Plan & Enhance Your Program

Field Trip FAQs

Click here to view the school programs available.

Directions to the zoo can be found here.

Please present a copy of your paid invoice to the Admissions gate to gain access to the Zoo.

If you booked a classroom experience or a tour, a Conservation Educator or Tour Guide will generally meet you by the Front Gate unless alternate arrangements were made. If you booked a self-led activity sheet, you are welcome to explore the Zoo on your own.

A map of the zoo can be found here.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students are welcome. In order to best meet the needs of your students, we welcome you to contact us to discuss any special needs prior to your program date. We are more than happy to discuss all the options available.

Please visit our Accessibility Page to learn about our KultureCity sensory bags, access our social stories and learn more about exhibit accessibility.

Click Here for Rules and Here for updated COVID protocols.

Cancellations must be confirmed in writing to (cpzeducation@wcs.org). There is a 50% refund if you cancel at least 4 weeks prior to your program date. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.

• Programs are held rain or shine unless trips are cancelled by school officials or a Zoo closure is in effect. Encourage your students to dress appropriately for outdoor activities.
• Requests for changes to reservations cannot be made less than 4 weeks prior to the scheduled date of visit. All rescheduled programs are subject to availability. A substitute program may be provided at the discretion of WCS Education if we are unable to accommodate your original request. There will be no price adjustments made for alternate programs offered. A $50 service charge will apply for each change made to the original reservation.
• More information on our cancellation and rescheduling policy can be found here.

Payment is due in advance of your date of visit. Prices are a flat rate per class.

• Credit card payments must be made by phone (800-433-4149), press the prompt for Education. Due to high call volume, we recommend you email or leave a voicemail giving us a specific phone number and time to call you directly for payment.

• Purchase Orders may be emailed to (cpzeducation@wcs.org) or mailed to the address below. Once we receive and acknowledge your PO, your order will be considered confirmed and we will expect payment at a later date.

• Checks should be mailed to Education Headquarters at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Attn: Education, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460.

In order to pack as much fun as possible into one day, we must start on time! Please plan to arrive at the Zoo at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled program. If an emergency situation comes up and you will be arriving late, email is the best form of communication (cpzeducation@wcs.org). Groups that arrive late to their scheduled program may have their program shortened or cancelled. There will be no price adjustment or refund for late arrivals.

Unfortunately, Central Park Zoo does not have an indoor space for groups to eat lunches brought in from the outside. The Dancing Crane Cafe has very limited indoor seating and food must be purchased there. There are benches outside of the Zoo or in the park that make ideal picnic spots!

Like any outdoor park, attractions and exhibits are subject to weather, capacity, mechanical, and/or animal availability.

Education programs include general admission to the Zoo for program participants within the given maximum. Additional adults will be charged a discounted rate if included in your order or reservation and paid for in advance. If you pay on the date of visit, additional adults will be charged the general admission price and will have to wait on line to pay for their tickets.

Admission to the Children’s Zoo and the 4D Theater are not included.

For Pre-K & Kindergarten classes, the maximum group size per program is 30 children & 7 adults.

For 1st Grade & up, the maximum group size per program is 35 children & 7 adults.

Classes cannot be combined to reach the maximum number of children & adults. Schools and groups are required to provide a minimum of 1 adult chaperone for every 10 children. Chaperones must remain with their groups at all times.

Sea lion feedings happen at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30. Please visit our Daily Schedule for day-of updates.