There will be a $20 administrative fee per field trip charged for changes of date, so please make sure your date is correct before reserving your date! We are unable to provide refunds except during extreme circumstances. Thank you for helping us keep our field trips affordable!
Making a Reservation for a Group:
We offer discounted admission for field trip groups, including school groups, daycares, scouting group, and other organizations. If you would like to know if your group qualifies for a field trip rate, contact us at education@racinezoo.org. A minimum group size of 20 is required for discounted field trip rates. Completed forms should be dropped off, e-mailed, faxed, or mailed. All groups coming to the Zoo must be pre-registered. All groups must submit a completed reservation form at least two weeks prior to arriving. A confirmation will be e-mailed to you within 7 days after the submission of your registration form. Do not assume your field trip is confirmed if you do not receive anything from us. Please contact us if you have not received a confirmation one week after you submitted your form. Bring a copy of this confirmation on the day of the visit.
If your group has less than 20 people, you are welcome to pay a $100.00 minimum payment. This is still cheaper than paying general admission in many cases.
Download Field Trip Registration Form
Field Trip Frequently Asked Questions
Cost of Admission:
Students and chaperones are $3.00 per person November through March and $5.00 per person April through October.
You receive 1 free chaperone for every 8 paid students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are your restrooms located?
Restrooms are conveniently located at the entrance, downstairs in the Vanishing Kingdom Historic Main Building, at the Jungle Grill, and near the Watering Hole. Changing tables with a maximum weight capacity of 50 lbs. are available in all restrooms.
What if it is raining the day of our visit?
Weather can be unpredictable in Wisconsin so we will do our best to accommodate you. As long as your group has not entered the Zoo, you are welcome to reschedule. If you have entered the Zoo, we are unable to give any refunds. If you have scheduled a program, we will do our best to find an alternate date but cannot guarantee it. To reschedule a program or field trip please contact the Conservation Education Department staff at 262-636- 9580 or education@racinezoo.org.
What can we do for lunch?
Bagged lunches are permitted in the Zoo. No coolers or storage areas are available for lunches during your visit. You may have your hand stamped for re-entry when exiting the Zoo to retrieve your lunches from the bus. Picnic tables are available on a first come first serve basis and are located throughout the Zoo. A picnic area may be reserved for an extra fee of $50 for one hour. Please contact us for rental information and reservations. You may also purchase boxed kids’ _meals from the Jungle Grill. All meals must be pre-ordered at least two weeks in advance in order to receive the meals at the group rate. Contact the zoo for more information or to request boxed lunches.
Should we wear name tags?
We strongly encourage each child to be identified with school name, teacher name, and school phone number.
If we are interested in a program, how much will it cost and how do we reserve a spot?
Programs are $8.00/person with a minimum charge of $160.00. Your admission to the Zoo is included in the program price.
Education programs are a great way to enhance your group’s learning experience at the Zoo. Our programs are 30-45 minutes and include a selection of live animals. Programs are very popular and time slots book quickly so they must be scheduled in advance.
Programs can be booked over the phone at 262-636-9580 or via email at education@racinezoo.org. Please have a couple dates and times in mind when calling. The Conservation Education Department will let you know where your program will be held at the Zoo.
How many chaperones will I need?
The Zoo suggests a 1:8 ratio of adults to students. If your group requires extra chaperones or aides for special needs please contact the Conservation Education Department.
What are the zoo rules?
- Chaperones should be with students at all times and managing their behavior.
- Please do not feed or tease any animal. Anything you feed them or throw in their habitats could make them sick.
- Do not yell or scream at any animal. This may cause undue stress to the animal and is disrespectful.
- Stay behind all guard rails. They are there to protect you and the animals. Do not lean over rails to take photos.
- Please do not use flash photography. It can be very disturbing for many sensitive animals.
- Roller skates or roller blades, skateboards, scooters, Heelies and bicycles are not permitted at the Racine Zoo.
- We have placed trash receptacles and recycling bins throughout the Zoo so that you can leave the grounds the way you found them.
Failure to follow these rules may result in your group being asked to leave. Please be sure to share these rules with students and chaperones prior to your visit.
What if our group is running late and we have scheduled a program?
Due to the popularity of our programs, we may not be able to accommodate your group if you arrive late. Please make every effort to call the Zoo at (262) 636-9189 if your group will be arriving late for your program. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we reserve the right to cancel or adjust program length depending on the availability of staff. No refund will be given to late arrivals.
