Plan & Enhance Your Program

Field Trip FAQs

Directions to 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.

The zoo has two entrances, one located on Flatbush Avenue and one located at the Children’s Corner, inside of the park. Please note that the Children’s Corner entrance is our accessible entrance. Please plan to enter the zoo through our Children’s Corner Entrance for programs scheduled during the months of November - March. During these months, our main entrance located on Flatbush Avenue may be inaccessible. Signage will be posted to direct groups to enter through the Children’s Corner in these instances. Refer to the map of the zoo for more details.

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

If your field trip is scheduled to begin at 10 am, a zoo educator will meet your group at either the Flatbush Avenue entrance or the Children’s Corner Entrance depending on the season. Field trips scheduled at all other times will meet their Zoo Instructor at the Lioness Statue located in Sea Lion Court, 5 minutes before the program start time. If you booked a self-led Scavenger Hunt, you are welcome to explore the Zoo on your own.

A map of the Zoo can be found here.

Cancellations must be confirmed in writing to (ppzeducation@wcs.org). There is a 50% refund if you cancel at least 2 weeks prior to your program date. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 2 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.

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’ll be arriving late, email is the best form of communication (ppzeducation@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.

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 (ppzeducation@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.

The Prospect Park Zoo has fresh dining options available for guests. Stop by the Sea Lion Store and Café, located in our Sea Lion Court, featuring freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and lots of healthy snacks. Also available: ice cream, Dippin' Dots, candy, and Birds and Beans coffee. You can also bring a lunch and eat at one of our outdoor picnic tables. Please note that picnic tables cannot be reserved ahead of time and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. At this time, we do not have an indoor dining area or the ability to store lunches.

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.

For Pre-K & Kindergarten classes, the maximum group size per program is 25 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 two to three times every day. Please visit our Daily Schedule for day-of updates.

Click here to view all types of Education programs.