Denver Zoo offers a unique and engaging educational experience for school groups of all ages. Whether you’re planning a field trip for preschoolers or high school students, the zoo has a variety of programs and activities tailored to meet your educational needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of planning a successful Denver Zoo school trip.
Available Dates and Times for School Field Trips
The Denver Zoo offers several options for school field trips, each with its own schedule and requirements:
| Program | Availability |
|---|---|
| Creature Feature | Monday through Friday, September through May, with program start times at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. |
| Conservation Challenge | Session 1 (Zoo Field Trip Launch) on specific Fridays and Wednesdays between October 2024 and March 2025. Session 2 (School Visit) is custom scheduled after the field trip launch date. Session 3 (Student Conservation Showcase) is on May 2, 2025. |
| Self-Guided Field Trips | Monday through Friday, September through December, and other dates depending on the school year. |
Classroom Setting Requirements for Animal Academy Programs
The Denver Zoo’s Animal Academy programs are designed for grades K-3 and focus on applying critical thinking and science skills to complete exciting missions. These programs can be offered both at the zoo and at your school, with specific classroom requirements:
- Animal Academy Programs: Designed for grades K-3, these programs apply critical thinking and science skills to complete exciting missions. Both at-zoo and at-school programs are available.
Cost for a School Group to Visit Denver Zoo for a Self-Guided Field Trip
The good news is that self-guided field trips to the Denver Zoo are free for all attendees, including students, school staff, and chaperones, on most days during the traditional academic school year.
Additional Information
Here are some important details to keep in mind when planning your Denver Zoo school trip:
Chaperone Policy
- One adult per ten students is required for all groups.
- Chaperones must be 21 years of age or older and stay with their assigned group at all times.
Reschedule and Cancellation Policy
- Fees may apply for rescheduling or canceling programs, with varying costs depending on the notice period.
Programs and Activities
The Denver Zoo offers a variety of programs and activities tailored to different age groups and educational needs:
Creature Feature
- A facilitated field trip learning experience for preschool and kindergarten students, focusing on classification and animal groups.
Conservation Challenge
- A project-based learning unit for grades 6-12, exploring human impacts on wildlife and sustainability.
Animal Academy
- Programs for grades K-3, applying critical thinking and science skills to complete missions.
Self-Guided Field Trips
- Unfacilitated visits for all grades, allowing students to explore the zoo at their own pace.
Registration and Planning
To plan your Denver Zoo school trip, follow these steps:
Registration
- Online registration is available for all programs, including self-guided field trips.
Bus Parking
- Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the East Lot.
Scholarships and Discounts
The Denver Zoo offers financial support for field trips and programs through the Access to Awe Scholarships.
Teacher Professional Development
The Denver Zoo also provides teacher development courses designed to inspire conservation and engage students.
Virtual Resources
For schools unable to visit in person, the Denver Zoo offers a Virtual Classroom with engaging resources for various group sizes and situations.
Other Programs
In addition to the core field trip offerings, the Denver Zoo also provides the following programs:
- Good Neighbors: Programs focusing on local conservation and wildlife care.
- Secret Science Days: Programs uncovering the secret science used by animal care professionals.
- Summer Camp Field Trips: Special programs for summer camps.
Contact Information
For any questions or to register for your Denver Zoo school trip, you can reach out to the following contacts:
- Registration: [email protected]
- Guest Care: [email protected]