Ready for a Group Adventure?
Give your students a wild experience and a unique chance to learn about the natural world
2026 Bookings: Available from May through September.
Field Trip Rates
Field trips include schools, churches, and care facilities:
- Saginaw County Rate: $5.50 per student/chaperone
- Out of County Rate: $8.50 per student/chaperone
- School Staff: Free
- All admission must be paid in one transaction to apply rate.
- Any guest joining the school group, but not paying with the school, will be charged normal admission rate of $9.00 through our main entrance.
Optional Add Ons
Some extra fun for your exciting day ahead:
Ride Tickets
$2.00 per student/chaperone, good for one ride on either the train or carousel
Ride Wristband
$6.00 per student/chaperone, unlimited rides on both the train and carousel
Frequently Asked Questions
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 schools who purchase them, your check in teacher/staff member will be given the ride tickets or ride wristbands upon arrival, and will hand them out to students and parents/chaperones. If you would like to buy more ride tickets or ride wristbands the day of your visit, you can purchase them at the Admissions Booth, Zoo Store, or the Train Whistle Café (Concessions).
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 students bring their own lunches?
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 for students to eat lunch?
Yes, tables are available by the carousel and under the tents in the Event Field, located at the back of the Zoo. Picnic tables are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Is it better to pay before or on/after arrival?
While we accept both payments before or on/after arrival, we recommend paying on/after arrival, as group numbers can change from your initial booking to the day of your trip.
Where do the buses drop us off and park?
Buses can drop students off at the group entrance gate, marked with flags and located to the left of the main entrance and in front of the carousel. After students 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.
Where do parents go and park?
Before the bus arrives, parents/chaperones can wait by the group entrance gate. This entry will be marked by flags and located to the left of the main entrance and in front of the carousel. Parents/chaperones 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.
Where do parents/chaperones go that ARE paying with the school?
Parents/chaperones paying with the school can meet their group in front of the group entrance gate, marked with flags and located to the left of the main entrance and in front of the carousel, shown on the map below.
Where do parents/chaperones go that ARE NOT paying with the school?
Parents/chaperones not paying with the school can pay for their admission at the admissions booth (front gate) and meet back up with the school at the group entrance gate, in front of the carousel, after they have paid. However, we recommend parents pay with the group and are included in the group's totals, as we only handle group reservations/payments through the group entrance gate.
Is there a cost for parking?
No, parking is free!
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 field trip?
Our Daily Program schedule can be found on our website at https://www.saginawzoo.com/visit/. 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! Need something to boost your lesson plan? Check out our educational materials at https://www.saginawzoo.com/field-trips-groups/.
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 field 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.