Field Trip FAQs - Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo Field Trip FAQs

How do I get to the Bronx Zoo?

All onsite programs will meet at the Southern Blvd entrance gate. Enter the intersection of Southern Blvd and 182nd street as the destination address in your map application. Click here to find directions.

What accommodations do you make for groups with special needs?

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students are welcome. In order to best meet the needs of your students, we ask that you contact us to discuss any special needs prior to your program date. We are more than happy to discuss all the options available. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information.

What are the park rules, especially regarding COVID?

Click here for Rules & click Bronx Zoo Know Before You Go for COVID protocols.

What types of programs does the Bronx Zoo offer school groups?

Classroom Programs: Classroom programs include a one-hour onsite experience led by one of our educators. This experience will include a visit to one of the zoo exhibits, meeting one small ambassador animal in a zoo classroom, and educational activities related to the theme of the program.

Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor Adventures include a one-hour onsite experience led by one of our educators. This experience occurs completely out in the zoo (though some exhibits may be indoors) and will include multiple educational activities related to the theme of the program.

Virtual Field Trips: Virtual programs include a live, 45-minute guided online experience led by one of our educators. These experiences include a live meeting with one small ambassador animal, footage from the Bronx Zoo exhibits featuring our animals, as well as time for students to ask the educator questions.

Guided Tours: Tours include a one-hour onsite experience led by one of our knowledgeable volunteers. This experience includes visiting select exhibits.

Scavenger Hunts: Scavenger hunts are a completely self-paced, self-guided onsite experience. The experience includes access to a special website with multiple activities designed to enhance your visit, including a printable activity sheet.

What is included in the price of a field trip?

Classroom Programs and Outdoor Adventures include a one-hour onsite experience with a conservation educator and limited admission for program attendees.

Guided Tours include a one-hour onsite experience with a knowledgeable volunteer and limited admission for program attendees.

Scavenger Hunts are onsite, self-guided experiences that include access to an exclusive webpage with activities to enhance your visit and limited admission for program attendees.

Virtual Field Trips occur online and include a 45-minutes live experience with a conservation educator.

When are Bronx Zoo Education programs available?

Our school programming is booked Mon-Fri between 10:15am and 12:30pm. Self-led visits have additional flexibility.

How many students can participate in an onsite program or virtual field trip?

Onsite Programs:

Pre-K and K: 30 students and 7 adults, including teachers.

1st Grade and up: 35 students and 7 adults, including teachers.

ICT: 35 students and 10 adults, including teachers.

Self-contained: We require one adult for every two students in a special education class with a maximum class size of 12 students. We do not allow combining of classes, so that we can best meet the needs of y our students.

School and camp groups must provide a minimum of 1 adult chaperone for every 10 children.

Chaperones must remain with their group at all times.

Classes cannot be combined to reach the maximum number of students.

Virtual Field Trips:

Pre-K and K: 30 students.

1st Grade and up: 35 students.

All programs must have at least one adult present to assist in program facilitation.

For virtual trips, what web platform do you use?

Our educators will send a Google Meets link a few days prior to your program. If you need to use an alternative platform, please let your educator know at this time and we will do our best to accommodate.

What happens if we are disconnected during our program?

If your instructor loses connection with your class during the program, or other technical issues arise, they will attempt to resolve the issues for 3 minutes. If the issues cannot be resolved and more than 30 minutes of your program time slot remains, our Registrar team will contact you to reschedule your program for a later date and time.

How should I prepare my students for a virtual field trip?

Upon booking your program, you will be contacted by the educator who will provide you with a list of recommended student materials as well as other important program information. These materials would be common classroom items or writing utensils and paper.

How do I book an in person or virtual education field trip?

Click here to view the school programs available (onsite, virtual, and self-led).

Are there any discounts?

Yes! We offer discounts for Title 1 schools so please indicate that your school is a Title 1 school on the booking form to receive this discount.

What are your payment, rescheduling, and cancellation policies?

Payment is due at the time of booking. Requests to reschedule or cancel must be made in writing. Rescheduling cannot be done less than a week prior to the program and a rescheduling fee may apply. Cancellations made more than 2 weeks out will receive a 50% refund, there will be no refunds for cancelations made less than 2 weeks out. Please view our Terms & Conditions

What times are the animals fed?

Click here and scroll towards to bottom to find a daily schedule.

Are all attractions open every day?

No, some attractions are only open seasonally. All attraction and exhibit availability is subject to weather, capacity, mechanical, and/or animal-related issues. Visit bronxzoo.com/today to see what attractions and exhibits are open on the day of your visit.

What are the dining options at the Bronx Zoo?

Visit https://bronxzoo.com/plan-your-visit/dining to see all the Bronx Zoo dining options. Visit bronxzoo.com/today to see which locations are open on the day of your visit.