School Trips

Take students on an unforgettable educational adventure with a field trip to the Columbus Zoo!

Our Zoo provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with wildlife and nature, offering enriching experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

Why Field Trips to the Columbus Zoo Enhance Student Learning:

Hands-On Learning: Students can interact with habitats and observe animals up close, fostering a deeper understanding of biology, conservation, and the natural world.
Real-World Connections: School trips allow students to connect what they learn in class to real-world scenarios, making lessons more meaningful and memorable.
Inspiring Curiosity and Empathy: Seeing diverse species in their habitats helps students develop a sense of curiosity about wildlife and empathy for conservation efforts.

Scholarship Information Download Quote Package

Virtual Field Trip Videos

Whether you’re planning an upcoming visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or teaching from a classroom miles away, we’re bringing the Zoo to you!

Our Virtual School Trip Videos are designed with educators and students in mind. Each short video (just 5–8 minutes!) takes you on a guided tour through different regions of the Zoo, introducing the animals you may encounter and sharing fun, educational facts along the way. From fascinating adaptations to important conservation stories, these videos help students connect with wildlife long before they arrive — or even if they can’t visit in person.

So whether you’re prepping for a big day out or exploring the Zoo from your classroom, these bite-sized adventures are here to spark curiosity, support learning, and bring the wild to life. And, as always, thanks to AEP Ohio for supporting Education at the Zoo!

Click on each thumbnail to watch the video for that Zoo region!

Visit Asia Quest

Visit Australia and the Islands

Visit Congo Expedition

Visit Heart of Africa

Visit Shores and Aquarium

Questions You May Have

Are there guided tours or resources available for field trips?

We offer self-guided resources. Explore social stories and sensory maps on our Accessibility page. For specific requests, contact us via the form or email teacher@columbuszoo.org.

What payment options are available?

The Columbus Zoo is now cashless! We accept credit cards and purchase orders for school trips. Request a PO for a larger amount; you’ll only be charged for the actual value used.

Can we reserve a picnic shelter for lunch?

If available, you can book picnic shelters when registering for your field trip for $50. For questions, email schools@columbuszoo.org.

Where can we store our lunches while at the Zoo?

Lunches can be stored in the pavilion outside of the main zoo entrance (free of charge), in your rented pavilion, or carried on your person.

Is the Columbus Zoo cashless?

Yes, and it affects school groups as well.

There are machines that allow students, teachers, and chaperones to convert cash to a pre-paid debit card, at no cost.
All major credit cards are accepted as well.
Google Pay and Apple Pay are accepted at the Zoo.

Learn more about our cashless system here

What information is needed for students or chaperones with Zoo memberships?

Zoo membership cards are now fully digital, so please bring a spreadsheet or list with membership numbers on the day of your trip.

What should we do if our group size changes?

When registering for your trip, overestimate the number of tickets you need. We can provide refunds for unused tickets. If you need 15+ additional tickets, please make a separate reservation.

We cannot get a PO in time for the deadline...How can we register?

Trips must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. If you need an invoice to request a Purchase Order, please download and use this document.

Download PO Form

What's the procedure for canceling or rescheduling our trip?

Email schools@columbuszoo.org, and we’ll take care of it.

Discounted School Trip Rates

Your visit may qualify for special field trip rates! School groups must meet the following criteria for the rates to apply:

A minimum of 15 in your group
A state-certified curriculum
Plan your visit during specified field trip times

Finding the best rate for your school trip is easy. Just follow these three steps.

Tell us about your group by moving the toggles below.
Review the pricing information.
Follow the instructions to prepare for your trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

	Do you have 15 or more in your group?
	Are you visiting Monday - Friday and arriving before 3 p.m.?
	Do you have state certified curriculum?
	Are you visiting between May 24 - Sept 1, 2025?

You qualify for General Admission pricing.

Purchase Tickets

You may qualify for Walk-up Group pricing!

Must have a minimum of 25 guests in your group. Group Sales prices range based on certain criteria. Please call (614-724-3785) or email (columbuszooevents@thessagroup.com) our group sales team for pricing.

You qualify for School Group pricing!

Franklin County: $6 per guest
Non-Franklin County: $8 per guest

Rates valid only Monday - Friday and arriving before 3 p.m.
Reservations will open 2 months in advance and MUST be made at least 48 hours before your visit or rates will not apply. We encourage schools to finalize their group counts before booking.
All groups must enter by 3:30 p.m. during Wildlights to qualify. The Zoo opens at 12 p.m. for Wildlights. View Operating Hours
Rates NOT VALID May 24- September 1, 2025
Minimum of 15 guests required.
Bus drivers are free.

Schedule Now

IMPORTANT NOTE: Reservations can only be made up to 2 months in advance, and not within 48 hours of your scheduled trip. Please ensure you have your final numbers and payment method ready before starting the reservation process.