Skip to main content

Adventure & Discovery

School Field Trips

Let’s face it – a muskox won’t fit in your classroom and tigers are cooler in person. It’s time to make your science curriculum come to life with a field trip to the Zoo.

Before you request your field trip, be sure to read through the FAQs and other important information further down on this page.

Learning Comes Alive

A Memorable Adventure

Live animals, real zookeepers, science, fun and nature – all in one spot! Read on to learn more about our field trip rate, scholarships, requirements and eligibility, and to find resources to help get your class ready for a zoo visit.

Field Trip Rates, Requirements & Scholarships

Requirements

To qualify for the field trip rate, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Submit an online request form in advance.
  • Be a public/private school (Pre K – High School), college/university, or homeschool co-op.
  • Bring a minimum of 12 paying students. (If your school would be bringing fewer than 12 students, please reach out to reserve@pdza.org to see if accommodations can be made.)
  • Have a 1:5 chaperone ratio. One adult chaperone for every 5 students (pre-K through grade 12)
  • Pay for ticket order at least 15 days in advance of the visit date.

 

Admission Rates

  • $11 each for students and chaperones.
  • One free teacher ticket for each classroom attending the field trip.
  • One free ticket for each 1:1 caregiver who is required to assist a student with a disability or behavioral issue.
  • One $5 group processing fee per order (NOT per ticket).

Groups who do not qualify for the field trip rate may be eligible for a discounted group rate.

 

Scholarships

Thanks to support from The Zoo Society, limited scholarships are available for the 2023-24 school year.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Must be a Public school (pre-K-12), Headstart, or ECEAP program in one of the following school districts: Tacoma, Clover Park, and Franklin Pierce.

  • Schools in qualifying districts with 60% or more of students receiving free or reduced lunch are eligible for a full scholarship
    • Full Scholarship includes: free admission for 1 teacher for each classroom attending, free admission for all students, and free admission for 1 adult chaperone for every 5 students
    • Once approved, you will receive instructions for requesting reimbursement for bussing, which will be provided as funds allow.
  • Schools in qualifying districts with 40-59% of students receiving free or reduced lunch are eligible for a partial scholarship
    • Partial Scholarship includes: free admission for 1 teacher for each classroom attending and a reduced field trip ticket price of $5 per student and chaperone.
    • Partial scholarships do not receive assistance with bussing costs.

No separate application is required to apply for scholarships – please submit our online Field Trip request form. You will be notified of your scholarship status via email (usually 2-3 business days after submitting your request).

Reservation Complete?

Get Prepared!

Booked your trip? Here’s your pre-trip checklist!

  • Read important Field Trip Tips.
  • Show your students the “Zoo Preview” PowerPoint Presentation. This virtual tour will help prepare your students for learning when they arrive.
  • Have your students visit the Animals pages before your visit.
  • Check out the daily schedule of Animal Encounters.
  • Download the Zoo Map: Available in English and Spanish (maps are also available at the front gate).
  • Find field trip guides, chaperone sheets and more on the Teacher Resources page.

Still have questions? Email reserve@pdza.org for assistance.  .