cleveland zoo school field trip

Phone 216-635-3329

Address 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109

Reciprocal Zoos Members enjoy discounted admission to many other zoos in North America.

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Zoos play an important role in education by introducing students to inquiry-based science that captures their imaginations and encourages exploration and innovation.

In this time of social distancing, virtual opportunities are the next best thing to being able to visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in person. Whether learners are at home, at school, or at work and want to experience the Zoo there is an option for every occasion.

Zoo Science Units These units for Grades 1-5 allow any student, anywhere, to step into the role of scientist and learn more about animals found in the wild and here at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 

Virtual Field Trips Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has created a brand new program that will allow students and learners of all ages to experience the Zoo online with a Virtual Field Trip . Join for a 45-minute live, interactive tour of the Zoo with a member of the Zoo's education staff as your guide.

Virtual Get Close with an Ambassador Animal The Zoo can help spice up an online meeting, class or seminar with an online visit from a Zoo ambassador animal.

As one of the region’s foremost providers of lifelong learning opportunities, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo operates programs for students and visitors of all ages. From post-graduate research students to fourth-grade Career Day, the focus on science-learning and application runs deep. Cleveland Zoological Society donors have been central to these successful programs, ensuring access and affordability for more than 25 years.

Each year, roughly 100,000 students attend Zoo education programs – from week-long summer camps, to career days or programs for the homeschool community. Private philanthropic funding from Zoo Society donors allows the Zoo to provide free transportation and program scholarships to school districts in some of Northeast Ohio’s most underserved communities.

$2.5M Annual conservation education spending by the Zoo

$360,000 Annual funding provided by Zoo Society for education

100,000 Regional school children served each year

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Family Select

$ 199 /year

2 adults, 6 children, 2 guests

Admits two named adults in the same household and their children or grandchildren 18 years and under (limit six)

Two free guests every visit

Family Plus

$ 169 /year

2 adults, 6 children, 1 guest

One free guest every visit

$ 139 /year

2 adults, 6 children

Individual Plus

Admits one named adult and one guest on every visit OR waive the guest privilege and list two named adults

Senior Plus (55+)

Explorers Club

$ 500 /year

2 adults, 6 children, 6 guests

Limited edition t-shirt (one per membership)

Six free guests every visit

Keepers Club

$ 300 /year

2 adults, 6 children, 4 guests

Four free guests every visit

Member Information

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Cleveland Rocks Students with Educational Fun

Cle’s a no-brainer for school groups looking to break through classroom walls.

A no brainer destination for students and teachers, Cleveland offers educational attractions so fun, kids won’t even realize they’re learning. Explore the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, or the free Cleveland Museum of Art. Bring the school band to perform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Break out of the classroom without sweating the details, because Destination Cleveland has your back with free group tour planning services. 

Fill your Friday with music and fun.

Image © Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland Orchestra

Matinee concerts featuring the works of Debussy, Schubert, Prokofiev and more will captivate high school students amid the grandeur of historic Severance Hall in University Circle with classroom resources, online teacher guides and Spotify playlists also available.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

With offerings spanning K-12, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s free "Rockin' the Schools" programs put a fun spin on music education with classes such as “The Birth of Hip-Hop Culture” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll: The Building Blocks of Music.”

Playhouse Square

Get the backstage lowdown on KeyBank's Broadway Series with free "Broadway Buzz" talks scheduled one hour before curtain time for select shows. Other field trip options include matinees with accompanying workshops and programs illuminating the performance arts.

Saturdays are for STEM (and Art)

Image © Great Lakes Science Center

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Explore our universe with an immersive planetarium program that will have students contemplating the stars and beyond. From bobcats to bald eagles, make furry friends in the outdoor wildlife walk. An array of gallery and classroom programs challenge students to ponder geography, the human body and diverse cultural histories.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Trained guides spark critical thinking and offer hands-on activities during hourlong gallery explorations such as "Design Your Own Exhibition" or "American Art and History." The innovative ArtLens gallery brings fun into the mix with a host of digital interactives. (And did we mention the free admission?)

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest

Get up close and personal with zoo residents such as wallabies, koalas or tortoises with the “Inside Tracks” program. Observe behind-the-scenes holding areas and animal training sessions. Learn to think like a vet with the “Veterinarian Bag” program, in which students diagnose an under-the-weather grizzly bear and work together to plan a proper course of treatment.

Great Lakes Science Center

Blast into space inside the Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module with the "Mission to STEM" app at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. Engage in interactive fun like light sculpting and augmented-reality sandboxes. Groups of 50+ can enjoy dinner and a movie in the six-story Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater via the "After Dark" package.

Sunday Funday

Image © Cedar Point

Cedar Point isn’t just for thrill-seekers. The science-minded will geek out over Physics, Science and Math on Education Days , where the laws of physics come to life via amusement park fun. For instrumental and choral groups, all of Cedar Point becomes a stage during the Festival of Music . Warning: fun overload just might be in store at Scene75 , where you can lose yourself in a 130-game arcade and 10 attractions from blacklight mini-golf to bumper cars. At 25,000 square feet, Play:CLE weighs in as the nation’s largest indoor adventure park—attracting everyone from ninja warriors to social “climbers.” Or, have a ball with both bowling and bocce at Pinstripes , then feast on Italian-American eats by the fire pit.

No Need to Brown Bag It

Image © MMGY

Eats are served with a side of enrichment in Cleveland. Chow before a concert at House of Blues or Music Box Supper Club , bowl between bites at The Corner Alley , get a German immersion at Hofbräuhaus and cruise Cleveland’s history on the walls of Melt Bar and Grilled .

Need more ideas? Click here for more kid-friendly eateries in CLE.

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Related posts, free in the land, 13 ways to rock out in cleveland, new horizons: cleveland 2022 and beyond, a uniquely cleveland group tour itinerary.

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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Field Trip

This CSC field trip involves a visit to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

June 14 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

For more details and to RSVP, contact Gabriella Drago at  [email protected] or 216-658-4598

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🐘 Cleveland Zoo Field Trip 🦍

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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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12 of the best field trip destinations for Ohio students; how many did you visit? (video)

• Published: Apr. 24, 2017, 12:02 p.m.
• Hannah Drown, cleveland.com

What's the best field trip spot?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio is rich with a variety of historical, natural and educational spots where our state's youth can have enriching visits.

So we've compiled a list of the 12 best field trip locations for students statewide. Every region of Ohio is represented, with each offering its own unique places to enrich school-aged visitors with boundless opportunities to learn and grow.

We've included descriptions of each, as well as information on how to book a visit.

Here's a look at 12 of the best field trip locations available for kids throughout Ohio.

By Hannah Drown, cleveland.com

Plain Dealer file

Amish Country

Learn about the Amish way of life in Ohio's Amish Country. The area has a variety of attractions such as various flea markets, Amish Heartland group tours, the Ohio Star Theater, crafting classes, Amish cuisine and  more . You can also view the  visitors' guide  online. Contact the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau at 330-674-3975 or  [email protected] .

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer

Cedar Point

Cedar Point is home to 70 rides, 150 attractions, three dedicated kids' areas and live shows and is located in Sandusky, about an hour outside of Cleveland. There are special packages that include free tickets for larger groups, and even special interest days for topics such as music, engineering and physics. All youth group days can be found online . For more information on ticket pricing visit here .

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History in Cleveland gives visitors the opportunity to learn through a variety of exhibits. From the dinosaur hall to the Shafran Planetarium, children will flourish in this hands-on learning environment. There are plenty of field trip options broken down by grade level and curriculum. You can request a program online or call 216-231-8002.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Zoo

Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo is located in Powell, about two hours from Cleveland. Most notably, it was been named the No. 1 zoo by USA Travel Guide in 2009. There are plenty of options for school field trips at the Columbus Zoo. From behind-the-scenes tours to camp-in overnights, there's an option for everyone. Online registration needs to be complete in order to secure a school group reservation. Steps to reserve are based on the school's location, but all instructions can be found online .

Photo courtesy of COSI

COSI stands for Center of Science and Industry, and that's exactly what it is. Located in Columbus, a little more than two hours outside of Cleveland, this facility aims to pique the curiosity of young scientists and innovators and was named America's No. 1 science center for families by Parent Magazine in 2008. To make a reservation for a school field trip you can call 614-228-2674.

Debbi Snook, The Plain Dealer

Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills State Park is an expansive 10,000 acre national park that includes waterfalls, caves and forests and attracts millions of visitors each year. The welcome centers are located in Hocking County, which is about three hours from Cleveland. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, climbing, horseback riding, hiking, ziplining, water sports and much more . You can also view the free Visitor Guide online here . You can inquire about group visits by calling 1-800-462-5464 or filling out an online form .

Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland next to Lake Erie. The hall also serves as a museum, which houses historical pieces from rock history. Different special packages and discounted rates are available for a variety of groups. All group packages require reservations. You can either fill out a form or call 216-515-1228. Packages include specialized itineraries for boy scouts and girl scouts, educational programs for children and bundle packages.

National First Ladies' Library

The National First Ladies' Library is located in Canton, about an hour outside of Cleveland. It's the only resource of its kind, devoted to informing the public on the contribution of our country's First Ladies. The facility is dedicated to educating youth about this significant part of our history. There are different programs designed for different age groups. They are also free. To learn more about the National First Ladies' Library programs or to make a reservation, email [email protected] or call 330-452-0876 ext. 317.

Photo courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located in Dayton, a three-hour drive from Northeast Ohio. It is the largest and oldest military aviation museum. A field trip to this museum can be catered toward STEM learning or even just fun activities. Trips can also be planned around upcoming events. To schedule a trip, call any of the numbers on this page or fill out a registration form.

Photo courtesy of National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is located in Cincinnati, about a four-hour drive from Cleveland. The Center educates visitors on the Underground Railroad, which helped those seeking freedom from slavery make their way north in the mid-19 th century. The center features permanent and temporary exhibits, interactive experiences and special programming. There are experiences for every type of group. To schedule a visit or learn more, visit the center online or call 513-333-7578.

Photo courtesy of Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium

The Newport Aquarium is located near downtown Cincinnati, about a four-hour drive from Cleveland. The aquarium houses thousands of species from all different areas in the world. Activities include touching a shark or meeting a penguin. All tours are self-guided but you can receive a group discount with preregistration. There are a variety of packages, including  educational options and  overnight experiences . For more information or to start your reservation, call 859-815-1423 or fill out a request form .

John Harper, cleveland.com

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is a historical landmark located in Akron. It is the former American Country Estate of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. It can be seen via a guided or self-guided tour, depending on each group's preference. The tours include seeing the 65-room manor and historic gardens. The gardens can be toured while they are in bloom in the summer or explored in the winter when they're adorned with holiday lights. The grounds also feature a children's garden, a butterfly habitat and a "Homes of Nature" play area for younger visitors. Group reservations  need to be made two weeks in advance by calling 330-315-3284 or emailing [email protected] .

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The Zoo is free to visit, but entry passes are required for all guests, including infants.

Elephant Cam

See the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Asian elephants — Spike, Bozie, Kamala, Swarna and Maharani — both inside the Elephant Community Center and outside in their yards.

Now more than ever, we need your support. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today!

Become a Member

Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more.

Education Calendar

Find and register for free programs and webinars.

About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Plan a Field Trip

Admission to the Zoo is free, but you will need to reserve entry passes for all students and chaperones.

Please carefully read these FAQs about group reservations before booking your field trip.

Group reservations are available for groups of 16 or more.

At the time of booking, you will be asked for:

• Total number of guests arriving together (one chaperone is required for every 10 students)
• Date of your visit
• Entry time (from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Departure time
• Total number of buses
• School or organization name and address
• NCES ID number (required for school groups requesting parking)
• Contact information

If your group is 15 people or fewer, you do not need to make a group reservation and can reserve general entry passes .

The Summer groups reservation calendar is now available for groups of 15 or more. The summer calendar includes dates from June 15 – Aug. 31, 2024.

Please visit our group reservations page for additional information and to reserve your passes. To make a reservation, select an available date from the calendar. Then, complete and submit the form.

*Group reservations must be made a minimum of 72 hours prior to the date of your visit.

Spaces are limited, but school groups may be eligible for bus parking.

• Reservations for bus parking and drop-off/pick-up can be made through the group reservation system, pending availability.
• Reservations are required and parking spaces are limited.
• Blackout dates may apply and are at the discretion of the Zoo.
• Parking fees may apply and vary based on the time of the year.

Please visit our group reservations page to complete a bus parking or bus drop-off reservation.

• Groups with bus parking or drop-off/pick-up reservations must enter through the Connecticut Avenue vehicle entrance.
• Upon arrival, buses will be directed to the unloading zone.
• Buses are not permitted to unload or load inside the Zoo or on Zoo grounds unless they have a parking or drop-off/pick-up reservation.

Idling and parking on Connecticut Avenue are prohibited. Buses parked or idling illegally may be ticketed by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

Please contact   [email protected] if you have further questions about booking your field trip.

Pre-visit Activities

Get ready for your visit!

Zoo Exhibits

Head to the exhibits page to learn about the animals and exhibits you'll find at the Zoo.

Social Narratives

Social narratives are resource guides for individuals with cognitive disabilities and are useful as pre-visit guides to animal areas within the park. The social narratives highlight what visitors may encounter while touring the Zoo.

In addition to showcasing animals in the collection, these guides also provide information on quiet areas, educational demonstrations, hands-on activities and artistic works.

• Amazonia Social Narrative:  English
• American Trail Social Narrative:  English
• Elephant Trails Social Narrative:  English
• Great Ape House Social Narrative:  English ,  Spanish
• Reptile Discovery Center Social Narrative:  English ,  Spanish
• Small Mammal House Social Narrative:  English ,  Spanish
• Gibbon Ridge Social Narrative:  English
• Lemur Island Social Narrative:  English ,  Spanish
• Think Tank Social Narrative:  English ,  Spanish

During Your Visit

Animal adventure guide (mobile) .

Follow along with this mobile Animal Adventure Guide during your Zoo visit to learn more about the animals you see. Enjoy short videos, "act it out" challenges, species stories and more.

Open the Guide

Daily Demo Schedule

Check the  schedule of daily programs  for keeper chats and animal demos. Throughout the day, you can meet elephants, see sloth bears slurp ants, watch sea lions catch fish and more.

Zoo Crew Family Guide

This activity booklet engages children and adults together in learning about Zoo animals with games, activities, fun facts, stories and more. Best for pre-K to grade 6.

• Download English language PDF
• Download Spanish language PDF

Press ENTER to search, ESC to clear

Education & Field Trips

We offer entertaining, engaging and exciting programs for students of all grade levels. Our goal is to educate student guests in an imaginative way about the freshwater and saltwater aquatic environment and how our actions affect it. Our programs are aligned with the Common Core and the 2018 Ohio Revised Science Standards, and we employ hands-on and inquiry-based teaching methods whenever possible to engage your students.

Visit Us from Anywhere

Learn about our live, educator-led online programs.

Learn Firsthand

Bring your class to explore the Aquarium in-person.

Get Outside and Observe Native Animals

Find out how to book an Urban Birding program.

Funding provided by our partners:

I came to the aquarium for a field trip! It was a blast and the kids were so excited. Mr. Matt was fun and knew how to entertain the students.

• Zoo Field Trip: An Amazing Experience for Students

When it comes to school field trips, many students and teachers favor visits to the local zoo as a unique educational experience that has something for everyone. From close-up encounters with exotic wildlife species to interactive learning stations teaching about conservation and animal behavior, there’s no better way to get up close and personal with nature than by going on a zoo field trip.

With activities designed both for young children and older teens alike, zoos can offer learning opportunities tailored specifically to the needs of each individual student while also providing priceless memories they’ll never forget. So why not take your classes on a special journey outside the classroom walls this year, maybe to somewhere like the Omaha Zoo ?

Read on for six wonderful reasons why a trip to the zoo should be top of mind when planning your next group excursion!

Zoo visits are a great way to learn about animals and their habitats

Visiting the zoo provides a unique and exciting opportunity for students to explore the natural habitats of diverse animals in one central, easily accessible place. Throughout this journey of exploration, it's likely that students will not only learn about the individual characteristics and behaviors of animals but also gain an understanding of the importance of conserving our environment as they discover how even small actions on our part can have a huge impact on animal populations.

With educational resources and experienced zoologists available to them when visiting, there truly is no better way for students to intimately educate themselves about animals than by going to the zoo!

Seeing how wildlife interact with one another up close is a unique experience

Seeing how wildlife interacts with one another up close at the zoo is an extraordinary experience that can't be replicated any other way - it's like having a window into their world! Strolling through the carefully-designed habitats, students are able to view wild animals going about their natural behavior and learn so much more than they would by only reading about them in a book.

It's an especially exciting opportunity when they spot two different species of animal displaying playful behaviors or working together, as this remarkable sight shows them the incredible interconnectivity between creatures of all sizes and forms. Going to the zoo gives students a real appreciation for the environment and encourages them to explore and learn more about what's happening in our amazing natural world.

Going to the zoo is more affordable than other educational field trips

Going to the zoo is an affordable option when planning educational field trips for students of any age. Many zoos are making it easier than ever to go by offering discounted student and group rates, with some zoos even being totally free! Taking students on a trip to the zoo also encourages them to become more connected to nature, and spending time outdoors has been known to increase concentration and reduce stress levels in children.

Why not enjoy a day out with classmates while learning about conservation, endangered species, and the environment? Going to the zoo is an exceptional educational outing that won't break the bank!

It’s an opportunity for students to practice observation and research skills

Visiting the zoo has become much more than just looking at animals and having a fun day out; it's an invaluable opportunity for students to observe, record information, and research in action. At the zoo, students can practice their observation skills and use the different resources available to investigate aspects of animal behavior, diet, and conservation efforts.

With the help of knowledgeable zoo staff, they might even discover something new - like a species they haven't heard of before! Plus, seeing animals in their natural habitat is an experience that gives students an appreciation for nature that textbooks won't be able to provide. By going to the zoo, students not only get to gain educational knowledge but also create unforgettable memories.

Zoos often have interactive activities and programs that can be enjoyable for kids

The zoo provides an opportunity for students of all ages to engage in meaningful activities, learn about animals and their habitats, and have some good old-fashioned fun. In addition, many zoos feature a range of interactive attractions that give kids hands-on learning experiences. From educational lectures and workshops where they discover how to protect and support animal welfare, to outdoor playgrounds with challenging elements like rope ladders and webbed nets where children can climb, play, and explore - there's something for everyone at the zoo.

Encourage a passion for wildlife conservation by providing children with the chance to meet wild creatures up close and understand why their protection is important.

Having a day out of the classroom can be beneficial for mental health and stress relief

A trip zoo offers a much-needed day out of the classroom for students and could be incredibly beneficial for their mental health. Even if it’s just for a few hours, taking some time away from everyday stressors like homework and tests can help break up the monotony in their academic lives. This change of environment is great for improving mood, creativity, and clear thinking; lessening stress can lead to better concentration and productivity when they get back to the classroom after their day out.

It’s also worth noting that spending time with animals in nature has been proven to have mental health benefits such as easing symptoms of depression and anxiety. So next time you’re thinking of an event your students might enjoy, consider taking them to your local zoo – not only will it be a fun experience, but going on the field trip can uplift their spirits too!

In conclusion, going to the zoo is a great experience for students to learn about the natural world and understand more about the animals that inhabit our planet. It’s an interesting and enjoyable day out of school while also learning important skills like observation, research, and curiosity. Having this unique learning opportunity means that students can move away from the often stressful environment of the classroom, leading to mental health and stress relief benefits. And with zoo tickets often costing less than other educational field trips, it gives teachers a cost-friendly option to plan ahead for their next exciting outdoor activities.

What better way to appreciate animals than to see them in action? So make sure your next trip includes a visit to the zoo – Adventure Student Travel will be happy to schedule one in!

Written by jesse miller

View all posts by: jesse miller

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OHIO Field Trips

To help plan MAY curriculum focused classroom activities, field trips and school assembly programs, these May themed celebrations might be a helpful focus. Monthly : National Inventors Month. May 6-10 : Teacher Appreciation Week. May 3 : World Press Freedom Day. May 5 : Cinco de Mayo. Museum Lover’s Day. National Space Day. May 6 : Herb Day . National Fitness Day . May 8 : World Red Cross Day. May 12 : National Limerick Day. May 13 : International Migratory Bird Day. May 16 : Love a Tree Day. Do Something Good for your Neighborhood. May 17 : National Endangered Species Day. May 18 : International Astronomy Day. May 22 : National Maritime Day. May 28 : Amnesty International Day. May 29 : Learn About Composting Day. May 30 : International Jazz Day. May 31 : National Smile Day. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for activity type of field trips to learn about. For those unable to travel to these locations, have the fun come to you. Check out the Outreach Field Trips & School Assembly Programs  section.

• Financial Support
• Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
• Concerts & Shows for Tots
• Government, Civics & Presidents
• Historic Places
• Mobile Traveling Farms & Zoos
• Adventure Parks, Climbing, Ninja & Ropes Course, Ziplines
• Amusement Parks & Water Parks
• Bowling & Bocce
• Indoor Amusement & Recreation Centers
• Outdoor Amusement & Recreation Centers
• Group-Friendly Restaurants
• Birds, Butterflies, Bees
• Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
• Planetariums & Astronomy
• Science Museums & Exhibits
• STEM/STEAM Enrichment
• Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Photography & Films
• Arts & Crafts
• Theater, Dance, Music, Movies, Shows
• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Adventure Zone

A fairly small family park spread over six acres near beautiful Geneva-on-the-Lake, Adventure Zone has something for everyone.

Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM)

The AAM accredited Cincinnati Art Museum offers a variety of STEAM-centered educational programs that let groups explore the collection. Experience the museum virtually with CAM Connect. Teacher resources.

Holden Forests & Gardens

The Holden Forests & Gardens  consists of the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Arboretum where visitors can explore plants, ecosystems, and more.

Pinstripes Cleveland

Dine, Play, Celebrate! The best field trips happen at Pinstripes, an esteemed dining and entertainment destination that offers a kids-friendly Italian-American menu and a modern spin on bocce and bowling.

AHA! A Hands-On Adventure

AHA! A Hands-On Adventure features an indoor play park with 60+ interactive exhibits for children, an outdoor nature playscape, and STEAM programming.

Akron Art Museum

Investigate, explore, debate, and discover original works on a trip to the AAM accredited Akron Art Museum! Try the museum’s virtual activities for all ages.

Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM)

Tours at Oberlin College’s AMAM incorporate Visual Thinking Strategies and close examination of art. The museum is AAM accredited. View its virtual resources .

Beck Center for the Arts

Field Trips at the Beck Center incorporate different art forms and hands-on experiences in visual arts, theater, music, and dance. It is committed to creating unique art experiences with performances, education opportunities, community outreach programs, and free art exhibitions.

Butler Institute of American Art

Come face-to-face with a premier collection of American art that spans the past 300 years. Tours at the Butler traverse American history through the work of the nation’s renowned artists.

Canton Museum of Art (CMA)

Groups can engage with the art on view at the AAM accredited CMA through educator-led tours and studio art workshops. Check out CMA From Home  to look at the collection and explore some activities.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the sixth-oldest zoo in the United States. The zoo houses over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species. Offers In-person and Virtual Botanical Gardens and Zoo Field Trips.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Discover wildlife and use science skills at the AZA accredited Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Conservation and climate change distance learning  and a virtual classroom  are available.

FieldTripdirectory.com offers enriching experiences for Ohio school groups, scout groups, homeschool groups, camp groups and families at Ohio Museums.

Ohio Museums offer field trips that offer hands-on exhibits, guided tours and guided activities for early childhood through high school grades. Ohio Art Museums , Science Museums, History Museums and Children’s Museums offers educational experiences that support classroom curriculum and scout badge achievement. Beside museums, you can search for other learning experiences at Botanical Gardens, Planetariums, Living History Programs, STEM & STEAM, Planetariums, Farms, Zoos and Aquariums, Theaters and Concerts, Service Learning and more.

Can’t go on a field trip to a museum, your students, scouts, and families can still experience these fun enriching experience by scheduling a  Museum Virtual Field Trip  anywhere and at anytime.

Want the fun to come to you- book a  School Assembly Programs, Outreach Field Trips or Residency  at your school, homeschool association or scout council. They support and enhance a school’s curriculum, offers opportunities for scout badge achievement and enriches a camp program. There are mobile museum exhibits, traveling planetariums and classroom and grade level workshops and residencies.

To help fund field trips, virtual programs and school assembly programs visit our section on  Grants  and  Fundraising Programs .

• Field Trips

School & Group Programs

• Evening Programs
• Day Programs
• Zoo Academy
• Living Classroom Education Access Fund
• Professional Development
• FAQs and Policies

Visit the Zoo with Your Group Today!

Enhance your students’ learning with a field trip where the Zoo is your living classroom! Field trips to the Zoo are available year round every day of the week.

Field Trips to the Zoo are a great way to observe animals and feel a connection to wildlife. Students will discover and learn at a world-class zoo that is actively engaged in conservation and sustainability, and filled with opportunities to get up-close and personal with wildlife. Field Trips are available year-round every day of the week.

Have you already booked your field trip and need more information?

General Field Trip Information

Dates :  Sunday-Saturday, year-round.  

Time :  10:00am-5:00pm; Early Entry 9:00am during spring/summer.  See  Zoo Today  for hours of operation.

Cost :  Students $8; Adults $8.  

Note :  We require 1 adult for every 7 students. Required adults are free. Required 1:1 student aides and bus drivers are always free.  

Payment :  Final numbers are not due until check-in the day you arrive. Once you check-in, payment is due (check, credit card, cash, or purchase order).  

Parking :  $10-$50 All vehicles parking at the Zoo must purchase a bus parking pass. Please see  diagram  for bus parking fee. Members driving separately may use Zoo membership for free car parking.  

All Day Train & Carousel Rides :  Students $4; Adults $4.  Must be purchased by check-in to receive a discount.     

School Lunches :  Group lunches are available Monday-Friday, with a lunch pick-up times at 10:30, 11:00 or 11:30. Lunches must be booked at least two weeks in advance.    School lunch details & request form 

Lunch Options 

• Options: Cheese, Pepperoni
• Max: 12 pizzas
• Min: 10 Hot Dogs
• Max: 100 Hot Dogs
• Min: 10 Chips & Waters
• Max: 100 Chips & Waters
• Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. There is a 10-person lunch minimum.
• All school lunches are required to be paid for via credit card. We are not able to accept any other forms of payment such as checks or purchase orders.
• Once this form has been submitted, you will receive an email confirmation with a credit card authorization form attached. The credit card authorization form must be completed and sent back via email within 72 hours of receiving. If credit card authorization forms is not received within 72 hours, your lunch request will not be processed.
• Any changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled visit.

Close Encounters

No stuffy lectures here! The Adaptations Close Encounters programs focus on participatory learning through students’ observations of the behavioral and physical adaptations of two special animal ambassador visitors! These programs are designed to be fun and engaging while remaining developmentally appropriate and supporting Next Generation Science Standards.

Dates :  Monday-Friday, October 1-May 19  

Time :  10:45-11:15, 11:30-12:00, 1:00-1:30 (afternoon program March-May only)  

Cost :  $25 per program  *Schools that register for a Close Encounter are committed to a $25 per program fee, unless cancelled 48hrs before arrival to the Zoo.

Audience :  students PreK-8 th  grade. 8-35 students per program, depending on availability.  

Sustainability Tours

The tour highlights the Zoo’s sustainability efforts in terms of green building design, energy efficiency, water conservation, stormwater management, solid waste management, and land stewardship. Go Green Challenges throughout the tour present tangible suggestions for how visitors can address the same issues at home.

Dates :  Tuesday-Friday, October 1-November 30, Monday-Friday, February 1-May 19  

Time :  10:30-11:15, 1:00-1:45  

Cost :  $0 per program  

Audience :  students 6 th -12 th  grade. 8-20 students per program, max 10 chaperones per program.  

Through advanced animal and plant research, CREW is leading the way to secure a positive future for endangered species. During this 30-minute guided tour of the CREW building, students will have the opportunity to see scientists in the labs and gain a better understanding of the science taking place every day, right here at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Dates :  Monday-Friday, year-round  

Time :  10:30-11:00, 11:15-11:45, 12:00-12:30  

Audience :  students 7 th  grade-college. Max 15 participants per program.  

Thanks to our sponsors and the Living Classroom Education Access Fund, qualified schools can apply for financial assistance for educational school programs.

The Living Classroom Education Access Fund supports underserved youth from the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Area receive free programs and field trips where they can experience the wonder of wildlife and wild places, many of whom have never had a Zoo experience.

Field Trip Programs

Get more from your field trip with interactive and engaging educational programs designed specifically for school groups. Programs are offered for preschool-college ages, and are aligned to state education standards.

All programs must be pre-registered. Programs must be booked two weeks in advance.  For information on financial aid, please visit our Living Classroom Education Access Fund .

Cost : $25 per program *Schools that register for a Close Encounter are committed to a $25 per program fee, unless cancelled 48hrs before arrival to the Zoo.

Audience : students PreK-8 th grade. 8-35 students per program, depending on availability.  

Cost : $0 per program  

Audience : students 6 th -12 th grade. 8-20 students per program, max 10 chaperones per program.  

Audience : students 7 th grade-college. Max 15 participants per program.  

Time :  10:00am-5:00pm; Early Entry 9:00am during spring/summer.  See Zoo Today for hours of operation.

Payment : Final numbers are not due until check-in the day you arrive. Once you check-in, payment is due (check, credit card, cash, or purchase order).  

Parking : $10-$50 All vehicles parking at the Zoo must purchase a bus parking pass. Please see diagram for bus parking fee. Members driving separately may use Zoo membership for free car parking.  

Lunches :  Group lunches are available Monday-Friday, with a lunch pick-up times at 10:30, 11:00 or 11:30. Lunches must be booked at least two weeks in advance.   School lunch details & request form 

*Each lunch has a 22% service charge.

• All school lunches are required to be paid for in advance via credit card. We are not able to accept any other forms of payment such as checks or purchase orders.
• School lunches are limited to 100 lunches per day across all group orders. Any changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled visit.

All buses that are parking at the Zoo must purchase a bus parking pass.

Schools wishing to come to the Zoo after 2pm during PNC Festival of Lights (November 19th-January 8th) must book through Group Sales .

School Resources

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to supporting teachers, students, and families around the world. Below, you will find resources to engage learners in grades pre-K to 12 with science, the natural world, wildlife and conservation.

Get your students involved in learning while at the Zoo! These standards-based, multi-curricular activities are meant to be a la cart so teachers can choose which topics and subjects they want their students to explore. See how these activities  align our Ohio’s state standards and NGSS .

In the Classroom

There are thousands of wildlife and conservation organizations across the United and around the world that are doing amazing work to conserve wildlife and wild places and educate the public.

Stay in the Loop!

Call us at 513-559-7730 or email [email protected]

‘They just wanted their moms:’ Mother survived deadly Hays bus crash, recounts tragic day

Victoria Limon stood next to the idling school bus after three hours of chaperoning a long-awaited field trip. She pulled her phone from her pocket at 1:36 p.m. and texted her co-workers.

On the bus, driving off.

The special education aide at Tom Green Elementary in Buda had helped gather the group of more than 40 children into a single-file line, including her 5-year-old daughter. She guided them to their green vinyl seats before settling into hers, two rows behind the driver.

She and 54 other teachers and prekindergarten students on the bus then eased from the Capital of Texas Zoo parking lot in Bastrop County on their 40-minute return trip to campus.

As the bus turned started chugging down busy Texas 21, Limon and several teachers traded cellphone photos, whispering as many children drifted to sleep.

About five minutes later, another staff member told the 43-year-old mother of five that her daughter, Diana, also had dozed off. Limon glanced to see Diana’s head hanging into the aisle and that she was squeezing out her young seatmate. Limon traded seats with the other girl, placing Diana’s head in her lap as the bus rumbled on.

Twenty-five minutes into the trip, as the bus drove west in a single lane with a 65 mile-per-hour speed limit, a parade of eastbound cars whisked past them with no lane between.

Limon had left her backpack and cellphone in the seat she had been sitting in, so she stared out the window at the passing cars. Then, as her heart jumped into her throat, she saw the 33-ton concrete truck barreling down the highway, veering from his lane into theirs.

Limon heard the sound of twisting metal and felt the crush of a violent impact. She realized she and the bus were being hurtled onto their right sides, spinning counterclockwise as the bus screeched off the highway.

Her survival and maternal instincts kicked in instantly as they came to a rest upright, but leaning, down an embankment. She saw some of the children, including Diana, tossed into a pile, many of them crying and bloody.

Limon is wearing a “Tom Green Strong” T-shirt with its hornet logo and sitting on her living room sofa.

She is the first passenger from the bus to publicly speak, and the aftermath of the trauma pierces through any normal conversation. Limon cheerfully answers the door to her home, offers guests water or a soft drink and a place to sit. 

Then she starts talking about that day. Her body tenses, and her hands shake slightly. Her husband, Eddie, stands feet away, reminding her that she’s OK. Diana was at school.

Limon is among multiple families who have brought lawsuits stemming from the crash against the driver of the truck and his employer. Accounts such as Limon’s will likely be critical evidence as the cases move through the courts in coming months.

More: Hays school bus with 44 pre-K students, 11 adults rolls over in Bastrop County; two dead

Limon divides her life before the crash and after. But Tom Green Elementary has been — and will always be — an anchor for her family, she says. Three of her five children have attended it.

The community around the campus is close-knit and family-focused. Four neighborhoods of single-family homes surround the school, which has a majority Hispanic student body of 850 children. The school, built in 1985, is named for a Hays County agriculture teacher. Because of the closeness to campus, most children walk to school or are driven by parents a short distance.

For some, a first-time bus ride that day added to the sense of adventure.

Limon left a job she had for a decade working as a financial analyst to spend more time with her children, who range in age from 24 to a 1-year-old, and she started working as a Tom Green substitute teacher in January 2021. It turned into a full-time staff position in a special education class soon thereafter. Limon instantly knew she was in the right place, doing the right thing.

“I love the school,” Limon says. “I love the teachers, my classroom, and my students. I love my job.”

Six hours before the crash, Limon stood in the kitchen of her family’s two-story home putting the final touches on sack lunches – an H-E-B lunchable with raspberry flavored water for Diana and a chef salad and turkey sandwich for herself. Her daughter bounded down the tan-carpeted stairs beaming with a Christmas morning-like joy.

“I am so excited!” Diana exclaimed.

The day had been weeks in the works with growing excitement as teachers made sure the parents of each child signed a permission slip and knew to send lunches. 

As they packed the yellow 2011 model International bus — each child wearing special-ordered $7 green tie-dye shirts with the school’s name and yellow lanyards with name tags — the ride was filled with a cacophony of children's chatter.

Once they pulled into the zoo’s parking lot around 10 a.m., many parents who had carpooled were already there waiting. The zookeeper gave them maps of the exhibits, and the children squealed as he did a one-man show with an otter. They petted goats and reptiles. Limon snapped a picture of a handler draping a boa constrictor around her daughter’s neck as Diana sheepishly grinned.

About an hour into the trip, students and chaperones sat at picnic tables for lunch and began winding down the tour shortly before 1 p.m. – nap time for many of the children.

In the seconds immediately after the crash, Limon took only a second to absorb the shock. 

Even though they had been in the same seat, Diana now appeared tossed into a different row. Limon could see and hear her crying — relieved to know that she was not badly hurt.

In what seemed like only a few moments, bystanders showed up to the bus and started rescuing passengers through doors and windows. 

Limon remembers helping lift some of the children, including Diana, to the strangers before they pulled her out of the same window. 

She saw a bloody fellow staff member lying on her side, but she didn’t recognize her because she was so badly injured. 

She also saw a bystander carrying a limp boy, covered in what seemed like a white T-shirt or towel.

Once on the side of the sun-drenched road, Limon gathered with the children around her, including Diana. Some asked if she had any Band-Aids.

“They just wanted their moms,” she says.

Paramedics divided them into groups based on the seriousness of their injuries and the need to go to the hospital.

Limon and Diana were among those loaded into an ambulance. Once at the hospital, she and other staff began piecing together information that someone — they didn’t know if it was a staff member or student — died.

She later realized that the boy she saw being carried by the bystander was 5-year-old Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, who died at the scene. 

Limon cried on the emergency room gurney. She had no seriously broken bones, only a broken heart. 

“I can’t imagine what that mom is going through,” she said. “I just can’t imagine. It makes you thankful to have them, and it makes you think about all the times you take for granted, that they are going to come running down the stairs.”

The crash also killed University of Texas doctoral student Ryan Wallace, who was traveling in a separate car on his late lunch break to pick up his two nephews at another school for a Friday night family night.

Today, Limon is still in pain. 

Glass slashed her left leg, and she fractured four vertebrae, requiring her to walk with a cane for now.

“I was bruised from head to toe,” she says. “I couldn’t move. I couldn’t sit without help.”

It took three days of showers for her and Diana to get all the glass out of their hair, she says. Her daughter also was badly bruised and had cuts.

She is concerned for Diana. Right after the crash, her daughter drew marks on the face, legs and arms of her dolls to resemble her own wounds. Diana seems to be returning to normal now, but Limon fears delayed post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms could show up later. 

“These things just last,” she says.

Limon is also angry. In the days after the crash, she learned with other passengers and parents that the driver of the concrete truck, a 42-year-old man named Jerry Hernandez, told investigators that he had smoked marijuana and done “a small amount” of cocaine 12 hours before the crash.

Police have charged Hernandez with criminally negligent homicide. At the time of the crash, Hernandez also had warrants out of Hays County for bond violations on past, unrelated charges of assault/family violence and criminal mischief.

“It is incredibly egregious,” Limon’s attorney, Scott Hendler said. He said that as lawsuits mount, he fears the trucking company — which has declined to comment — won’t carry enough insurance to pay for all the damages to the injured children and staff.

More: DPS report provides new details of fatal Hays district school bus crash

Limon hopes to return to work, but right it now is too soon. She still wakes from nightmares, swinging into the darkness of her bedroom as if trying to grab a child. She hates riding, even in a car, since the crash, especially on a two-lane road. She braces when she sees oncoming traffic.

Limon’s mind keeps flashing back to the moment just before impact. She desperately wants to rewrite the story of that day.

“These kids had so much fun,” she said. “It is so unfortunate that this is their first experience being on a bus, being on a field trip.”

She paused.

“I just wish it could have gone differently,” she said.

Texas school bus returning from field trip crashes, killing at least 2

A t least two people are dead following a Texas school bus crash with an 18-wheeler truck on Friday upon returning from a field trip to a zoo, officials said. 

A Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) bus rolled over around 2:15 p.m. near Texas State Highway 21 and Caldwell Road in Bastrop County, FOX Austin reported. 

There were 44 students and 11 adults on the bus, the school district said.

The bus was carrying Tom Green Elementary pre-K students as they were returning from a field trip to the Bastrop Zoo.

"Parents of students on the bus have been notified directly from the campus. The district is in the process of conducting reunification. Hays CISD transportation staff, counselors, safety and security personnel, and other administrators have all joined first responders either at the accident scene or at the reunification location," Hays CISD said in a statement.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the school district, Texas Department of Public Safety and local authorities. 

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Original article source: Texas school bus returning from field trip crashes, killing at least 2

Field trips

2023-24 school year registration is now open.

Reserve your field trip

Oregon Zoo field trips are self-guided educational experiences available Monday through Friday, between Sept. 6 and June 21, with some exceptions noted on the reservation calendar. Students will enjoy an outdoor adventure that will ignite their imaginations, build on classroom learning and expand their knowledge of conservation efforts.

Admission costs $10.00 per child, chaperone and teacher with a minimum size group of 16. Admission must be purchased two weeks in advance; the field trip rate is not available on the day of your visit. Wristbands purchased on the day of your field trip will cost $15 per person for everyone two years of age and older. Schools in the state of Oregon or Washington with a schoolwide Title 1 program are eligible for a 50% discount off regular field trip admission. The application for Title 1 rate is included in the registration process.

Zoo admission is by timed reservation. There is no limit on time spent inside the zoo.

Eligibility criteria 

• Must be an accredited public or private school, preschool through 12th grade; state-registered daycare; college or university; or ESD-registered homeschool group from Oregon or Washington
• Summer camps do not qualify for school field trip rates
• The visit must be scheduled and paid for at least two weeks in advance of your chosen date
• The minimum group size is 16 participants
• Ticket reservations must maintain a minimum ratio of one adult chaperone for every eight students

Don't qualify? Consider our Group Rate tickets . 

Payments and fees

The cost of admission for field trip participants is $10 per person for all students, chaperones and teachers with a minimum size group of 16. This rate is only available when booking and paying for your trip at least two weeks in advance. Everyone two years of age and older requires paid admission.

Title 1 schools receive a 50% discount on field trip admission. If you are a Title 1 school and do not see the discounted rate when placing your online reservation, please contact [email protected] before completing your booking. Rates cannot be adjusted after the booking is complete; the reservation would need to be canceled and re-booked.

Field trip bookings must be paid for at least two weeks before your visit date. If your payment has not been received at least 14 days before your visit date, your reservation is no longer valid and will be canceled; you will have to re-register.

All field trip tickets are non-refundable. Adjustments can be made to your booking online in our reservation system until your order has been paid.

We accept credit/debit cards and school/district checks as payment for field trip bookings. Please see the registration information for further details.

Need to adjust your booking after payment has been made? Check out our Help Center for more information.

Prepare for your field trip

You’ll receive one wristband for each paid admission. Please verify wristbands upon receipt, if incorrect please contact [email protected] immediately.

Review our resources before your visit

Educator guide field trip checklist

Field trip chaperone letter

Respecting animals

Visitor policies

Oregon Zoo map

Check out our plan your visit page for special activities, animal activities and keeper talks scheduled throughout the day.

Traveling by bus? Share the bus driver information , exchange numbers with your bus drivers, and note unloading/loading zones.

Traveling by car or public transportation? Check out our Field trip car parking and transportation guide and remember to pay for parking inside Washington Park.

For more information, please visit our FAQ Page .