Knoxville Zoo Field Trips
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is admission for school groups?
A: Check the Field Trip Reservation Form for prices.

Q: When will I know if the date I chose for my school’s field trip has been okayed?
A: In most cases the date you put on your reservation form will be confirmed. If the date you chose is closed you will be contacted immediately upon receipt of your registration. Remember that you must register your trip at least 3 weeks in advance of your visit. Be sure you have your buses scheduled.

Q: What type of groups qualify for the special school group rates?
A: Qualifying institutions are accredited schools, colleges, preschools, year-round licensed day cares, head start programs and organized home schools. Institutions without a day care license, summer camps and parents-day-out groups should contact group sales at extension 307.. 

Q: How do I get the special school group rate?
A: The special school group discounted rates are ONLY available if one person pays the entire group’s admission in one lump sum payment, whether by school check, school credit card, cashiers check, cash or a combination of these. The majority of schools pay for all students and adults with a school check, but some do pay for the students with a school check and collect cash from the rest of the group (parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, etc.). Knoxville Zoo does not accept purchase orders.

If collecting cash from your parents make it easy on yourself and instruct them to give you exact cash amount for themselves and any other children they are bringing. No personal checks from parents will be accepted. Admissions staff must count all cash so paying with larger denomination bills will speed up your entry process. 

Q: If my chaperones/parents have to pay individually at the admission booth can they get the special school rate?
A: No, they will have to pay the full admission price of $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. If they have not purchased their ticket through the teacher then they must purchase a full price ticket.

Q: My school has a large number of Title I students. Where can I find the fee reduction form on your website?
A: Fee reduction request forms are not available on our website. Call the Education Department to request the form. Provide your school’s fax number with area code and we will send it within 24 hours. The fee reduction form must accompany your registration form. Fee reductions are carefully controlled so be sure your numbers and percentages are accurate.

Q: Some of my students have 1 or 2 parent family zoo memberships. Can they use them for admission on school field trips?
A: Yes, Knoxville Zoo members receive free admission and free parking.

Student member: Make a copy of their zoo membership card to present to the cashier as proof of free membership admission. Make sure the card is up to date.

Adult member: Make it easy on yourself and send them through the center gate to get their zoo membership card scanned.

Knoxville Zoo strongly encourages carpooling. Not only is it better for the environment, but it saves money on gas and parking fees. Carpool with a member and you won’t have to pay for parking!

Q: Some of my parents have memberships with other zoos. Can they use them?
A: If Knoxville Zoo has a reciprocity agreement with their zoo they must go to the admission booth, show their membership card and receive their ticket. They will have to pay for parking if driving their own vehicle.

Q: Do I need my school’s tax exempt form for admission?
A: No, tax exempt forms from any state are only necessary if purchasing box lunches or school packs.

Q: I want a more educational experience for my students. What do you offer?
A: Knoxville Zoo’s Education Department offers classroom and walking tour EDventures for all ages for a very small fee. Go to www.knoxville-zoo.org/edventures.htm for a complete list or let us help you design a program just for your curriculum.

If you do not receive a call or email from an Education Department staff person, your program has not been scheduled. If you are registering last minute, it is very likely that staff may not be available.

Q: What if my student or chaperone numbers change after I have submitted my registration form?
A: Your confirmation form states that you should write in changes to quantity numbers. The admission staff will make changes to your numbers in their computer when you arrive at the zoo. Remember that each adult must present a ticket when entering the zoo.

Q: What if I need to reschedule my field trip because of rain or some other reason?
A: Call the Education Department with your new date. Your confirmation order number will remain the same. Our department will make the changes in the system.

Q: My students require 1 adult each. Do they receive free admission?
A: 1 adult – teacher or chaperone – per 10 students receives a complimentary admission. ALL OTHERS receive the special reduced school group rate of $8.00.