INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Guest Policies

• Review and follow all guest policies

Admission Pricing and Payment

• Children, staff, parents, siblings: Everyone ages 2 and older must have an admission ticket. Refer to your quote for your pricing.
• Must have a minimum of 10 children to qualify for the field trip rate.
• Payment (cash, check, or card) must be made on the day of your visit in one transaction. Credit cards have an additional fee of 25¢ for each ticket. Failure to pay on the date of your visit will result in a late fee. Bounced checks will result in a returned check fee.
• Zoo memberships are NOT valid with summer field trips.

Cancellations/Refunds

• Give as much prior notice as possible.
• No refunds except for individuals included in the group payment and whose unused admission stickers are returned to the group coordinator at the time of entry.

Rain Dates

• We do not give rain dates in advance due to the large number of groups that pre-schedule.
• If the weather is questionable, email [email protected], or call (804) 739-5666 the morning of your field trip to discuss rescheduling options.
• We will not reschedule your group before your field trip because the weather forecast often changes and can improve last minute.
• The zoo is open rain or shine! Some groups choose to come in the rain and have a wonderful time because there may be fewer crowds and the animals are often more active in the rain.

Picnic Pavilions

• One pavilion is assigned to your group if requested. This is not necessarily intended for seating, but to provide a covered, centralized location to put your lunches and coolers.
• Each pavilion has two standard-size picnic tables.
• Bring blankets to spread out on the lawn for a picnic lunch.
• Your group is responsible for cleaning your picnic area of all trash and lunch debris. Trash should be deposited in nearby trash receptacles.

Add-on Options

Rides, budgie sticks, and zoo treats are an additional fee for all zoo visitors. To add these items to your reservation, they must be ordered 48 hours in advance by listing them on the check-in form. To see all add-on options, click here.

Regular-size zoo treats, ride tickets, and budgie sticks are always available for purchase by individuals inside the park. Regular zoo rates will apply if not purchased by the group at least 48 hours in advance.

Amenities

Information on our gift shop, cafés, water stations, restrooms, and accessibility can be found here.

CHECK-IN PROCESS

Be Prepared

• Read all information on this portal and inform teachers and chaperones of guest policies.
• Pre-order zoo treats, rides, and gift bags at least 48 hours in advance.
• Print zoo maps if you wish to distribute them to your group (maps are not provided on-site).

Check-in Form

• Complete the check-in form at least 48 hours in advance. Do not submit until the numbers are finalized.
• The final invoice will be sent after we have received and processed the form.
• The final invoice is due and payable upon arrival.

What to Bring

• Water bottles
• Outside food and drink are welcome (No glass or alcohol)
• Blankets to picnic on the grass
• Printed zoo maps
• Wear weather-appropriate attire such as jackets, raincoats, umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
• Group leader should carry a cell phone and leave a number with zoo group coordinator
• Payment

Parking Lot Arrival

• All buses park in the grass lot. If traveling in buses, follow the bus signs upon arrival for directions. See the map below based on your bus type.
• Turn RIGHT at the end of the driveway before you enter the paved parking lot. Continue STRAIGHT in the grass lot. U-Turn to the LEFT and park into a space in the grass.
• Do NOT drive towards the entrance on the paved parking lot since there is nowhere for buses to park, turn around, or unload.
• Cars may park anywhere in the parking lot.
• After parking, immediately unload the buses and walk down the path to the entrance. Gather in the coned-off group area of the parking lot.
• Bring lunches and coolers as you exit the bus/vehicle.
• Zoo crew members will direct your group where to line up outside while waiting to receive tickets and announcements.
• For urgent restroom needs before entering the zoo, use the Treetop Zoofari restrooms.

Group Leader Check-in

• Upon arrival, the group leader should go immediately to the membership center at the front entrance to make payment.
• Admission tickets (stickers), ride tickets (tokens), and zoo treats will be ready.
• Your group will enter together through the group entrance and be counted by a zoo crew member.
• Individuals not included in your group payment will need to purchase tickets online or at the ticket window before entry. They will enter the zoo using the main entrance line and join your group inside. ONLY guests included in your group payment will receive the discounted rate and enter with your group.
• Leave extra tickets for latecomers with the group coordinator for a “will call” pickup.
• Return any unused tickets before entering the zoo for a refund.
• Zoo memberships are NOT valid with summer field trips.