Thank you for your interest in visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Below is information on pricing, booking your reservation, and available resources and programming for schools, youth groups and organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. Rates are dependent upon the agency making the advanced reservation.
RATES
Admission rates
- Schools*
- Cuyahoga County Schools: $2.00 per student, $4.00 per adult
- Non-Cuyahoga County Schools: $6.50 per person
- Youth Groups and preschools*: $7.50 per person
- Organizations that serve individuals with disabilities*: $4.00 per person
- Children under 2 years: Free
*Groups within Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township of Medina County remain eligible for free Zoo admission on Mondays except on Memorial Day, Independence Day (if it falls on a Monday), and Labor Day.
Chaperone details
- For schools, youth groups and preschools: One free chaperone per each set of 10 students/youths ages 2-17. Additional adult admission can be purchased at the rate listed above.
- For organizations that serve individuals with disability: Max 1:1 ratio between staff and individual with disability at discounted rate
Minimum group size
5 students/youth/individuals with disability plus 1 teacher/adult/staff
Eligibile groups
- Public and private schools registered with the State Department of Education with a school designation. Must have a physical location (school building).
- Pre-schools, day cares, faith-based youth groups, city recreation center summer camps, girl or boy scout troops, YMCA/YWCA youth camps, homeschool networks, online schools, and any other for-profit or non-profit youth groups.
- County board of developmental disability groups, community agencies/ specialized schools that serve people with physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nursing homes and similar adult care facilities.
Agencies and large groups that do not meet one of these eligibility criteria should check out our
Group Ticket program for discounts.
Field Trip Admission Scholarships Request Form
Planning your Visit
Information you will need to plan and book your group visit to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Booking your reservation
- Call 216.635.3391 or email 30 days in advance to book a visit.
- Be sure to provide the following information when you call:
- Organization/School name
- Contact person name, cell phone and email address
- Preferred visit date
- Number of youth
- Number of adults
- Admission to the Zoo is included in your purchase.
- A minimum ratio of one chaperone to every ten children is recommended. Chaperones must stay with the minors in their care for the duration of the visit.
- Final head count and payment are due no later than three (3) days prior to your visit. Preferred forms of payment are checks, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and debit cards with Mastercard/Visa logo. Please make all checks payable to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Purchase orders are not accepted.
- Pre-registered bookings are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.
- Discount rates will be administered at the Box Office for additions made on the date of the visit as long as the group had an existing advanced reservation.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule your visit, please call 216.635.3391 at least 48 hours in advance. Reservations cannot be rescheduled on or after the date of visit.
- Planning on eating lunch at Zoo? Refer to the FAQs below to learn more.
Make the most of your Zoo visit
Register for an Educational Program or utilize the many free resources available for grade levels pre-K to high school on our Online Resource Library.
During Your Visit
Information that will be useful during your group visit to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
- Check out the Mandel Welcome Pavilion inside the Zoo's main entrance to see which animals Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is committed to protecting in the wild.
- Explore the Zoo, stop and observe the animals and chat with one of the Zoo's many knowledgeable Zoo Ambassadors and interpreters located throughout the Zoo's wildlife areas.
- Tackle a scavenger hunt to learn more about wildlife.
- Check out the inquiry-driven educational kiosks at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter.
- Check out these seasonal experiences and attractions.
After Your Visit
Actions you can take after your group visit to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
- Research your favorite animals on the Online Resource Library.
- Visit futureforwildlife.org to see how you can join this conservation community.
- Share your Cleveland Metroparks Zoo experience on social media using #cmzooschool, #futureforwildlife, and @clemetzoo
FAQ
Where can I rent a wheelchair?
Where do we go upon arrival?
- The Zoo's Box Office is located in the Ticket Plaza. If you have not registered for any programming, just check in at the Box Office to let a staff member know you have arrived and then proceed to the entrance of the Zoo. You should have a copy of the Group Reservation Ticket Order that you were sent when you made your group visit reservation. Zoo staff at either entrance can scan the barcode from your reservation for your group's entry. If you do not have a copy of the Group Reservation Ticket Order, you can either request one from the Box Office by providing your reservation's Booking ID or you can call 216.635.3391 and a copy can be emailed to you.
- If your group is separating into smaller subgroups, make sure that at least one adult in each group has a copy of the Group Reservation Ticket Order for re-entry into the Zoo.
- If you have a scheduled education program, proceed to your planned meeting location at the designated time after getting your wristbands.
- Only the group leader should check in at the "Registered Groups" window at the Box Office. Please have the rest of your group meet you in the Ticket Plaza.
- Bus drivers are free and can sign in at any cashier window for their ticket after showing ID (commercial driver's license).
- A staff member will not lead or escort your group. Your visit is your own and you are welcome to explore with your class or group at your leisure.
Will we be accompanied by a staff person on our field trip?
- No, but supplemental materials are offered on the Online Resource Library like scavenger hunts, career guides and lesson plans to help make your Zoo visit more meaningful.
- If you have registered for a program like Connections to Africa at African Elephant Crossing, you will can proceed to the program location for your one hour self-guided program after your group is checked in at the Box Office.
Do you offer programs led by Zoo Staff?
- For a fee, guests can go behind the scenes on the Inside Tracks tour on specifc dates with advanced reservation.
Do we have to do a program during our visit?
- No. If you would like to take advantage of one of the free programs you can do on your own with your class or group, check out the programs by grade page to see what can enhance your visit.
What does the Zoo look like? Is it easy to find the animals?
- Download a Zoo Map to see what the layout is and where you may find your favorite animals.
When is the best time to visit the Zoo?
- When possible, avoid the spring crowds on Thursdays and Fridays from late April through early-June. Plan school field experiences in the fall and winter months or early spring. Because fewer people are around, your Zoo experience will be more enjoyable and educational.
- Call as early as possible for school groups visiting Monday-Friday in the spring months. There is usally high call volume March through June and it may take a few days for staff to return reservation requests.
Who do I include in my head count?
- Include all students, staff and chaperones in your final head count. However, please note that if any of your teachers or chaperones have an active Cleveland Zoological Society membership you do not need to include them in the final head count as they will be able to gain entry to the Zoo by presenting their membership pass at the gate.
What are the Zoo hours?
- Click here for Zoo hours.
Where can I park? How much does it cost?
- Parking is FREE. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way. Buses park in the designated bus parking lot posted on the sign at the entrance.
What about lunch? Are there restaurants on-site? Can we bring a picnic lunch?
- Check out our on-site Dining & Amenities page. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers a variety of dining options to meet everyone's needs.
- Picnic lunches may be eaten in the non-reserved shared spaces located inside the Zoo. To rent picnic facilities please call the Special Events Office at 216.635.3304 for pricing and availability. To organize a catered lunch for your school or group, please contact Aramark at 216.398.5750 or at [email protected].
What is the Tram? Are we allowed to use the Tram?
- The Zoo operates complimentary tram services. The Primate, Cat & Aquatics tram travels back and forth between stops at African Elephant Crossing and the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building. Weather permitting.