Schoolchildren cheer during Wegeforth Bowl presentation.

School and Youth Programs

Field Trips

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

FIELD TRIPS

All of our field trip tours and programs are aligned to Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards. We support your classroom studies in all curriculum areas: science, language arts, fine arts, social studies, and math. Teachers and Youth Group Leaders can choose a Zoo Educator-guided tour that includes a bus tour, behind-the-scenes visits, and up-close animal encounters or a self-guided field trip at no added cost for their school group as part of a field trip to the Zoo.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY SCHOOLS

Pre-K to college
Fees/Rate Calendar
Rules

Admission to the Zoo is FREE for all students in San Diego County during most of the traditional school year (see calendar for dates). ALL in-county schools and qualified home schools pay $15 per student for weekends, holidays, and during winter, spring, and summer school breaks. Before you make a reservation, please check the Fee/Rate Calendar to ensure you are aware of the Zoo admission rate for your chosen date. Dates and prices are subject to change.

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 prior to the group's visit.

▸ Click this link to sign up for a Self-Guided Field Trip

Looking for a unique and up-close experience for your students? Add a guided tour to your visit with one of our world-famous Zoo Educators! Guided tours include a bus tour, behind-the-scenes visits, and up-close animal encounters.

▸ Learn more about upgrading to a Guided Tour

Is your tour eligible to receive Title I funds? You may also be eligible to participate in one of our field trip programs, available at no cost thanks to several generous donors and grants!

▸ Learn more about the free programs that we offer

NON-SAN DIEGO COUNTY SCHOOLS & HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS

Pre-K to college
Fees/Rate Calendar
Rules

Non-San Diego County schools and qualified home schools receive a reduced admission fee of $15 per student, including weekends, holidays, and during winter, spring and summer school breaks. During October, in-county and out-of-county school groups, grades pre-K–college, are admitted free during the week, but must make a reservation at least two weeks in advance. Before you make a reservation, please check the Fee/Rate Calendar to ensure you are aware of the Zoo admission rate for your chosen date.

▸ Click this link to sign up for a Self-Guided Field Trip

▸ Learn more about upgrading to a Guided Tour

YOUTH GROUPS AND PARENT PARTICIPATION

Youth groups (such as scouts, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.) and parent participation classes receive a reduced admission fee of $23 per youth and $28 per chaperone throughout the year. To qualify for discounted admission, your group must also meet the minimum group size of 15. Group reservations are required for these rates. Groups without reservations pay regular admission rates. Guided tours and classes are offered for all groups with advance reservations. *Discounted rate applies to adult chaperones within the assigned ratio. Adults exceeding ratio incur higher fees.

Youth group leaders can choose a Zoo Educator-guided tour that includes a bus tour, behind-the-scenes visits, and up-close animal encounters or a self-guided field trip for their school group as part of a field trip to the Zoo.

▸ Click this link to register your group for a Self-Guided Field Trip

▸ Learn more about upgrading to a Guided Tour

Please Note: Lunch storage is not available at the San Diego Zoo. Small lockers are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis, however lockers cannot be reserved in advance. Coolers larger than six-pack size are not permitted on Zoo grounds—you may keep them in your vehicle and use them at tables provided just outside our gates. For more information about prohibited/restricted items, and answers to other commonly asked questions, please visit our FAQ page.