(or the Zoo Field Trip Survival Guide)
Whether you plan to visit for one hour, two hours or the entire day, we want to help you experience an educational, entertaining, safe and successful trip to the Saint Louis Zoo. Here are some ideas, suggestions and valuable information to meet your needs.
See Hours, Prices & Directions for driving directions.
Zoo Hours
The Saint Louis Zoo is open daily, year-round, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. See Hours, Prices & Directions for more detail.
Check out our Calendar of Events for details on what's happening on the days you plan to visit.
Free Hour
Please see Hours, Prices & Directions for information on the free hour for Children's Zoo and Conservation Carousel.
Parking
Parking is available on the Zoo's North and South Parking Lots; please see map at right. The price for parking is $11 per vehicle. (Parking fees are subject to change.) Bus parking is $22 and is available on the South Parking Lot only. (Note: For information on bus parking, see If Arriving by Bus, below.)
Parking for cars is free on the Forest Park streets around the Zoo, but please pay attention to no-parking zones, marked by signs. Parking rules are subject to change.
If Arriving by Bus
Bus parking at the Zoo costs $22 and is available on the Zoo's South Parking Lot only. (Parking fees are subject to change.) Buses will not be allowed to drop off passengers at the South Entrance. All buses should drop off passengers at the North Entrance.
TO DROP OFF STUDENTS AT OUR NORTH ENTRANCE (i.e. you have an education program that meets in The Living World): Direct the bus driver to enter Forest Park from Skinker Blvd. at Wells Drive.Turn east on Government Drive and approach the North Entrance traveling eastbound. Unload students in front of the Zoo entrance according to the staging directions below.
NORTH ENTRANCE BUS STAGING AREA: APRIL 1 - MAY 31, 2010
The management of the Zoo has received permission from the City of Saint Louis Department of Parks to prohibit vehicle parking on the south side of Government Drive from Wells Drive to the North Parking Lot from April 1 to May 31, Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This area will be used for the staging of school buses prior to unloading and loading children.
As buses stage and space becomes available in front of Zoo's North Entrance (The Living World building), a Ranger or Zoo employee will motion for the bus to drive to The Living World to unload or load the children. Buses are allotted 15 minutes to stage prior to the pick-up of children.
Buses should enter the staging area from Wells Drive, driving east on Government Drive so that children will not have to cross the street to enter the Zoo. Buses will not be permitted to park on Government Drive during the children's visit, only to stage prior to unloading or loading the children.
School buses may park on the South Parking Lot of the Zoo for $22. In addition, School bus drivers may purchase all day or annual parking permits from the City of Saint Louis Department of Parks to park elsewhere in Forest Park.
BUS/COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING PERMIT FOR FOREST PARK
To park a bus or commercial vehicle elsewhere in Forest Park when visiting the Zoo, you must obtain a permit through the City of Saint Louis Department of Parks. You will also be assigned a designated lot by the Parks Department. The parking permit fee is $5 per bus or commercial vehicle. Parking permits are obtained by calling the Forest Park Permits Office at (314) 289-5300, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., or by completing an online application. Please request your permit at least two weeks before your scheduled field trip.
Teachers or other bus users will need to provide the following information: their name, name and address of school/organization, date of visit, and the number of buses arriving at the time of their request. Permits will be mailed. Any permits requested less than two weeks of the scheduled trip will need to be picked up at the permit office.
Please note: Your parking permit must be prominently displayed on the windshield of your bus during the time the vehicle is parked in Forest Park or you risk getting ticketed.
To assist both you and any Zoo staff in directing traffic and to identify your school bus, be sure your school name is clearly marked in the front passenger-side window.
Please note: Our heaviest school visitation occurs in April and May. Consequently, you will need extra time to allow for heavy school bus traffic. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
Attention Teachers and Group Leaders!
Schools and groups are now required to register before visiting the Zoo. Please take a moment to let us know when you are coming, by completing the school/group registration form. When you arrive at the Zoo, please check in at one of the Welcome Desks located at both Zoo entrances. Whether you are scheduled for an educational program or tour, or just planning to tour the Zoo on your own, completing this information provides us with the necessary information to better serve your group, particularly in the event of an emergency. For questions regarding group registration, please call (314) 646-4544. Please note: the school / group registration form is required only for group tracking purposes. To order group tickets and meals, please contact the School Group Sales Office at (314) 646-4566 or foodgroupsales@stlzoo.org.
Respect the Animals
We want your Zoo visit to be a valuable learning experience for your students. One thing we hope visitors learn is respect for our Zoo animals, and for all wildlife. When you're on Zoo grounds, please help us keep our animals safe and our grounds beautiful. Do not allow students to throw food or other items into the animal exhibits, or try to touch the animals. Please respect our flowers and plants by not picking or collecting them. While touring the grounds, be mindful and courteous of other visitors around you. Thanks for your cooperation.
Group Safety
The Saint Louis Zoo Security Department recommends that large groups bring cell phones or group two-way radios. This way, group members can find one another easily if they get separated.
Also, please check in at the Welcome Desk at either Zoo entrance to leave a cell phone number in which you can be contacted in case of emergency.
Group Rates
For information on lunch at the Zoo, special attractions at special group rates and other savings for field trip groups, see Group Visits.
Bringing Your Own Lunch?
Students may bring sack lunches to the Zoo. However, we cannot store lunches. Please be prepared to carry lunches in backpacks or store them in your vehicles. Storage lockers are available at both the north and south entrances of the Zoo for your convenience. The price for a storage locker is fifty cents (quarters only). You are welcome to enjoy your lunch at any of our outdoor tables or benches, except those on the terrace at the Painted Giraffe Cafe or at Lakeside Cafe.
Order Souvenirs for the Class
Create a lasting memory of your field trip for your students by ordering souvenirs in advance. We know that time on your field trip is sometimes limited, and may not allow for a visit to the gift shops. So ordering souvenirs may be just what you need to do to round out your day. Gift bags are available for $5. Call (314) 781-0900, ext. 4857 for details.
Get a Class Pass for Zoo Fun
Special offer for school groups only: School groups of 15 or more may purchase a Class Pass for just $5 per person. Your group will receive admission to Children’s Zoo, Zooline Railroad and Conservation Carousel. Just call (314) 781-0900, ext. 4857 or e-mail foodgroupsales@stlzoo.org.
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