Bring the Whole Pack for a Wild Adventure
Plan a trip to the Zoo with your group of 10 or more at a special discounted general admission price!
Plan Your Group Outing
- For non-profits, camps, churches, community groups, assisted living facilities, care facilities, and other organizations*.
- Minimum Group Size: 10 guests
- Saginaw County Rate: $5.50 per person
- Out of County Rate: $8.50 per person
- Staff or caretakers who are required to assist guests get FREE admission.
- All admission must be paid in one transaction for rate to apply.
* NOT for family groups or other entities not affiliated with an organization
Optional Add Ons
Some extra fun for your exciting day ahead:
Ride Tickets
$2.00 per person, good for one ride on either the train or carousel. Required caretakers get free ride.
Ride Wristband
$6.00 per person, unlimited rides on both the train and carousel. Required caretakers get free ride.
Concession Tickets
Interested in bundling special concession vouchers for your group? View the menu and contact us to discuss options!
Frequently Asked Questions
What classifies a caretaker?
Anyone who is required to be with a member of the group to help them navigate the zoo.
Do we sell food/drinks?
Yes, the zoo has a concession stand at the Train Whistle Café by the Otter and Prairie Dog habitats that sells a variety of tasty entrees, treats, and drinks. View a full menu below!
Can we bring our or lunches/food?
Yes, but for the safety of our animals we just ask that no glass containers, aluminum containers, and drinking straws are brought into the Zoo. We do not have a place to store lunches – we recommend leaving them in the car/bus until it is time to eat. You are welcome to leave your lunches under the event tents and near seating areas, but please keep in mind these spaces are open to other zoo guests as well.
Is there a place to eat?
Yes, tables are available by the Train Whistle Cafe, Carousel, Mini Horse habitat, and under the tents in the Event Field (when available) located at the back of the Zoo. Picnic tables are available on a first come, first serve basis.
How do Ride Tickets/Ride Wristbands work?
A yellow Ride Ticket gets a guest one ride on either the train or carousel, while a blue Ride Wristband offers a guest unlimited rides on both the train and carousel for the entirety of their visit. For groups who purchase them, your check in member will be given the ride tickets or ride wristbands upon arrival and will hand them out to group members. If you would like to buy more ride tickets or ride wristbands you can purchase them at the Admissions Booth, Zoo Store, or the Train Whistle Café (Concessions).
What if a group member needs assistance to ride a ride?
If a person in your group requires another individuals' assistance to access and partake in a ride, the person assisting them (e.g. caretaker) receives free admission onto the rides.
Is it better to pay before or on/after arrival?
While we accept both payments before or on arrival, we recommend paying on arrival, as group numbers can change from your initial booking to the day of your trip.
Where do group members park?
Group members can park in the upper or lower lot in front of the zoo or along lower Hoyt Park Drive on the gravel on the side of the road. Please do not park on any of the Hoyt Park baseball fields.
Is there a cost for parking?
No, parking is free!
Where do the buses drop us off and park?
Buses can drop group members off at the main entrance gate. After group members are dropped off, drivers should follow the bus path highlighted in green to the designated parking zones on the right side of Hoyt Park Lower Drive, highlighted in blue below.
Does the Zoo close in bad weather?
The zoo is open rain or shine! Please know that due to rain, operation of the train could be paused for a period of time. Due to inclement weather that involves lightning, operation of the train and/or carousel could be paused for a period of time.
Will we get refunded or rescheduled if the weather is bad?
Yes, we will happily reschedule your trip in the event of bad weather such as heavy rain and thunderstorms, for this year or next, or refund your trip. Contact us to reschedule or cancel via email at info@saginawzoo.com or phone at 989-759-1408.
What kind of educational presentations will be going on the date of my trip?
Our Daily Program schedule can be found on our website at https://www.saginawzoo.com/keeper-chats/. All programs are weather dependent. Be sure to check the Daily Event Board behind our Main Admissions booth for the programs that will be happening during your visit!
Are wagons allowed to transport items?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own wagons.
Will the Zoo be busy during our trip?
Depending on the day, there could be multiple other school field trips or group trips visiting the zoo at the same time. While we try to stagger check-in times to avoid having multiple groups check in at once, somedays can still be busier than others. If you would like details on a day before you submit your request always feel free to call us.