Nothing inspires like a Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo field trip! Ignite curiosity as you explore geography, science, language, and culture.
To create a smooth check-in on the day of your visit, all schools are required to use our online system to preregister at least 2 weeks prior to your selected date.
2024 Field Trip Registration is Closed
Field Trip Planner
Download our Field Trip Planner Worksheet to help you calculate zoo admission prices for your group as well as requirements for obtaining the school group discount.
Safety- When walking through the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, stay safe by remaining on designated Zoo guest pathways at all times. All Zoo staff are trained to reunite students who become separated from their group: name tags and matching t-shirts help us reunite groups even sooner. For a successful visit, we recommend a 1:5 chaperone-to-student ratio. Please visit kidszoo.org/plan-your-visit for more information.
Admission – Registration is required at least two weeks in advance for all field trips. Download our Field Trip Planner Worksheet to help you calculate Zoo admission prices for your group as well as the requirements for obtaining the school group discount. Upon registration completion, you will be contacted for confirmation and payment.
Boxed Lunches – Order box lunches at least two weeks in advance of your field trip and enjoy them in our Parkview Physicians Group Pavilions in the African Journey. You may place an order when you register for your field trip below.
Boxed lunches must be paid in full prior to your field trip. Boxed lunches can be rescheduled with three business days’ notice, but cannot be refunded.
Arrival- Please have your group leader check-in at our field trip welcome station located at the front gate OR inside our Guest Services Building. Payment on the day-of must be made in entirety with either check or a credit card. After being checked in, your group will be directed by a Zoo employee.
Student Accessibility – The Zoo wishes to meet the needs of all visitors and as such we are Kulture City certified. Sensory bags are available in the Guest Services building and all staff are trained to work with guests who may have sensory needs. The entire Zoo is wheelchair accessible. Questions? Call 260-427-6800 or e-mail info@kidszoo.org.
Policies-
- If you decide that you need to reschedule your trip, please reach out to our group sales team at least three business days prior to the trip.
- Advanced payment refunds are permitted if requested at least two weeks prior to the trip, minus a 10% processing fee.
- All admission pre-payments are non-refundable.
- Boxed lunches must be paid for in full two weeks prior to your scheduled field trip. Box lunches can be rescheduled with three business days’ notice, but they cannot be refunded.
Try a Mini-Class!
Mini-classes are 20 minute, educational programs held during your Zoo field trip. Classes are led by trained volunteers. Programs are offered every half hour beginning at 9:30AM on weekdays. Group size up to 20 students. Paid school staff members are welcome to join. Advanced registration is required at least two weeks in advance. No additional charge beyond Zoo admission.
Group size up to 20 students. Paid school staff members are welcome to join.
Mini-classes are only available in May, August, September, and October.
Topics include:
Move Like the Zoo Animals: In this lesson, students will discuss the different ways animals move to find their food, water, and shelter here at the Zoo.
Zooper Senses: In this lesson, students will learn how to compare and contrast different animal senses and how they are used in their different habitats here at the Zoo.
Move Like the Zoo Animals: In this lesson, students will discuss the different ways animals move to find their food, water, and shelter here at the Zoo.
Animal Needs at the Zoo: In this lesson, students will be able to explain what animals need to survive at the Zoo.
Ecosystems of the Zoo: In this lesson, students will compare and contrast different ecosystems found around the world and here at the Zoo.
Zoo Life Cycles: In this lesson, students will be able to explain different life cycles that happen around the Zoo.
Wild Wardrobe: In this lesson, students will identify similarities and differences in zoo animal body coverings to determine why they are important to each animal.
Zoo Animals’ Adaptations: In this lesson, students will be able to express the importance of animals having adaptations and will be able to identify the adaptations of different animals at the Zoo.
Zoo’s Web of Life: In this lesson, students will distinguish whether an animal is an herbivore, omnivore, or carnivore and understand how an animal’s diet affects their ecosystems food chain.
To schedule your Mini-Class, contact the Zoo’s Education Department at education@kidszoo.org or 260-427-6800.
Interested in your students building upon their Mini Class knowledge? Click here to schedule a 1-hr Zoomobile program during the academic year.