What to expect after submitting a reservation:

1. After completing the reservation form, teachers should receive an automated “thank you” email confirming your reservation form was received.
ONCE THE FORM IS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND A CONFIRMATION EMAIL IS RECIEVED, SCHOOLS CAN BEGIN MAKING FIELD TRIP ARRANGEMENTS.

2. Zoo staff will process requests as they are submitted and enter the schools’ information into our ticketing system. This may take up to 10 business days.
After the registration is complete, an invoice and reservation number will be emailed to the individual listed as the primary contact on the reservation form from zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov..
NOTE: the invoice provided DOES NOT reflect final numbers as schools may choose to update their attendance on the day of their visit.

What information is needed to make a reservation?

The following information must be provided during the reservation process.

• Teacher name (Required) Teacher Email (Required)
• Date Requested (Required)
• Number of students Attending (Required)
• Number of buses (Required)
• School District (Required)
• School Name (Required)
• School address (Required)
• School city (Required)
• School State (Required)
• School zip (Required)
• Front office phone number (Required)
• Arrival Time (Required)

How will I know how many designated chaperone tickets have been awarded?

Once your reservation is submitted, the Zoo will apply FREE admission tickets to use for designated chaperones at a ratio of 1 free chaperone for every 10 students registered. All other adults assisting with the field trip will pay the school rate ticket price and should not be included in your field trip numbers.

Aids that are required for 1:1 students can enter at no cost with school ID.                                          Principals, school administrators, and resources officers may enter at no cost with the group with valid school ID.

Registered field trips will receive designated chaperones based on the number of students attending the trip at the ratio of 1:10. (see list below for exact number of designated chaperones awarded based on student tickets)

Students           Designated Chaperone
  10                         1
11-20                        2
21-30                        3
31-40                        4
41-50                        5
51-60                        6
61-70                        7
71-80                        8
81-90                        9
91-100                       10

When do I need to make a reservation? when will I hear back?

• Schools must reserve field trips at least 12 business days in advance of the requested field trip date.
• Schools can expect registration details and invoices within 10 business days of their online submission.
• The Zoo needs at least 5 business days to change a school field trip date and issue a new invoice.
• If your field trip is within 2 business days and you have not received an invoice for your trip, contact us at zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov or (502)-238-5358.

Can additional adults attend the field trip?

YES! additional adults are welcome to join your school on the field trip day but should understand the following:

• Only adults designated as chaperones may enter the Zoo with the school group.
• All other adults that plan to join a school group on a field trip day will be sent to the Zoo’s ticket window to purchase a school rate ticket.
• After purchasing a ticket, adults should wait inside the Zoo for their school group to enter. School rate tickets are discounted and cannot be purchased in advance or online.
• Adults participating in field trips will not be charged parking.

Can I change the date of a registered field trip?

YES! a date change may be accommodated if:

• The new requested date is 10 business days or more from the day of the change request.  The date you are requesting is not at capacity.
• The request occurs 5 business days or more in advance of the original field trip date.
• Example: original date requested May 12th.

How do I go about making a date change?

To make a date change, email us at zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov with the following information:

• Reservation Number
• Name of booking teacher
• Original date
• New date

What if the date I want is less than 10 days away?

If you would like to visit the Zoo on a day that is less than 10 business days away, you may CANCEL your trip and visit as a walk-up field trip as they require no advanced registration.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

All students participating in a walk-up field trip will be charged the $16 WALK UP RATE.

Walk up groups will receive 1 free designated chaperone for every 10 students in their group. All other adults will be charged the $16 WALK UP RATE.

Parking will be waived for all guests participating in a walk-up field trip.

What if I miss the 5 day rescheduling period?

If you can no longer attend on the date you requested, and you are unable to notify us at least 5 business days before your scheduled visit, you will need to CANCEL your trip and resubmit a field trip request form with the new date.                                                                                               To cancel your initial visit, email us at zooeducation@louisvilleky.gov Be sure to include the following

• Reservation Number
• Name of booking teacher
• Original date
• New date

What if there is bad weather expected on my field trip date?

Field trips are rain or shine. In case of inclement weather that requires the Zoo to close to the public, schools will be contacted and their reservation honored at a later date.

Schools that choose to delay their trip due to rain should follow the procedures for making a date change OR cancel the trip and submit a new field trip request.

Cant register for the date I want or the date is at capacity. Can I still visit with my school?

Why cant I register for a day.

1.  Make sure that you are at least 12 business days out from the date you are requesting.
2. Is your date a Monday in April. These are only available as walk ups see fun day Mondays on our website for info.
3. The date is at capacity                                                                                                           IMPORTANT: The Zoo sets a capacity of 2200 students per day. This number is based on the availability of school bus parking spaces, parking spaces for adults attending with schools, and the time needed to unload students and the check in each group.                        Capacities are set to ensure the best possible experience for students, adults attending with their school group, and all other guests of the Zoo. Exceeding capacity may result in delayed entry into the Zoo, and the potential for reduced time spent in the Zoo.

HAVING LUNCH AT THE ZOO?

Schools have multiple options when determining the best way to have lunch with students at the Zoo. Below are some tips to help you prepare:

bringing school lunches to the zoo

The zoo DOES NOT have areas where school lunches can be stored. Below are the two most common alternatives. PLEASE NOTE: Any lunches/coolers left at the Zoo’s front plaza will be removed and discarded.

Schools may choose to have students bring their bagged lunches into the Zoo individually (drawstring bags or paper sacks are preferred).

Schools may leave lunches and coolers on the bus. Adults will be permitted to return to the bus parking area to retrieve them and take them to your preferred lunch location. (RECOMMENDED)

NOTE: there are several picnic areas around the zoo where school groups can choose to eat lunch.

purchasing lunches at the zoo

The Zoo has two restaurants where lunches may be purchased.

Please be aware that wait times can be long during peak season (March-May)

•  Zoo Outpost restaurant: located in the Zoo’s Africa area (near Zebras)

Offering quick service ordering with indoor and outdoor seating.

• Wild Burger restaurant: located in the Zoo’s Australia area (near Walkabout)

Offering quick service ordering with outdoor seating and a playground.