Field Trip FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a field trip?

Register online
Reservation Confirmation Form will appear on the screen once you submit your field trip information. Please print this Reservation Confirmation Form and bring it with you on the day of your visit.
If you would like to speak with a reservationist call the Education Reservations at 404.624.WILD.

How far in advance do field trip reservations need to be made?

How much do field trips cost?

The cost depends on the state sales tax. The current state sales tax is .08% in Georgia.
A minimum of 10 students is required to receive the field trip rate.
My school is exempt from the Georgia state sales tax. Cost is $8.00 per student. One chaperone per 10 students is admitted FREE. One chaperone per 10 students is required. Additional paying adults are $8.64 each.
My school is required to pay the Georgia state sales tax. Cost is $8.64 per student. One chaperone per 10 students is admitted FREE. One chaperone per 10 students is required. Additional paying adults are $8.64 each.
Non-Georgia schools are not state sales tax exempt.
Bus drivers are admitted free.
Zoo Members (adults/students) are admitted free. You must have the membership card or a copy the day of your visit. The Zoo members do not count as part of the group minimum of 10 paying participants required to receive a field trip rate.

How and when do I pay for my field trip?

You pay for your field trip the day of your visit.
Please collect all money prior to getting to the Front Gate Ticket Booth.
Persons who pay separately from the group rate will not be able to receive the group rate. Payment must be made in one amount for everyone to receive the special group rate.
One lead chaperone should take care of the payment for the entire group.
You may pay by cash, school check or school major credit card.
During the busy days it is best to pay by school check. On certain days there will be a check only line available and this will be the fastest and easiest way to get through the Front Gate Ticket Booths.

Is the cost of rides included in the field trip admission price?

The cost of rides is not included in the field trip admission price; however if you would like to purchase tickets prior to your visit, please contact 404.624.WILD.
Admission for these rides is not paid for at the Front Gate Ticket Booth. There is a separate ticket booth inside the park to purchase tickets for the train and carousel.
These rides are available weather permitting.

Can we bring lunch into the Zoo?

You may bring your lunch to the Zoo, but areas to sit and eat may be limited. We recommend students leave lunches on the bus. When it is time to eat, we recommend they return to the buses to pick up lunches, and eat in Grant Park at the picnic tables. Picnic tables and other areas in Grant Park are first come first serve.
Straws and lids are not permitted into the Zoo.
We also offer several restaurants and snack bars inside of the zoo. (Note that some are seasonal and are not open year round).

When is the best day of the week to schedule my field trip?

Mondays through Wednesdays are the best days to schedule a field trip because the Zoo is generally less crowded on these days.
The fall and winter months are also best because the Zoo is generally less crowded during these months.
Afternoons are also less crowded.

How can I find out what education programs are offered for the grade level I teach?

We offer many types of educational programs for all grade levels. All of our programs are correlated with the new Georgia Performance Standards and encourage critical thinking skills and science inquiry through hands-on activities.
Learn more about our education programs. To receive an Education Brochure, please contact our Education Reservations at 404.624.WILD or by email at education@zooatlanta.org.

What are some Zoo experience tips that can be shared?

Take advantage of daily activities, including animal feedings, animal encounters, keeper talks, and theater programs. Some activities are weather permitting.
When you arrive at the Zoo check be sure to get one of the Zoo Atlanta maps from the Front Gate Ticket Booth. It will have a list of general daily activities taking place in the Zoo.
Read the graphics at the animal exhibits, which provide invaluable information about the animals in our collection, their habitat and conservation efforts.
Review the Field Experience Guide prior to your visit. If you are unable download the Field Experience Guide, please contact our Education Reservations at 404.624.WILD.
Plan your itinerary before you visit to maximize your Zoo experience!

What are the hours of operation?

What happens in the event of rain or severe weather on the day of my trip?

We encourage all visiting groups to maintain their reservation status. If it's cold or rainy, there are still lots of fun things to see and the Zoo probably won’t be crowded. The Zoo Weather Packet is a map of indoor or covered zoo exhibits and a packet of activities you can do at the Zoo in any kind of weather!
However, in the case of severe weather, you may contact the Education Reservations at 404.624.WILD to reschedule your field trip.
It is possible for some animals to be off exhibit for certain reasons such as severe or inclement weather.
Zoo Atlanta does not offer rain checks once you have entered the Zoo grounds.

What are the general rules to think about when planning a field trip at the Zoo?

One adult per 10 students/children is required. We expect students to be monitored at all times.
Please do not chase or tease the animals.
Please do not throw or place any items in the exhibits.
Please do not feed the animals; all animals have carefully prepared diets.

How much is parking?

Parking is FREE.
Bus drivers are permitted to drop off their groups in the turnaround circle in the Cherokee Parking Lot and should then park in the Boulevard Parking Lot.
See our map for further details.

What are the driving directions to the Zoo?