Explore the Zoo!

Public or private state K-12 institution, head start program, or accredited preschool associated with an Illinois school.

Participation minimum: 15 students

Cost:
Students: No charge – admission waived courtesy of the (70 ILCS 805/) Downstate Forest Preserve District Act

Teachers: One complimentary teacher admission per individual class or section.

Chaperones: $6.00 – All chaperones not pre-paid with your group booking will be admitted through general admission at the regular admission rates on the date of your visit. Online tickets can be purchased ahead of time for a cheaper rate than onsite.

Bus Drivers: $6.00 – please note admission is required for bus drivers who intend to enter the zoo during your visit.

Aides and Assistants: One complimentary chaperone admission will be issued per paid or registered student admission for students with Individualized Education Plans or similar accommodations.

Rates apply for weekday field trips booked during the regular school year. For summer field trips, please see Youth Group cost.

Public or private K-12 non-Illinois school, head start program, or preschool associated with an accredited non-Illinois school.

Participation minimum: 15 students

Cost:
Students: $3.50

Teachers: One complimentary teacher admission per individual class or section.

Chaperones: $6.00– All chaperones not pre-paid with your group booking will be admitted through general admission at the regular admission rates on the date of your visit. Online tickets can be purchased ahead of time at a cheaper rate than onsite.

Bus Drivers: $6.00 – please note admission is required for bus drivers who intend to enter the zoo during your visit.

Aides and Assistants: One complimentary chaperone admission will be issued per paid or registered student admission for students with Individualized Education Plans or similar accommodations.

Rates apply for weekday field trips booked during the regular school year. For summer field trips, please see Youth Group cost.

Private Preschools (not affiliated with a school district), home-school groups, daycares, scout groups, or other youth group types.

Participation minimum: 15 students

Cost:
Students: $3.50

Group Leaders: Registered groups will receive one complimentary chaperone admission per individual registered group.

Chaperones: $6.00 – All chaperones not pre-paid with your group booking will be admitted through general admission at the regular admission rates on the date of your visit. Online tickets can be purchased ahead of time at a cheaper rate than onsite.

Bus Drivers: $6.00 – please note admission is required for bus drivers who intend to enter the zoo during your visit.

Aides and Assistants: One complimentary chaperone admission will be issued per paid or registered student admission for students with Individualized Education Plans or similar accommodations.

University, college, corporate groups, living facilities, and all other groups.

Participation minimum: 15 students/clients

Cost:

Adult Participant: $3.50

Group Leaders: Registered groups will receive one complimentary chaperone admission per individual registered group.

Chaperones: $6.00 – All chaperones not pre-paid with your group booking will be admitted through general admission at the regular admission rates on the date of your visit. Online tickets can be purchased ahead of time for a cheaper rate than onsite.

Lunches

Field trip groups are allowed to bring your own lunch or enjoy food from our concession stand. For the safety of the animals, there are no straws allowed in the zoo. If you plan on having a picnic lunch, you can eat around The Treehouse Snack Shack at the picnic tables and grass (near the playground), or on the Festival Lawn. If you are interested in purchasing individual sack lunches, please contact Jen Hart at qcbobatea@gmail.com for additional info.

Participant number

To receive a group discount, all groups must have a minimum of 15 student participants.

Chaperones: It is highly recommended that field trip groups have one adult chaperone for every ten students. Chaperones must stay with the children they are supervising at all times.

Bus drivers

Drivers are welcome to come into the Zoo at the Chaperone admission rate. Must be prepurchased in advance to receive the discounted admission.

Additional Guests

Any additional adults (non-chaperone) and siblings will be charged the full admission price.

Parking Fee

There is a $4 parking fee per vehicle (including chaperone) and a $12 parking fee per school bus (pricing varies if purchased onsite).

Pre-payment

Field trips must be pre-paid 1 week in advance (payments are non-refundable as tickets are good all season).

Make your trip to the Zoo an educational experience! Learn how Niabi inspires conservation action while helping meet state education standards from pre-K to college level.

What you should know about educational tours:

• Tours are approximately 30 minutes in length.
• Cost is $5 per student and chaperone (teachers can attend at no cost).

Themed Tours include (but are not limited to):

Amazing Adaptations –

From prehensile tails to swinging hands and how to survive in desert sands, we’ll take a closer look at the special characteristics that help animals survive. Featured Animals: Gibbons, Binturong, Bactrian Camel, Snow Leopard, Giraffe

African Safari –

Explore the great continent of Africa and learn about the unique characteristics of the diverse animals that call it home. Featured Animals: Rhino, Giraffe, Ostrich, and Colobus Monkeys

Brilliant Biodiversity –

Meaning the variety of life, explore Biodiversity Hall and its wide variety of species to help understand why biodiversity is so important to the survival of life on Earth. Featured Animals: Meerkats, African Crested Porcupine, Crocodile Monitor Lizard, Fennec Fox, Reticulated Python, Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth

Homey Habitats –

Which animals live where? What about their environment best suits particular animals? Join us as we look at animals from around the world, the different habitats they call home and how everything is connected. Featured Habitats: Tropical Rainforest, Desert, Savannah/Grassland, and Temperate Forest

Radical Reptiles –

Discover the ancient world of reptiles and what makes them unique. See our Reptile House and learn about the characteristics that make reptiles so fascinating! Featured Animals: Green Anaconda, Northern Caiman Lizard, Red-footed Tortoise, and Leaf-tailed Gecko

Zoo Careers –

Find out about a variety of careers with animals, education requirements, experience needed and how to get it as well as the time, commitment, and dedication needed to work in a Zoo. Includes a presentation and a behind the scenes look at areas of the Zoo. Featured Career Paths: Zoo Keeper, Conservation Education, Animal Nutritionist, and Veterinary Services

NOTE: All programs can be tailored to any age group.

Don’t see what you want? We can custom design a tour for you! Just give us a call with questions, 309-799-3482 ext 222

Experiences

Hours and availability
may vary.

**As a member, you can enjoy discounted experience prices whether you reserve online in advance or pay in-person on the same day.