FIELD TRIPS
Get an Unforgettable Learning Experience
Field trip reservations should be made at least 1 month before desired visit date. We accept reservations from any licensed organization that is providing educational opportunities for their group.
Rates are applicable Monday – Friday only.
Questions or Concerns?
Please contact ticketsupport@fcz.org for any questions or concerns regarding reservation status or field trips.
Self-Guided Tour Pricing
Minimum Required Number of Guests: 10 total guests. Special Needs classes do not need to meet the minimum number.
FRESNO COUNTY RESIDENTS
ADULTS • $12.50
STUDENTS • $8.50
NON-FRESNO COUNTY RESIDENTS
ADULTS • $13.50
STUDENTS • $9.50
- All self-led field trips will receive 1 free educator adult for every 5 student tickets purchased.
- Special needs classes receive as many educator/adult tickets as needed to successfully bring the class to the Zoo.
Full payment at least 1 week before the visit date is highly recommended (but not required) to expedite the group’s entry to the Zoo for the field trip. All payments are due by the day of the field trip and must be paid in one lump sum payment. Payments can be made over the phone, or in person at the ticket booth. Multiple payments will not be accepted on the day of visit.
Other Programs
What does it take to work at the Zoo? We need more than Zoological Care Specialists to keep our animals healthy! This program provides hands-on career exploration followed by a self-led career scavenger hunt throughout the Zoo. Available for grades 3 through high school.
This program will take you on a Zoo adventure with an animal presentation, a career-based activity, and a self-led scavenger hunt throughout the Zoo! Available for grades K-6.
A 1-hour, standards-based tour of the Zoo! Docent Tours are NGSS aligned by grade level, and can be customized based on your class needs. Available for grades K-College.
Join our fun, educational camps at the Zoo! Campers will enjoy learning, regular Zoo visits, and themed crafts and activities!
BRING THE ZOO TO YOU
Zoo Mobile
Fresno Chaffee Zoo wants to bring the Zoo to you! Enjoy a live animal presentation at your school, library, senior or community center. Our Zoomobile program aims to inspire wonder of our natural world by engaging participants of all ages in a one-of-a-kind close-up experience. Presenters will introduce you to wild selections of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
A fun, interactive learning experience for children of all ages. Presentations complement your science curriculum and are designed to meet the California Science Standards for each grade level.
$175 per presentation when two or more presentations are scheduled in the same day.
Can’t make it to the Zoo? Let us come to you! Our Zoomobile program offers a fun, interactive learning experience for people of all ages.
$175 per presentation when two or more presentations are scheduled in the same day.
Not in a traditional classroom? No problem! The Zoomobile program offers an informal and interactive experience with live animals and biofacts like furs, feathers, and skulls. This program is suitable for libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs, camps, and child care centers. We are unable to visit in-home daycares or private birthday parties.
$175 per presentation when two or more presentations are scheduled in the same day.
To book, please call our education office at (559) 498-5920 or email education@fcz.org
Zoo Talks
Experience a lively encounter in your classroom, at your facilities, or at the Zoo with our Zoo education team! Using our extensive collection of animal artifacts, we can give a presentation on ANY natural history topic.
Program Details
This program aims to accomplish the following:
- To show the characteristics and adaptations of animal groups
- To demonstrate food-chain relationships and ecosystem parameters
- And to visually promote critical thinking (combining skull/skeletal characteristics with questions) all aimed at satisfying science standards while making learning fun.
Select a Topic
We can collaborate to create a presentation tailor-made for your group.
- Animal/plant adaptations
- Life cycles
- Ecosystems and habitats
- Energy flow
- Structure and function
- Zoos and what zoos do
Pricing starts at $75 per 30-minute talk. Mileage fees may apply.
To book, please call our education office at (559) 498-5920 or email education@fcz.org
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Bring the whole family for exciting programs at Fresno Chaffee Zoo! From overnight adventures to our Roo & You classes for the littlest zoo lovers, we’re excited to help families bond with wildlife in a fun and memorable way
Hop on over to the zoo for this fun, grownup-and-me family program. Roo and You is a great way to learn, play and grow together with your youngest animal buffs! Classes are held in the Zoo’s Education Center and will include stories, songs, activities and crafts. Participants will also meet one of our zoo ambassador animals weekly!
Families can pick their season pass day and time for the 8-weeks of classes:
March 18, 2025 – May 22, 2025
*There will be NO Roo & You Programming the weeks of April 14-18 and April 21-25, 2025.
- Option 1: Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Option 2: Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Option 3: Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Option 4: Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Option 5: Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Members
$90 for 8 class series, includes one grown up and one child, ages 18 months to 5 years.
Non-Members
$152 for 8 class series, includes one grown up and one child, ages 18 months to 5 years, plus 2 Admission Plus tickets per participant that can be used on one of our Roo & You program dates.
*Online and Kiosk Purchases Will Incur a $2.50 Convenience Fee
Get Ready For A WILD Adventure Under The Stars
Bring your whole crew for an unforgettable night in our Education Grove. Prepare for a night packed with laughter and excitement! We’ve got the Central Valley Astronomers helping us to guide our eyes through the twinkling cosmos, followed by a thrilling Zoo Talk all about the mysterious nocturnal critters that call the Zoo home. PLUS, get creative and personalize your own pillowcase to treasure the memories of your stay. And that’s not all! Your visit includes all experiences below:
Dates & Times:
- Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5PM to Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10AM.
***Parking is not included in the cost of the event; this fee is paid at ACE Parking Kiosks or on their app. Your guided portion of the event is complete at 10AM, you can explore the Zoo until closing time at 4PM.
Friday
- Dinner in Education Grove
- Zoo Talk with Education Staff Member
- Guided Stargazing with the Central Valley Astronomers
- Custom Pillowcase Decorating
- Nighttime Snack
- Flashlight Tour
Saturday
- Entry to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo (9AM-4PM)
- Behind The Scenes Tour
- Giraffe Feeding
- Stingray Bay Feeding
Pricing
$140.00* per person
***Family Overnight is open to attendees ages 5 and up. All attendees must have a ticket. All children must have a chaperone 18 years old or older. Chaperone to child ratio is 1 adult to 3 children. Closed Toe Shoes are required during Behind-the-Scenes tour.
Hands-on Learning for Kids & Grown Ups
During this once-a-month program, participants will engage in zoo science and learn about conservation action through hands-on activities led by Zoo Educators. This program is designed for students ages 5-9 and their grownups. Each program has a unique theme and lesson making every experience a new one!
This program includes:
- A two-hour (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) uniquely themed lesson
- An Animal Ambassador presentation
- A take home craft
- A light snack
- Admission to the Zoo after the program
Prices
Cost includes one adult and one child in grades K-2
- MEMBERS • $35
- NON-MEMBERS • $40
One adult is required to attend per group
Themes
- December 14, 2024: Snowy Safari
- January 18, 2025: Year of the Snake
- February 15, 2025: Lovebirds
- March 8, 2025: Splish Splash
- April 12, 2025: Cub Life
- May 10, 2025: Buzzy Buddies
- August 23, 2025: Camo Critters
- September 20, 2025: Golden Hour
- October 11, 2025: Crucial Creepy Crawlies
- November 8, 2025: Tiny Trunks
- December 13, 2025: Snowy Safari
Parking is not included in the cost of the event; this fee is paid at ACE Parking Kiosks or on their app.
All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
TEACHER RESOURCES
Our educator’s resources will help support your visit to the Zoo and extend your student’s experience back into the classroom.
Classroom Activities
Are you looking to get the most out of your school Zoo visit? Our education department offers helpful activities to prepare your students for their upcoming trip, or to use in your classroom to enrich and expand on your school year curriculum.
ZOO Activities
Throughout the school year, Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers many unique educational experiences that are fun, engaging and interactive. Programs range in grade levels and provide activities that reinforce standard based concepts to enrich your school year curriculum . We also have packets available to help focus your students during a self-guided Zoo trips with scavenger hunts and fact sheets.
EXTENDED LEARNING
Brought to you by Fresno Unified School District & Madera Unified School District
Enjoy free access to digital, standards-based lesson modules. Each module contains a Zoo-created video lesson, accompanying activities, and student-focused extension opportunities to be done at home.
Lessons
Join us on an epic journey to habitats all across the Zoo! First watch our lesson video. Then click on the grade level lessons and see what you learned. Enjoy crafts and nature play, too!
- Video – English and Spanish
- PreK-K lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 1/2 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 3/4 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 5/6 lesson – English and Spanish
- Flamingo Craft – English and Spanish
- Lily Pad Craft – English and Spanish
- Origami Frog Craft – English and Spanish
- Nature Play Activity – English and Spanish
- Worksheet for Pre-K and K
- Word Search for Grades 1-2
- Crossword Puzzle for Grades 3-6
Join us on an epic journey to habitats all across the Zoo! First watch our lesson video. Then click on the grade level lessons and see what you learned. Enjoy crafts and nature play, too!
- Deserts Video – English and Spanish
- PreK-K lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 1/2 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 3/4 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 5/6 lesson – English and Spanish
- Cactus Craft – English and Spanish
- Lizard Craft – English and Spanish
- Nature Play Activity – English and Spanish
- Worksheet for Pre-K and K
- Word Search for Grades 1-2
- Crossword for Grades 3-6
Take a more in-depth look at conservation and science topics with these lesson plans for older kids.
- Rainforest Video – English and Spanish
- PreK-K lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 1/2 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 3/4 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 5/6 lesson – English and Spanish
- Binocular Craft – English and Spanish
- Snake Craft – English and Spanish
- Nature Play Activity – English and Spanish
- Worksheet for Pre-K and K
- Word Search for Grades 1-2
- Crossword Puzzle for Grades 3-6
Join us on an epic journey to habitats all across the Zoo! First watch our lesson video. Then click on the grade level lessons and see what you learned. Enjoy crafts and nature play, too!
- Grasslands Video – English and Spanish
- PreK-K lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 1/2 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 3/4 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 5/6 lesson – English and Spanish
- Elephant Craft – English and Spanish
- Snake Craft – English and Spanish
- Nature Play Activity – English and Spanish
- Worksheet for Pre-K and K
- Word Search for Grades 1-2
- Crossword for Grades 3-6
Join us on an epic journey to habitats all across the Zoo! First watch our lesson video. Then click on the grade level lessons and see what you learned. Enjoy crafts and nature play, too!
- Oceans Video – English and Spanish
- PreK-K lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 1/2 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 3/4 lesson – English and Spanish
- Grade 5/6 lesson – English and Spanish
- Shark Craft – English and Spanish
- Sea Turtle Craft – English and Spanish
- Nature Play Activity – English and Spanish
- Worksheet for Pre-K and K
- Word Search for Grades 1-2
- Crossword for Grades 3-6
