers will assist with making sure all students load buses safely.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to grow in support of our mission to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

View map online.

How does my group enter the Zoo?

We ask that you distribute all tickets to your students before approaching the main entrance. You will be directed by a member of our staff to line up before proceeding through the gate.

What if a student or chaperone in my group is arriving late?

Tickets for late arrivals may be left at Guest Services for pick up. Upon checking in and retrieving their ticket, they will then be granted entry separate from your group.

What if I do not have enough tickets or a chaperon needs to buy a ticket?

Any extra adult tickets not already booked for your field trip will need to be purchased, in advance, on the website like other general admission tickets.

If you need more tickets, you are welcome to book through the field trip page for additional tickets if capacity allows (enter zero for bus quantity), or purchase regular tickets online as regular guests, either through discounted group tickets or daytime admission tickets.

No tickets are sold onsite.

What if I have extra tickets?

We ask that any extra tickets be returned to Guest Services before your departure. As a reminder, unused tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please note that tickets are only valid for individuals in your group.

Where can we store our lunches?

You are welcome to bring outside food and drink, however, there is no storage area available for these items. We have several picnic and shady areas around the Zoo where you may enjoy your lunch. We suggest choosing a place ahead of time and communicating that location to your group. We appreciate you reminding students to pick up after themselves before departing.

What must I do if an emergency occurs while we are at the Zoo?

If you are in need of assistance while on Zoo grounds, look for a Zoo Ranger wearing a red polo shirt. If you are unable to locate a Ranger, call 713-533-6500.

What rules should we follow during our visit?

Before you arrive, please visit the Guest Services page to review all rules regarding food and drink and which items you can and cannot bring into the Zoo. There is also a list of reminders to “Mind Your Zoo Manners” on our Zoo maps. An adult chaperone should accompany your students at all times.

How do I find information about the train in Hermann Park?

The train is owned and operated by the Hermann Park Conservancy. For more information about hours and tickets, visit their website at www.hermannpark.org/visit/train-pedal-boats/

Questions?

For questions, please contact the Field Trip Reservation Team at 713-533-6500 or fieldtrips@houstonzoo.org.