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 and youth groups (YMCA groups, scout troops, etc.) in San Diego County 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 out-of-county Youth Groups should email youthgroups@sdzwa.org for more information.

If you would like to learn more about Zoo Education Experience Packages and Tours, please STOP HERE.

Instead, click this link to book your visit on our calendar management site. You will only need to return to this form if you decide to not add a tour and would like to book self-guided admission instead.

Type

I have a valid homeschool affidavit (California Education Code Section 33190) and could present this affidavit if requested prior to entering the Zoo.

Visit Purpose

School or Group Name

Grade Level(s)

School or Group Phone

Ext:

School/Group Address

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

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

First

Last

Position

Mobile Phone

Confirm Email

Preferred Means of Contact

Visit Date and Admission Policies

San Diego County students visiting with accredited teacher or homeschool instructor for the purposes of studying natural science curriculumare free of charge during most traditional school days. Dates of traditional school days, holidays, and summer vacations are based on several school districts within San Diego County. Click here to view the in-county fee/rate calendar for in-county schools and accredited home school groups.
Students from schools located in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Imperial, and Riverside counties visiting with accredited teacher or homeschool instructor for the purposes of studying natural science curriculum pay a discounted rate of $15 for each student on traditional school days. Click here to view the fee/rate calendar for schools and accredited home school groups located in these counties.
Youth groups & parent participation groups in San Diego County (such as scout troops, Boys & Girls Club, etc.) pay a discounted rate of $26 for each guest ages 17 and younger and $31 for each guest ages 18 and older, including chaperones. Click here to view the fee/rate calendar for San Diego County youth groups.
School and youth groups from all other areas need to arrange their self-guided visit by emailing YouthGroups@sdzwa.org. Click here to view the fee/rate calendar for out-of-county youth groups.

During October, in-county and out-of-county school groups, grades pre-K–college, are admitted free during the week (Monday through Friday), 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.  
Your group must have a minimum of 1 adult for every 10 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.

Desired Date

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 call 619-557-3963.

Estimated Number of Students

Estimated Number of Adults

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.

Number of Students with special needs who require an aide

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

Meal Vouchers

Lunch Storage is not available at the Zoo. If you choose to bring your own lunches, your students will need to carry their own lunches. 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).

Guided Bus Tour Tickets

Guided Bus Tour tickets are $5 per person when purchased in advance. If you purchase the same day of your visit bus ticket rates are $10 per person.

Please plan to arrive to the Bus Loading Zone together! Groups larger than 11 people may need split into smaller groups for the bus tour and may not be able to ride the bus together.
Required Ratio = 1 chaperone: 10 students

4-D Theater Tickets

4-D Theater tickets are $3 per person when purchased in advance, same-day tickets are $7 per person.

Education Reservation Requirements

Reservation required minimum of 10 business days in advance
$25 late fee for reservations made within 10 business days
Group must arrive and enter Zoo together
Student defined as individual visiting with 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.

Additional Requests or Concerns

Please read and check to show understanding and acceptance of terms and conditions:

I understand that lunch storage is not provided at the San Diego Zoo, nor are coolers/food storage containers larger than a 6-pack size permitted in the Zoo.

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.

Guided Bus Tour Policy

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

Field Trip Reservation Form

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

If you would like to learn more about Zoo Education Experience Packages and Tours, please STOP HERE.

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