Children sitting on a bench
School & Youth Programs

Field Trip Reservation Form

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All schools and homeschools in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Imperial, and Riverside counties only should fill out the form below to request their field trip dates to the San Diego Zoo.

If you are trying to book a field trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, CA please click here. 

Schools from any county not listed above, and all Youth Groups (YMCA groups, scout troops, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.) should email youthgroups@sdzwa.org for more information on requesting a field trip. 

 
I have a valid homeschool affidavit (California Education Code Section 33190) and may be requested to present this affidavit and/or other forms of verication prior to recieving Education/School Group rates.
Grade Level(s)
School or Group Phone
School/Group Address
Contact
This is the information we will use to contact your group in case of emergency on the day of your field trip. Please list contact information for an adult who will be at the Zoo with your group.
Title
Visit Date and Admission Policies
During October Kids Free month, in-county and out-of-county school groups, grades pre-K–college, are admitted free on traditional school days, but must make a reservation at least 2 weeks prior to the group's visit.

Quantities & Ratios   

  • The minimum size of a school/youth group is 15 people. Each school/group can bring a maximum of 200 people per day. Each individual over the 200-person limit is charged full price.   
  • Groups from accredited homeschools are welcome! You must meet the minimum group size of 15 to qualify for the discounted education rate.   
  • For safety reasons your group must have a minimum of 1 adult for every 10 students.
  • College groups must have a minimum of 1 Professor/Instructor for every 40 students.
  • Adult chaperones are required to stay with their students at all times.   
  • School Groups Only:  
    • The maximum ratio of free adults is 1 per 4 students. If you have any special needs students, we allow one adult for every one special-needs student in the group.
    • Adults above the maximum ratio of free adults, up to and not exceeding the total number of students, are $15 each. If the number of adults exceeds the number of students, each adult exceeding the number of students will be charged full admission price (or need to present a valid membership). 
    • ​​​​Teachers are counted in the total number of adults.  
Please review the fee/rate calendar for your group type (above) and ensure you are comfortable with the pricing for the date you have selected. 

You should arrange your transportation to and from the Zoo PRIOR to booking your self-guided field trip. 

Your admission is only valid for the date you are requesting. If you need to change your field trip date after you submit this request, please email educationzoo@sdzwa.org.
  • Minimum group size of 15 required to qualify for special rates
  • Maximum group size is 200 people per school, per day (students + adults)
    • Your group must enter the Zoo together
    • If your group is larger than 200 people, additional guests will pay full price admission.
Please include your aides in your estimated number of adults.
Add-ons

The Skyfari Aerial Tram is included with Education Admission Tickets. For all other add-on items, please review your options below
Please check this box if you would like to learn more about including a Zoo Education Experience Package with your self-guided field trip. A Zoo Education representative will contact you. 
If you would like to pre-purchase meal vouchers, please list the number you would like to purchase here.
Each voucher is $16.50 and is redeemable at select food stands throughout the Zoo for the same value (usually the equivalent of an adult meal with soft drink).

*Lunch storage is now available at the Zoo, located in the Wildlife Explorer Basecamp. Directions and passcodes will be located in your confirmation email you will receive no later than 2-weeks before your visit. If you choose to not utilize lunch storage, your students will need to carry their own lunches.
Guided Bus Tour tickets are $6 per person when requested on this reservation at least 3 weeks (21 business days) in advance, and are subject to avalibility. If we are able to accomodate your request your confirmation email will reflect your scheduled bus tour time. Groups larger than 90 people will need split into multiple time slots. 

If we are at capacity bus tour tickets are $12 per person and you will be mixed in with the general public. 
Required Ratio = 1 chaperone: 10 students
 
4-D Theater tickets are $4 per person when purchased in advance, same-day tickets are $8 per person.
Education Reservation Requirements
  • Reservation required minimum of 10 business days in advance
  • $75 late fee for reservations made within 10 business days
  • Group must arrive and enter Zoo together
  • Student defined as individual grades K-College visiting with an accredited teacher or homeschool instructor for the purposes of studying natural science curriculum.
  • Youth defined as individual visiting with accredited teacher or homeschool instructor for the purposes other than studying natural science curriculum OR individual under the age of 18 visiting with a youth group/parent participation group such as YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, daycare, etc.
  • Chaperone defined as adult age 21 and older, may be a parent/guardian, school support staff, or other adult affiliated with the group of students/youth in a supervisory capacity
  • Tickets not for sale to any person other than students and chaperones accompanying accredited teacher, homeschool instructor, or on-staff youth group leader such as a YMCA Program Leader, Scout Troop Leader, etc. in an education group.
Please read and check to show understanding and acceptance of terms and conditions:
I understand that lunch storage is provided at the San Diego Zoo for education groups only. Passcodes should not be shared with anyone outside of your group, and no coolers/food storage containers larger than a 6-pack size are permitted on Zoo grounds.
I have read and agree to abide by the Zoo Rules and will share this information with my students and chaperones. 
I have looked at the fee/rate calendar for my group type and am aware of the admission fees for my selected date. 
I agree to provide payment for any outstanding balance before my group enters the Zoo.
I understand that my entire group must enter the Zoo together to received the discounted/free admission rate.
I understand that if my group is larger than 11 people we may need to split into smaller groups to participate in the guided bus tour, and that we may need to ride on separate buses. 

Required Chaperone Ratio for Bus Tour: 1 adult for every 10 children
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