Field Trips
Fill out a field trip request form so that our reservation department can contact you to plan your visit.
Bring your class or your education-based group to the Zoo for a fun day of educational adventures
​
Each year, we see thousands of students, teachers, and parents travel through our gates for field trips and we're happy to say that those numbers, as well as our geographic reach, continue to grow annually.
​
Our mission is to connect people with animals and we make every effort to realize that in every education program we offer. Today, more than ever, it is critical that our young people develop an understanding, appreciation, and respect for our natural resources and surroundings. There are many species living in our Zoo whose existence in the wild depends on it. What better way to do this than to get a firsthand look at one of nature's animal ambassadors?
Whether you come every year or are visiting this page for the first time, we strongly encourage you to make a reservation for your planned group trip to the Washington Park Zoo to take advantage of the discounted rates. There is always something new to see and do at the Washington Park Zoo.
Reservation Details
A limited number of discounted group admission reservations are available Mondays through Fridays to education and care facilities on a first-come, first-served basis. We only offer discounted admission for school groups, daycares, summer camps, education groups recognized by the Indiana Department of Education, as well as assisted living/care facilities for challenged or senior individuals. For the safety of the animals and visitors, we have set Daily Capacity Limits on Group Reservations from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., so some dates may not be available due to already processed reservations and rain dates.
​
A minimum group size of 15 is required for discounted field trip rates. Completed forms should be dropped off, emailed, faxed, or mailed.
​
All groups must request a reservation two weeks prior to arriving. A confirmation will be mailed, or 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.
​
About Field Trips To The Washington Park Zoo
Group Rates:
Adults (12 years and up) - $6.00
Children (3-11 years) - $6.00
Children (2 years and under) - FREE
​
To qualify for the discount rates you must:
-
The rates listed above are available Monday through Friday. Groups eligible to receive these rates must also:
-
Be at the Pre-K to 12th-grade level for a school recognized by the Indiana Department of Education, a civic group, or an assisted living/care facility for challenged or senior individuals
-
Make a reservation at least 14 days before visiting
-
Have a minimum of 15 paying individuals
-
Have all student, teacher, and chaperone payments collected in advance and presented at the Admission Gate as one single payment. Please also come with an accurate headcount of students and chaperones.
-
Pay with cash, check, or Visa/MasterCard (sorry, vouchers and purchase orders are not accepted) Checks are made out to the Washington Park Zoo
-
Have a minimum of one adult per 10 students (through grade 12)
-
-
All groups must make a reservation to visit the Zoo. No class can get a discount without a reservation.
-
Everyone MUST enter the Zoo at one time. Individuals arriving later than their group will be charged full admission.
-
School groups are encouraged to stay visible by wearing ADHESIVE name tags. Strings and pins tend to end up in animal enclosures, which can threaten our animals' safety.
​
Arrivals
Please have one contact person report to the admissions booth when you arrive and let them know you are here for a field trip. Please have your group remain in the park or the bus until you have finished checking in. DO NOT unload or load buses in front of the zoo, this is a safety issue for all traffic and zoo guests.
​
At check-in, you will be given a wristband for each of your paid admissions. These bands must be on your group members before they will be allowed to enter the Zoo.
​
Due to the number of people visiting, there is NO re-entry once you leave the Zoo for field trip groups.
​
Have your CHILD VS ADULT ticket count ready for your check-in, where ONE person from the group will go to the admission office to pay and collect wristbands.
​
*Group rates cannot be paid individually. They must be paid with one transaction for the whole group.
​
Bus Parking
Parking is a separate department from the zoo and they charge from May through September. Groups must be registered to receive the reduced parking fees of $8 bus or $4 car. These fees will be paid separately from the zoo admission fees as you enter the parking lot with a credit card or cash.
​
Rainy Day/Severe Weather
Please check the weather before you depart for the Washington Park Zoo. The Zoo is an outdoor park but remains open during inclement weather, so we do not offer refunds or rainchecks. Bring your umbrellas and ponchos for cloudy days. If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact us to reschedule your visit.
​
Lunch at the Zoo
NO outside food, coolers, or packed lunches are allowed in the zoo. If you'd like to bring your own lunches, picnic areas are available in the adjoining Washington Park. Sorry, we have no coolers or storage areas available for lunches during your visit. Outside bags entering the Zoo may be checked by Zoo Staff.