Life Science LIVE!
Check out our dynamic programs and resources for preschool through college level teachers and students. Whether you would like to bring your students for a visit to the Zoo and Aquariums or invite a Zoo Educator to your classroom, we'll help you to make the most of your wildlife learning experience.Schedule your class or school for a fun and educational field trip experience!
Pre-registered school groups receive discounted admission year-round. Rates vary by season, with the largest discount during fall and winter months.
Visit our Field Trip Information Page
Download Field Trip Activities
Please note: The Zoo is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the months of November, December, January and February.
Enhance your Field Trip with a Discovery Program led by a Zoo Educator. These programs focus on a specific animal, habitat or group of animals on exhibit here at Point Defiance.
Schedule a ZooM Outreach Program at your school! A professional Zoo Educator will visit your classroom to enhance your life science curriculum. We'll bring our expert knowledge, opportunities for hands-on discovery and a live animal ambassador. Click here to see our program offerings, fees and scheduling information.
School Field Trips
Our Field Trip registration process will soon be moving to an online system. Until then, please call 253-591-5333 or email sara.olsen@pdza.org to schedule your field trip.
School Programs
Field Trip Discovery Programs at the Zoo and ZooM Outreach Programs presented in your classroom must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance by calling 253-591-5333. You may also email requests to sara.olsen@pdza.org.
Click here to see the "Zoo Preview" PowerPoint presentation. This presentation was designed for teachers to help prepare their students for a Zoo & Aquarium field trip. Slides show each of our exhibit areas and some of the animals that live there.
Metro Parks Tacoma strives toward providing inclusive programs to all community members. People of all abilities are invited to consider registering for any recreational program Metro Parks Tacoma has to offer provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. We can usually build customized support to suit your needs.
To request an accommodation please allow 10 business days prior to the start of the course. Please call (253) 404-3631 to receive an accommodation request form (or click here to download) to be completed and mailed in. This number is for accommodation information only.
Field Trip Scholarship Fund
These scholarships are currently only available for Tacoma Public elementary schools with 60% and above of their students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Download a Field Trip Scholarship Application.
Scholarship applications are considered and approved on a first come/first served basis, however schools who plan to visit the Zoo before May 1st, 2010 will be given special consideration. A limited number of classrooms per school are eligible for funding. Limits vary depending on the time of year of your field trip.
After February 1st, Tacoma Public Middle School and High School Scholarship applications will also be considered.
If you have questions about the Field Trip Scholarship program please contact our Academic & Community Programs Specialist at cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org.
Reading and Science Literacy
"Blizzard & Glacier's Summer Adventure" follows two young polar bears on an exciting journey to the tundra, as they discover their unique environment and the other amazing animals that make their home there. Students will love the story and beautiful watercolor illustrations by Seattle artist Gustav Moore. The Zoo Society and the Charlotte Martin Foundation generously funded this project.
If you are a teacher or librarian and would like to request free copies of the book "Blizzard and Glacier's Summer Adventure" for your classroom or library please email cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org.
