School and Group Visits

Thank you for your interest in visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Below is information on pricing, booking your reservation, and available resources and programming.

Click here to learn more about safe practices when visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what to expect before you arrive

Admission Pricing - Schools and Groups

To plan your visit and book your discount admission tickets SEE BELOW. 

* Groups within Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township of Medina County remain eligible for free Zoo admission on Mondays except on legal holidays that fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Admission on qualifying "Free Mondays" does not include The RainForest.

Planning your Visit

Booking your reservation

• Call 216-635-3391 or email 30 days in advance to book a visit.
• Admission to the Zoo is included in your purchase. The RainForest will remain closed through at least fall 2020 as construction is underway to replace the iconic geodesic dome. A new dome will use state-of-the-art technology to improve lighting, energy efficiency and animal habitats in The RainForest when it is complete in fall 2020.
• A minimum ratio of one chaperone to every ten children is recommended. 
• Final headcount, payment, and signed contracts are all due no later than 3 days prior to your visit. 
• 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? SEE 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 Resources Library. 

During Your Visit

• 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. 
• Learn more throughout the Zoo with KeyBank® ZooKeys. 
• Check out the inquiry-driven educational kiosks at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter and in The RainForest at the orangutan habitat. 
• Check out these seasonal experiences and attractions.

After Your Visit

• 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

Do you offer a bus or bus reimbursement?

• Limited bus vouchers are available for schools. Learn more about what is offered and eligibility requirements by visiting the Travel Vouchers page. 

Where can I rent a wheelchair?

• Wheelchairs can be rented from the gift shop just inside the main gate. Strollers and wheelchairs can be reserved by calling 216-661-7603. Please visit the Guest Services page for more accessibility information. 

Where do we go upon arrival and where do we get our wristbands?

• The Zoo's Box Office is located in the Ticket Plaza between the main gate and The RainForest. If you have not registered for any programming, just check in at the Box Office to let a staff member know you have arrived, get your wristbands and then you are on your own to explore. 
• Only the group leader should wait in line to pick up the wristbands 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 registerd for a program like Vet Bags at the Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine or Connections to Africa at African Elephant Crossing, you will be escorted or directed to those locations by a staff member or volunteer for your one hour self-guided program. 

Do you offer programs led by Zoo Staff?

• The following programs are offred for a fee; Inside Tracks, Career Day, Keeper for a Day, Professor Wylde's Traveling Event Show, Rising Waters Overnight and Tiger Tracks Overnight. 

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 and The RainForest hours?

• The Zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Zoo stays open until 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The RainForest are open all year except January 1 and December 25. 
• The main gate opens at 10 a.m. and the Box Office closes at 4 p.m. Plan on one to two hours to view The RainForest and two to three hours to visit the Zoo.

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 ClevelandZooCatering@aramark.com.

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. The Tiger Tram travels back and forth between stops at the Food Court and at the entry to Rosebrough Tiger Passage. Weather permitting.