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.
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 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.
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 payment.
Click here for current admission prices, hours, and 2023 season dates. Prices are updated in February, so double check before you collect student payment. Outdated prices will not be honored.
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. Paid professional school staff receive a free box lunch with school ID when accompanying paying students. No outside food is allowed in the Parkview Physicians Group Pavilions. You may place an order when you register for your field trip below.
Parking – After unloading students, please park buses at the Foellinger Theater. Allow at least three hours for your Zoo visit.
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.
Feeding Animals – Feeding Zoo animals is not permitted except with an employee-led feeding experience. Experiences can be purchased online or with cash at the front gate upon arrival. Cash will not be accepted at animal feeding experiences.
Rides – Ride tickets can be purchased online in advance of your visit or with cash at the front gate. Cash will not be accepted at ride locations. Height or age restrictions may apply.
Policies- Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available if you cancel box lunches and your field trip at least 2 weeks in advance. No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks in advance.
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.
JUST ZOO IT
School field-trip or Zoomobile Mini-Grant Program
Embark on a learning adventure with the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo! Apply now for a 2022 mini-grant that will help provide support for field trips or in-classroom Zoomobile programs during the 2022-2023 school year. The application deadline for the Just Zoo It mini-grant is Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
Thank you to Touchstone Cooperatives for sponsoring this program!
