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.
Know Before You Go
Download the Know Before You Go booklet, an educator's guide to a successful field trip.
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| Admission |
Discount admission rates ($4.50 per person) and discount train tickets ($1.00 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. Teachers and bus drivers are admitted free.
Cash, business/organization check, cashier check or credit card payment is accepted. 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 are Required |
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. During the spring, be sure to reserve at least a month in advance.
The months of March, April, and May are extremely busy, especially on Fridays, so consider Monday through Thursday. Sometimes it is necessary to limit the number of groups visiting each day to prevent overcrowding. Fall is also a great time to visit the zoo.
| Arranging for Education Programs and Special Activities |
The Education Department can assist teachers with activity ideas. 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. Lessons are customized to adhere to Louisiana's state-mandated standards of learning and are taught using scientific inquiry.
Contact the Education Department at 318-441-6818 to discuss program options for your grade level.
| Free Teacher Visits |
Teachers can visit the Zoo prior to a class visit. Call the Education Department to arrange your free visit.
| School IDs or Name Tags |
School IDs or name tags should be worn by students and teachers. These can be wrist bands, adhesive tags, or may be attached to the student with string. Please DO NOT use safety or straight pins as they are a serious health hazard to the animals if they fall off. Please include the name of the child, teacher's name, and school on tags.
| Bus Unloading and 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. Picnic areas inside the zoo include the playground and Picnic Pavilion. Seating at the tables at the Palm Cafe is reserved for customers only.
Public areas are available adjacent to the zoo grounds. The shaded, grassy area in the front zoo parking lot, Big Island, and City Park all have areas that can accomodate picnicing groups. Bringhurst Park has a larger playground and splash pad. 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. Due to lack of space, we do not provide monitored lunch storage. Ice chests are allowed but are the responsibility of the group.
| Palm Cafe |
You may contact the Palm Cafe (318-441-6836 or 318-308-3298) 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, sno cones are also available. Click here to place your Palm Cafe Order Request online.
| Zootique Gift Shop |
The Zootique is open from 10 am - 5 pm. Teachers may contact the Zootique (318-441-6820) prior to a scheduled visit to arrange for souvenir bags to be prepared for each student. (The Zootique requires a minimum 1 week notice.) The Zootique manager will work with teachers to prepare bags at an agreed upon price. During busy times at the Zoo, Management may limit the number of students visiting the Zootique at one time.
| 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 |
