Field Trip FAQ

How do we pay for our field trip?

Download and complete our Field Trip Form. This must be presented with payment at Zoo admissions.

How do I schedule a program or tour?

Contact our Education Specialist at peninnah.ziegler@scz.org or 316.266.8213.

When is my field trip program registration complete?

Registration for classes, events, or programs is complete upon receipt of your program ticket.

I have students with special needs. May they attend?

All students are welcome in our field trip programs. Please contact the Education Department if there are needs we can accommodate. If you’d like to set up a program specifically designed for those with special needs, please contact us at 316-266-8213.

Sedgwick County Zoo does not have family bathrooms or a care room for children or adults with special needs for feeding or bathroom time.

Can we cancel our scheduled program?

If your group is not able to attend your scheduled program, you must notify the Education Department at least 1 hour before the start of your program. If no advance notice is given, the group will be charged a $10 service fee. Title I schools who do not show up will be billed for each admission in addition to the $10 service charge. Fees will be invoiced to the school.

Can we cancel our tour?

If your group is not able to attend your scheduled education tour, you must notify the Education Department at least 24 hours before the start of your tour. If no advance notice is given, the group will be charged a $10 service fee per tour. Title I schools who do not show up will be billed for each admission in addition to the $10 service charge. Fees will be invoiced to the school.

What happens if we are late for our scheduled STEM Safari Program?

Due to tight schedules, programs will be canceled if groups are more than ten minutes late. Groups that do not show up AND do not call a minimum of one hour before the program is scheduled to begin will be charged a $10 service charge. Title I schools who do not show up will be billed for each admission in addition to the $10 service charge. Fees will be invoiced to the school.

Can we bring siblings to the field trip program?

Sorry, siblings attending the field trip will not be allowed in the program. Siblings and their adults may explore the Zoo and meet back up with the group after the program, but should not plan to wait in the Cargill Learning Center.

Are there any rules I should review with my students before our field trip?

We encourage teachers and other adults to review these rules with their groups before their visit:

• Please walk!
• Remain on the pathways at all times. This is for safety! No climbing on rails, and keep hands, feet and other objects outside of barriers and fences.
• Do not chase or tease the animals.
• Do not touch plants or pick the flowers.
• Feed only the food provided for the animals in the feeders in designated areas. Feeding in other areas of the zoo is not allowed.
• Please deposit trash and recyclables in the proper bins.
• During education programs, use inside voices.
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the auditorium or classrooms.
• Respect all zoo guests and employees.

The zoo reserves the right to contact school administrators if misconduct by students occurs.

Can we bring lunches with us?

Absolutely! Sack lunches should be brought in protective labeled containers, and can be stored in the shelter areas near Plaza Beastro. We also offer sack lunches for $5 each through Plaza Beastro. Call 316.266.8226 one week in advance of your trip to request sack lunches.

Do you offer field trip favors?

Grab bags are available for group purchase through our gift shop. Call 316.266.8234 one week in advance of your trip to make arrangements.

Does the zoo provide transportation reimbursement for Title I programs?

Yes! This program is available for Title I schools within Sedgwick County. The program offers reimbursement up to $200 per bus to schools to offset zoo field trip transportation costs.

To receive this funding, complete the following steps:

1. Call the zoo at 316-266-8213 to register for transportation reimbursement. The school must know how many buses will be needed.
2. Book a field trip and free education program with the Zoo.
3. Book buses for your trip through the bus company.
4. Enjoy your field trip to the Zoo and participate in the required education program.
5. Following the field trip, send the receipt for bus transportation to the Zoo no later than June 15, 2019. Late requests will not be honored.
6. The Zoo will confirm attendance at the Zoo and required education program, and reimburse the school for up to $200 per bus.

Registration for transportation reimbursements will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Title I schools may ask for more than one reimbursement in the school year. Transportation reimbursement is not available for the Party for the Planet Earth Day Celebration or Fifth Grade Fire Prevention Day.