Central Park Zoo offers a range of educational programs and field trips tailored to school groups, providing students with an immersive learning experience in the heart of New York City. Whether you’re planning a visit for your elementary, middle, or high school class, this guide will help you navigate the process and ensure a successful and engaging trip.

Booking an Education Program

To plan your school’s visit to the Central Park Zoo, you’ll need to complete the Central Park Zoo Request Form or call the Education Department at 800-433-4149 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). When booking, be sure to provide details about your group, including the grade level, number of students, and any special needs or accommodations required.

Payment in full is due at least 4 weeks prior to the program date, and you can use a check, credit card, or Purchase Order to complete the transaction.

Accommodations for Special Needs

The Central Park Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all students. If you have students with special needs or disabilities, be sure to mention this when registering for your program. The zoo will work with you to ensure that your classroom is wheelchair-accessible and that your group has the necessary support.

For special needs classes, a minimum of one adult chaperone for every two students is required, with a maximum class size of 12 students.

Payment Guidelines

As mentioned, payment in full is due at least 4 weeks prior to the program date. Accepted payment methods include check, credit card, and Purchase Order.

If you need to cancel your reservation, keep in mind the following policy:

• Cancellations made at least 4 weeks in advance will receive a 50% refund.
• No refunds are given for programs cancelled less than 4 weeks prior to the scheduled date.

Field Trip Tips

To ensure a smooth and successful school trip to the Central Park Zoo, consider the following tips:

1. Book Early: Classroom experiences and tours sell out quickly, especially during the popular spring months. Book your trip as early as possible to secure your desired program date.
2. Visit During the Off-Season: Visiting the zoo before April can result in classroom program discounts and a more peaceful, less crowded environment.
3. Enhance Your Trip: Consider adding a guided tour or classroom experience to your visit to deepen your students’ learning and engagement.
4. Pre-planning is Crucial: Review the zoo map, ensure chaperones understand their roles, and have a plan in place for unexpected events or emergencies.

Rates and Group Policies

When planning your Central Park Zoo school trip, keep the following rates and group policies in mind:

• Student tickets cost $10 each.
• Chaperone tickets cost $15 each.
• Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more visitors.
• A minimum of one adult chaperone for every 10 children is required, and chaperones must remain with their group at all times.
• Parking is not available on-site, so you’ll need to make alternative arrangements for transportation.

Additional Resources

To help you plan the perfect Central Park Zoo school trip, be sure to check out the following resources:

• Field Trip Planning: Helpful tips on booking early, visiting during the off-season, and enhancing your trip.
• Group Sales Policies: Information on payment, cancellation, and other group-specific guidelines.
• Tours: Explore the option of adding a guided tour to your school’s visit.
• Build Your Own Field Trip: Customize your trip with a variety of educational experiences.

By following these guidelines and taking advantage of the resources available, you can plan an unforgettable and educational school trip to the Central Park Zoo.

References:
– Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). School Programs. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/learn/educators/school-programs
– Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). Field Trip Tips. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/learn/field-trips/plan/tips
– Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). School & Camp Groups. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/plan-your-visit/group-sales/students
– Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). Tours. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/learn/field-trips/tours
– Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). Build Your Own Field Trip. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/field-trips/classes/penguin-pals