School’s Out Safari

When school is out, there’s no better place to spend your day than at the Zoo! School’s Out Safari is designed for participants ages 5-13 and includes a walking tour of parts of the Zoo, a Get-Close encounter with a small animal, and conservation-themed games.

This program is based out of the Program and Private Events building located to the left of the Main Entrance of the Zoo. On the morning of your program, please park and escort your child to this entrance where Zoo staff will meet you. Please ensure your child is in comfortable, closed-toe shoes and is dressed appropriately for the weather.

Participants registered for the full day are responsible for bringing their own lunch and beverage. Those registered for half-day do not need to bring a lunch, as they leave prior to lunch time. The Zoo will provide a mid-morning snack for all participants and a mid-afternoon snack for full-day participants. All snacks will be free of the common allergens, or participants are welcome to bring their own.

Registration link coming soon!

Online registration is required for School’s Out Safari.

Scholarships may be available for eligible individuals. APPLY HERE 

For more information, contact the Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391 or email [email protected].

Monday, January 19

Monday, February 16

Friday, October 9

Monday, October 12

Full Day: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Half Day: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Before Care: 7:30 am – 9:00 am

After Care: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

This program is also offered by request. If your school is out of session or you are a homeschool group looking for a full or half-day experience at the Zoo, please reach out to the Zoo’s Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391 or email [email protected]. A minimum of five (5) participants is needed to run this program. Maximum capacity is 20. A limited number of by-request programs are available throughout the year.

Full Day Registration (Member): $80

Full Day Registration (Non-Member): $88

Half-day Registration (Member): $56

Half-day Registration (Non-Member): $62

Add-Ons:

Before Care (early drop-off begins at 7:30 am): $10

After Care (late pick-up ends at 6:00 pm): $10

Will children of different ages be in separate groups?

Yes, children will be divided into smaller groups according to their age. Those aged 5–10 will form one group, while children aged 11–13 will form another. Each group will follow a separate schedule throughout the day, but be together at the beginning of the day as children arrive and then again at the end of the day as they leave.

Will my child have an opportunity to help an animal keeper?

For the safety of all, direct contact with exhibit animals is not possible.

Do I need to come into the Zoo to drop off my child?

Yes, it is required that you escort your child into the Zoo for drop-off. Please park and escort your child to the Program and Private Event building located to the left of the Main Entrance of the Zoo. This is where you’ll meet the Zoo staff and can ask any questions you might have. Please ensure your child is in comfortable, closed-toe shoes and is dressed appropriately for the weather.

What should my child wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required due to the nature of the experience. Weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing is recommended.

What is your refund policy?

Program fees and deposits are non-refundable. Participants assume risk of all changes in personal health and affairs. With advanced notice of one week prior to the scheduled program date, the program may be rescheduled for free to a new date pending inventory/availability before the end of the following calendar year with a maximum of one (1) reschedule move. Rescheduling requests will not be honored for “no-shows” and requests submitted with less than a week’s notice, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If Cleveland Metroparks Zoo finds it necessary to cancel a program, a refund or internal education program credit will be issued. Registrants will be notified if programs are cancelled. By registering for a program, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this policy.

Does my child need to bring a lunch or snacks?

Participants registered for the full day are responsible for bringing their own lunch and beverage. Those registered for half-day do not need to bring a lunch, as they leave prior to lunch time. The Zoo will provide a mid-morning snack for all participants and a mid-afternoon snack for full-day participants. All snacks will be free of the common allergens including milk, wheat, soy, eggs, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Participants are also welcome to bring their own snacks.

After registration, what information will I receive?

Your registration confirmation email containing the unique QR code will automatically be sent to you. Please be sure to retain this page, as it contains the QR code needed to pick up your child at the end of the day.

My child has special needs and has difficulty functioning at grade level. How should I register my child for this program?

If you have a concern about your child’s needs, please call the Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391 prior to registration.

Where should I drop off my child if we arrive after 9:00 am? 

Up until 9:10 am, drop-off takes place at the Program and Private Events building. If you arrive after that time, please check in at the Guest Resource Center (inside the Main Entrance of the Zoo across from the gift shop).

Are there discounts available for registering multiple children?

The only discount available is for Cleveland Zoological Society Members. Discounts are not available for bulk purchases of programming.

Can my child bring a backpack, additional clothes, water bottle, or camera to this program?

Yes, but your child will be responsible for carrying all items throughout the day. Please do not send your child with money to spend in the food or gift shops. Participants will not be visiting these areas.

Is it possible for someone else to pick up my child?

Yes, the person picking up must present the unique QR code sent in the registration confirmation email for each child to be picked up, or the child will not be released. It is the responsibility of the person who registered the child to provide that QR code to the pick-up person(s). This is done to ensure the safety of your child.