School Groups At
The Must Do Zoo

Inspiring others

to join us in caring for animals and

conserving the natural world

School groups at the must do zoo

Planning Ahead

All school groups must register at least one week in advance to allow processing and confirmation. The Zoo requests a singular form of payment for the final head count that is due upon arrival at the entrance gate. We do not take payment in advance.

Please note: School Group Rates only apply during the standard school year and exclude Pre-K groups unless they are Head Start. If you have a Pre-K group or a school group coming during the summer, please see the ‘Pre-K, Summer School’ section below.

School Field Trip Rates

Lucas County
K-12 Schools

Rates only available
Monday - Friday (Mar - Dec)
Students K-12: FREE

Teachers (with valid school ID): FREE

Adult Chaperones: $14 each

Additional Children: FREE

Bus Driver: FREE

Parking for public school buses or smaller transport vehicles is $8 per vehicle (cash only please)

Non-Lucas County
K-12 Schools

Rates only available
Monday - Friday (Mar - Dec)
Students K-12: $10 each

Teachers (with valid school ID): FREE

Adult Chaperones: $14 each

Additional Children: $10 each

Bus Driver: FREE

Parking for public school buses or smaller transport vehicles is $8 per vehicle (cash only please)

Pre-K and
Summer Schools

Rates only available March 1 to October 31 and apply to all Pre-K groups and Summer School Groups purchasing 20+ tickets
Children (ages 2-11): $16 each

Senior (ages 60+): $16 each

Adults (ages 12-59): $19 each

Infant (under 2): FREE

Bus Driver: FREE

Parking for public school buses or smaller transport vehicles is $8 per vehicle (cash only please)

Click below to make your school reservation today!


Or call 419-389-6561

Did somebody say lunch?

We have a convenient lunch program for children and adults that may include reserved seating for your group. This great option will save you the exhausting and time-consuming hassles of packing, hauling, and sorting out lunches. Let the Zoo do the work for you!

 

Child Sack Lunch

Please select 2 of these options for your group.
Each child sack lunch is $5.00 plus tax (unless exempt)

Peanut butter & jelly sandwich
Potato chips
Apple sauce
Cookie
Juice box
Turkey & cheese sandwich
Potato chips
Apple sauce
Cookie
Juice box
All beef hot dog
Potato chips
Apple sauce
Cookie
Juice box
 

Adult Box Lunch

Please select 2 of these options for your group.
Each child sack lunch is $10.95 plus tax (unless exempt)

Ham & swiss cheese
Potato chips
Apple
Gourmet cookie
Coca-Cola Beverage
Turkey & cheddar cheese
Potato chips
Apple
Gourmet cookie
Coca-Cola Beverage
Chicken salad sandwich
Potato chips
Apple
Gourmet cookie
Coca-Cola Beverage
Turkey & spinach wrap
Potato chips
Apple
Gourmet cookie
Coca-Cola Beverage

A vegetarian option is available upon request.

 

Make your lunch reservation today

Sack/box lunch reservation are arranged through the Group Sales department and will require an additional cost that is not part of your group registration. Lunches may also include reserved seating in our Broadway Pavilion (Monday - Friday only). Reserved seating is seasonal and subject to availability. Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance with a minimum of 10 orders.
To order lunches call (419) 385-5721 ext. 6001

Hide lunch options ^


Or call 419-389-6561

Maximize your experience

Partner with the Toledo Zoo’s Education department to plan an interactive and fun learning experience using our wide selection of on-grounds resources and programs. We can cater our resources and presentations to best suit your needs, including contact with live animals!

 

Please note: Programs arranged through the Education department are handled separately from your School Group registration and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Please click the button below your experience choice to register.

Scavenger Hunts

Explore the Zoo in a whole new way with our activity sheets and scavenger hunts
Learn more

Critter Encounters

These 20 minute encounters feature 2 live animals, take place in Nature's Neighborhood and can accommodate 35 people.


Choose 1 of these topics:
• Predators and Prey
• Reptiles
• Camouflage and Color

Program Times: 10:30, 11:15 a.m., noon or 12:45 p.m.

Cost: $25 per session

Wild Walks

These 45 to 60 minute tours explore one of our popular exhibits. Classes will be divided into groups of 30.


Choose a theme:
• Habitats
• Animal Inquiry
• If I Ran the Zoo

Program Times: Best experienced with early entry at 9:30 a.m.

Cost for total program: $60 per class

Classroom Adventures

These 45-minute classroom experiences delve deeper into science skills and include 3 live animal encounters. Programs take place in the Carson Family Education Center and can accommodate up to 40 people.


Program Times: 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 or 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $45 per session

Not a school group?

We offer group rates for groups with 20 or more guests!


Can’t come to the Zoo?

Our educators will bring live animals and more to your school for a wild lesson.


More Info

 

For the well-being of our animals and to help provide a safe, enjoyable and family-friendly experience, please observe the following policies:

GUEST POLICIES
  • All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an individual 16 years of age or older.
  • Shirts and footwear must be worn at all times, with the exception of the splash pad.
  • To prevent transmission of disease, we strongly recommend washing or sanitizing hands after touching animals in Nature’s Neighborhood, Keet Retreat, Touch Tanks or Tower Ridge Giraffe Experience. Stations are available at each site.
  • Non-potty trained toddlers must have swim diapers covered with plastic training pants to enter all water play areas.
  • The Zoo reserves the right, at the discretion of our staff, to prohibit items that may be dangerous or disruptive to our guests or animals.
  • While on Zoo grounds, guests may be photographed or filmed as part of the Zoo’s publicity efforts.
  • No rain checks or refunds will be issued.
PROHIBITED

The following items are NOT permitted on Zoo grounds:

  • Crossing Zoo barriers
  • Feeding the animals
  • Smoking
  • Solicitation
  • Dogs or pets- with the exception of service animals
    • Toledo Zoo welcomes guests with disabilities utilizing service animals as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Ohio Administrative Code. A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work for a person with a disability. Dogs (or other animals) whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
  • Outside alcoholic beverages
  • Inappropriate clothing for a family setting
  • Firearms
  • Remote control cars or drones
  • Grills
  • Balloons
  • Laser pointers
  • Skateboards/hoverboards, rollerblades/skates or Heely’s
  • Bicycles/tricycles and scooters
  • Commercial photography without expressed prior approval
 
VISITOR RENTALS

The following items are available for rental near both zoo entrances:

Wagon

$11

Strollers

Standard stroller: $7

Double-wide stroller: $11

Wheelchair*

$12

Motorized Scooter*

Seniors(60+): $25
Zoo Members: $30
Non-members: $35

*Wheelchair / Scooter rental Policy:
A valid ID is required to rent a wheelchair or scooter. Hours of operation may vary due to season and weather. Motorized scooters must be rented by the user or a legally responsible party. All scooter riders must be 16 years of older unless special conditions apply. Scooters are provided for visitors with special needs and are not intended for recreational use. Scooter availability is limited and scooters are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please note: Rentals are provided and maintained by Scooter Bug™. Prices are subject to change.

 

NORTH SIDE CONCESSIONS
Timberline Bakery:
Home to coffee, cappuccino, latte, espresso, macchiato or tea and fresh baked goods. Get them on the way in and remember to stock up on cookies and homemade fudge for the ride home! Located in North Star Gift Shop.

 

Northern Ice:
What’s a trip to the Zoo without ice cream? Cones, cups, floats and milkshakes are all available here. Located near the North Tunnel entrance.

 

Karoo Snack Stand:
There is pizza and chicken tenders on the North side too! Don’t forget the tater tots! Located next to the Carousel.

 

Kibanda Beverages:
Ice cold liquid refreshments for kids and adults alike. If you are a fan of frozen drinks, this is your place! Located in Africa!, near the zipline and Overlook.

 

Karamu BBQ:
Hot off the grill! Enjoy a burger, chicken or ribs! Add chips and one of a huge variety of beverages to make a meal. In the mood for a sub? This is the spot! Located in Africa! By the Giraffe Feed Deck.

 

Dippin' Dots® Carts:
Three locations: Blade Plaza (North), Tembo Trail and Skeldon Plaza (South)

 

Hot Dog Carts:
Hot dogs, brats, chips and more! Located throughout Zoo grounds.

 

All stands serve Coke products

HISTORIC SOUTH SIDE CONCESSIONS
Bird Feeder:
Keep cool with a sundae, milkshake, float or ice cream in a cup or cone! Try our new dairy-free frozen Dole Whip in several refreshing flavors. And there is always our fan-favorite fried Twinkie too! Located next to the Aviary.

 

Beastro Beer & Wine Garden:
Relax and play games while you sip a regional craft or imported beer or glass of wine! Enjoy a pretzel as big as your head or an order of bacon-wrapped delights. Located in Main Plaza.

 

Carnivore Café:
Once home to lions and tigers, this air-conditioned space offers burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries and a whole lot more.  Be sure to check out the all new Deli menu, featuring Mexican rice bowls, mini tacos and much more!

 

Polar Chill:
Looking for a quick snack? Grab a pretzel, caramel corn or Coke for your stroll through the Zoo. In the mood for a quick ice cream bar or push-up? We have those too! Located just outside the Carnivore Café.

 

Eats on the Patio:
We have something for the whole family, including pretzels, popcorn, pizza, sandwiches and chicken tenders. Located in Nature’s Neighborhood.

 

Big Blue Express:
Grab a made-to-order burger from out food trailer! Don’t’ forget to add our Zoo-made potato chips too! Located in Main Plaza.

 

Dippin' Dots® Carts:
Three locations: Blade Plaza (North), Tembo Trail and Skeldon Plaza (South)

 

Hot Dog Carts:
Hot dogs, brats, chips and more! Located throughout Zoo grounds.

 

All stands serve Coke products

Zoo Policies

For the well-being of our animals and to help provide a safe, enjoyable and family-friendly experience, please observe the following policies:

GUEST POLICIES
  • All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an individual 16 years of age or older.
  • Shirts and footwear must be worn at all times, with the exception of the splash pad.
  • To prevent transmission of disease, we strongly recommend washing or sanitizing hands after touching animals in Nature’s Neighborhood, Keet Retreat, Touch Tanks or Tower Ridge Giraffe Experience. Stations are available at each site.
  • Non-potty trained toddlers must have swim diapers covered with plastic training pants to enter all water play areas.
  • The Zoo reserves the right, at the discretion of our staff, to prohibit items that may be dangerous or disruptive to our guests or animals.
  • While on Zoo grounds, guests may be photographed or filmed as part of the Zoo’s publicity efforts.
  • No rain checks or refunds will be issued.
PROHIBITED

The following items are NOT permitted on Zoo grounds:

  • Crossing Zoo barriers
  • Feeding the animals
  • Smoking
  • Solicitation
  • Dogs or pets- with the exception of service animals
    • Toledo Zoo welcomes guests with disabilities utilizing service animals as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Ohio Administrative Code. A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work for a person with a disability. Dogs (or other animals) whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
  • Outside alcoholic beverages
  • Inappropriate clothing for a family setting
  • Firearms
  • Remote control cars or drones
  • Grills
  • Balloons
  • Laser pointers
  • Skateboards/hoverboards, rollerblades/skates or Heely’s
  • Bicycles/tricycles and scooters
  • Commercial photography without expressed prior approval

Visitor Rentals

The following items are available for rental near both zoo entrances:

Wagon

$11

Strollers

Standard stroller: $7

Double-wide stroller: $11

Wheelchair*

$12

Motorized Scooter*

Seniors(60+): $25
Zoo Members: $30
Non-members: $35

*Wheelchair / Scooter rental Policy:
A valid ID is required to rent a wheelchair or scooter. Hours of operation may vary due to season and weather. Motorized scooters must be rented by the user or a legally responsible party. All scooter riders must be 16 years of older unless special conditions apply. Scooters are provided for visitors with special needs and are not intended for recreational use. Scooter availability is limited and scooters are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please note: Rentals are provided and maintained by Scooter Bug™. Prices are subject to change.

Concessions

NORTH SIDE CONCESSIONS
Timberline Bakery:
Home to coffee, cappuccino, latte, espresso, macchiato or tea and fresh baked goods. Get them on the way in and remember to stock up on cookies and homemade fudge for the ride home! Located in North Star Gift Shop.

 

Northern Ice:
What’s a trip to the Zoo without ice cream? Cones, cups, floats and milkshakes are all available here. Located near the North Tunnel entrance.

 

Karoo Snack Stand:
There is pizza and chicken tenders on the North side too! Don’t forget the tater tots! Located next to the Carousel.

 

Kibanda Beverages:
Ice cold liquid refreshments for kids and adults alike. If you are a fan of frozen drinks, this is your place! Located in Africa!, near the zipline and Overlook.

 

Karamu BBQ:
Hot off the grill! Enjoy a burger, chicken or ribs! Add chips and one of a huge variety of beverages to make a meal. In the mood for a sub? This is the spot! Located in Africa! By the Giraffe Feed Deck.

 

Dippin' Dots® Carts:
Three locations: Blade Plaza (North), Tembo Trail and Skeldon Plaza (South)

 

Hot Dog Carts:
Hot dogs, brats, chips and more! Located throughout Zoo grounds.

 

All stands serve Coke products

HISTORIC SOUTH SIDE CONCESSIONS
Bird Feeder:
Keep cool with a sundae, milkshake, float or ice cream in a cup or cone! Try our new dairy-free frozen Dole Whip in several refreshing flavors. And there is always our fan-favorite fried Twinkie too! Located next to the Aviary.

 

Beastro Beer & Wine Garden:
Relax and play games while you sip a regional craft or imported beer or glass of wine! Enjoy a pretzel as big as your head or an order of bacon-wrapped delights. Located in Main Plaza.

 

Carnivore Café:
Once home to lions and tigers, this air-conditioned space offers burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries and a whole lot more.  Be sure to check out the all new Deli menu, featuring Mexican rice bowls, mini tacos and much more!

 

Polar Chill:
Looking for a quick snack? Grab a pretzel, caramel corn or Coke for your stroll through the Zoo. In the mood for a quick ice cream bar or push-up? We have those too! Located just outside the Carnivore Café.

 

Eats on the Patio:
We have something for the whole family, including pretzels, popcorn, pizza, sandwiches and chicken tenders. Located in Nature’s Neighborhood.

 

Big Blue Express:
Grab a made-to-order burger from out food trailer! Don’t’ forget to add our Zoo-made potato chips too! Located in Main Plaza.

 

Dippin' Dots® Carts:
Three locations: Blade Plaza (North), Tembo Trail and Skeldon Plaza (South)

 

Hot Dog Carts:
Hot dogs, brats, chips and more! Located throughout Zoo grounds.

 

All stands serve Coke products

Behind the Scenes Tours