Overview
Brookfield Zoo in Chicago offers free general admission to qualified Illinois school groups for Self-Guided Field Trips between Labor Day and Memorial Day. This program is designed to provide students and chaperones with an opportunity to learn about and experience animals and nature in a beautiful park-like setting.
Eligibility
The Brookfield Zoo School Field Trip program is open to:
- Head Start, home school, public, and private Illinois school groups of 10 or more students serving pre-kindergarten through college.
- Illinois college students and their chaperones.
- Illinois Head Start Association students and their chaperones.
- Home-schooled children in groups of 10 or more, with verification of their legitimate home school status.
Reservations and Cost
- Reservations for the Brookfield Zoo School Field Trip can be made online and must be done at least 10 business days prior to the trip date.
- Admission for children and chaperones is free, but parking and attraction fees still apply and are payable in cash, credit, or check.
- If you require a quote for parking or attractions, please contact [email protected] or call 708-688-8809.
Field Trip Details
- Available dates for the Brookfield Zoo School Field Trip are limited to weekdays only between Labor Day and Memorial Day, with some exclusions.
- Buses must park in the North Parking Lot located off of 31st Street and Golfview Road.
- The zoo has several outdoor areas with picnic tables, and groups are welcome to use any of the large grassy malls located around the Roosevelt Fountain.
Cancellation and Date Changes
- Cancellations for the Brookfield Zoo School Field Trip can be done using the cancel link provided in the confirmation email until 10 days before the trip. For cancellations less than 10 days prior, contact [email protected].
- Date changes require making a new reservation and canceling the original trip.
Additional Resources
- Brookfield Zoo offers free online professional learning sessions for teachers, which include downloadable student activities, teacher guides, and lesson materials.
- The zoo also provides educator resources, including videos and downloadable content, to extend learning and enhance the zoo visit.
Contact Information
- For any questions or concerns about the Brookfield Zoo School Field Trip, email [email protected].
- For quotes on parking or attractions, contact [email protected] or call 708-688-8809.
References
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Self-Guided Field Trips. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/FieldTrips
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Field Trip FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/fieldtripfaq
- Brookfield Zoo. (2017). Brookfield Zoo Connections Classes and Zoo Talks for School Groups. Retrieved from https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/media/BZ_Learning/Teachers/Connections-Catalog-2017.pdf
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Eligible School Groups. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/Education-Community-Engagement/Professional-Learning-K-12-Academics/Field-Trips/Eligible-School-Groups
- Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Educator Resources. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/EdResources