Field Trips
The Zoo is a fabulous outdoor classroom and the zoo staff is anxious to assist teachers, making school field trips to the Alexandria Zoo experiences to remember while reinforcing classroom teaching.
Education Department can assist teachers with activity ideas, and scavenger hunts, observation sheets, animal trivia quizzes or animal fact sheets are available upon request. Education programs featuring amazing small creatures, videos and more can be scheduled in advance at no additional cost, and lessons are customized making them appropriate for any age group.
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Admission
Discount admission rates ($4.50 per person) are available for groups of 15 or more that enter the zoo together and are paid for in one transaction. Group rates are available for schools, churches, assisted care facilities, and other organizations. All chaperones may be included in the group rate if they wish to enter the Zoo with the group/class and are paid for with the group. One payment can cover admission and train tickets. Anyone paying individually will be charged the regular admission fee. One teacher per class will be admitted free, and bus drivers are also admitted free.
Cash, business/organization check, cashier check or credit card payment is accepted. (Please note: Credit cards/Debit cards may not be used to purchase train tickets.) School or business purchase orders can be accepted if arrangements are made with the Zoo office at least one week prior to your visit. Refunds will not be given once a group has entered the Zoo. Unused train tickets are nonrefundable but can be used on another visit. All rates and fees are subject to change.
Reservations
Field trips are welcomed at the zoo anytime during the year. Reservations are required and we recommend you make arrangements at least two weeks prior to your visit.
Also, the months of March, April, and May are extremely busy, especially on Fridays. Sometimes it is necessary to limit the number of groups visiting each day to prevent overcrowding, so be sure to reserve at least a month in advance during the spring.
Free Teacher VisitsTeachers can visit the Zoo prior to a class visit. Call the Education Department to arrange your free visit.
Parking
Buses should unload students at the Front Entrance. Bus parking is available behind Bringhurst Park Baseball Complex.
Picnic Areas
The picnic area inside the Zoo is limited and cannot be reserved. Public areas are available adjacent to the zoo grounds. Teachers can receive a hand stamp that will allow the entire class to re-enter the Zoo after lunch outside the Zoo. No glass containers or straws should be brought into the Zoo. Ice chests are allowed but are the responsibility of the group.
Palm Cafe
You may contact the Palm Cafe (318-447-1613 or 318-201-4774) for lunch arrangements. The Palm Cafe is operated by a private vendor and all arrangements should be made directly with the Cafe. Prior arrangements for lunch CANNOT be made through the Zoo offices. The Palm Cafe requests a final count at least one week before your scheduled field trip, and requires a 24 hour cancellation notice.
Kids options include hot dog, corn dog, or ham and cheese hoagie meals. Adult options include hamburger or cheeseburger meals. For an additional charge, snow cones are also available.
Gift Shop
The Zoo Gift Shop is open 10 am - 5 pm. During busy times at the Zoo, Management may limit the number of students visiting the gift shop at one time. Teachers may contact the Gift Shop (441-6820) prior to a scheduled visit to arrange for souvenir bags to be prepared for each student. The gift shop manager will work with teachers to prepare bags at an agreed upon price.
Fish Food
Fish food dispensers are located around the pond near the Train station. Quarters are needed for the dispensers. Proceeds are used for Zoo projects.
Coins for Conservation
