Want to know more about fields trips to the Oregon Zoo? Here are some of our frequently asked questions.
Are teachers considered chaperones?
Yes, teachers are chaperones and need tickets.
What if some of my students or chaperones are Zoo Members?
Get your student or adult member tickets on the day of your visit at the ticket kiosks. Photo copies of membership cards are accepted for student members only. Adult members must show their membership card and ID, as usual, at the ticket kiosks. Photo identification is not required for children.
Can I use one of my bus drivers as a chaperone?
No. Because there is no bus parking at the zoo, bus drivers cannot be chaperones.
What will it cost to bring my class of 30 students and 10 chaperones (including me) to the zoo if 5 of my students and 2 of the chaperones are zoo members?
Remember that zoo members are not included in your group count. If 5 of your students and 2 of your chaperones are members, then your group count is 25 students and 8 chaperones. You will need 5 chaperones to meet the 1:5 chaperone to student ratio. These five chaperones are admitted for free with your school group. The other three chaperones will need to pay zoo admission.
25 students x $3/each = $75
3 chaperones x $8.40/each = $25.20
Your total cost = $75 + $25.20 = $100.20
Are there other discounted rates available to school groups?
On the second Tuesday of each month zoo admission is only $4. These tickets are available only at the Zoo on second Tuesdays; they are not available for prepurchase. Classes coming to the zoo on second Tuesdays must still maintain a 1:5 chaperone/student ratio. However, no chaperones are admitted for free.
What will it cost to bring the same class of 30 students and 10 chaperones (including me) to the zoo on second Tuesdays? (Remember that 5 students and 2 chaperones are members)
In this scenario, there are 33 paying people (40 students/chaperones – 7 members)
Your total cost: 33 people x $4/person = $132.00
Is there a place to store our lunches?
YES, there are cupboards near the train on a first-come, first-served basis. They are not lockable.
Can you help us transport our lunches?
No, but you may rent a stroller at our gift shop.
Where can we eat our lunches? Are there covered areas?
You can eat lunch on the concert lawn, at BearWalk Café or the Elephant Plaza Picnic Pavilion, but space is first-come, first-served. Look for the umbrella symbol on the zoo map for other covered areas.
Does the zoo offer school lunches?
The Zoo offers sack lunches for students if ordered in advance. The lunches include a small pop, chips and either a hot dog, corn dog or a cheese sandwich. The cost is $4.25/lunch and must be preordered using the advance ticket order form or online.