Self-Guided Field Trips

The Chicago Zoological Society has a policy of giving free general admission to Illinois school groups between Labor Day and Memorial Day - Monday through Friday - from Head Start, public, and private Illinois groups serving pre-kindergarten through college for self-guided field trips (parking and attraction fees still apply). Reservations must be made a minimum of ten business days before your scheduled field trip. This opportunity is intended to afford all children, chaperones, and teachers in a class or school an opportunity to enjoy the zoo as a group and to learn about and experience animals and nature in a beautiful park-like setting.

Make your reservations early-pace is limited. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN FOR LESS THAN TEN BUSINESS DAYS before your requested field trip date. If you must cancel or change a reservation, refer to your confirmation email for additional instructions. Your confirmation email will also contain information on purchasing parking and additional attraction tickets.

Reservations have ended for the 2022-2023 season.
For Summer 2023 visits, please check out Group Sales.
The 2023-24 season will begin September 5, 2023.

By using the chart above, select the corresponding symbol that best describes your visit: