Every year the Utica Zoo is visited by thousands of kids and adults from schools and other organizations throughout the region. Your group has many options to choose from when visiting the zoo. All our programs support New York State learning standards. 

Field Trip Admission Prices

*Please note that in order to receive the discounted rate, your group must have at least 10 paying members*

Field Trip Options

Self-Guided Tour: Explore the zoo on your own using our teacher’s guide. This guide is packed with information about our animals, as well as activities and ideas to help make your trip more fun and focused.

Guided Tour ($10/person): If you would like to go more in depth during your visit, let a staff member or volunteer docent guide your group around the zoo. Your students will have fun learning from our knowledgeable and interesting tour guides. A tour generally lasts an hour and can be geared toward any age group. Maximum 20 students. 

Zoo Introduction ($35): Start off your day at the zoo with one of our animal ambassadors! A zoo educator and one of our education animals will meet your group in the amphitheater and give a short introduction to the zoo. Included will be the zoo’s history, our signature animals, and a brief synopsis of the rules. Then you will be free to explore the rest of the zoo. This is a good choice for large groups.  

Curated Conservation Class ($50/class): For our Curated Conservation Classes, we work with teachers or organizers to plan out a 1-hour educational experience about a topic of choice. We aim to reinforce the learning that is already being done in the classroom, as well as to provide new and engaging learning experiences for the visiting students. These programs will include a curated PowerPoint presentation on a conservation topic, related activities, and guided explorations of our zoo enclosures.

*Please note that Guided Tours and Zoo Introductions are available at an additional fee and MUST be booked in advance with our Education Department. We also cannot guarantee the availability of a program for your rain date.

**Please note that if you miss your scheduled Guided Tour, Zoo Introduction or Curated Conservation Class time, you may be forfeiting the experience as we cannot guarantee staff availability after your scheduled program start time. Refunds will not be offered. If you believe you may miss or be late for your program, please call as soon as possible to let us know or reschedule. 

Interested in a Field Trip at our Beaversprite Conservation Center? Click Here for more information!

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Shuttle Services for Free Admission Night on Monday, August 26 will begin at 5 pm at MVCC and the Rec Center.