[Homeschool Day] [Field Trips] [Discounts]
The Minnesota Zoo offers something for everyone: Penguins of the African Coast with Penguin Feeding, Tropics Trail and Coral Reef, Minnesota Trail, Bird Show, Kid's Den, Discovery Bay with Dolphin Training and Shark Feeding, Russia's Grizzly Coast, Northern Trail, Mononrail, Woodland Adventures, Family Farm (Apr-Nov) with Milking Deomonstrations, and IMAX Theatre.
The Minnesota Zoo's indoor and outdoor exhibits are open all year long. It is a good idea to dress in layers and plan on appropriate outdoor weather when visiting the Northern and Minnesota Trails. There are lockers for personal use located just past the main entrance and at the base of the Tropics Trail ramp. Each locker costs 50 cents and will only accept quarters.
Bring binoculars so you can see the animals really close up, and don’t forget your camera! Keep an eye out for roving naturalists and volunteers, who are dressed in bright blue shirts. They often have touch stations and other things to look at and are always happy to share interesting information about the animals.
Wolf Quest is an interactive 3D wildlife simulation game in which players take on the role of a wolf living in Yellowstone National Park to hunt elk and rabbits, chase coyotes and interact with other wolves as they explore the slopes of Amethyst Mountain.
Phone: 952-431-9200
Email: info@mnzoo.org
Hours of Operation: Sunday through Friday, 9am until 4pm
Saturday 9am-6pm (hours vary seasonally)
Homeschool Day
Contact Email: educate@mnzoo.org
Homeschool Day at the Minnesota Zoo allows families to explore one area of the Zoo in depth through a variety of learning stations taught by the Zoo's naturalist staff and an activity guide with a scavenger hunt, puzzles and locations to collect a stamp at each learning station. Afterwards enjoy the rest of your day while exploring the remainder of the Zoo.
Cost:
Grades 7-12: $10/student
Grades K-6: $8/student
Siblings ages 3-4: $5/child
Siblings ages 2-3: free
Zoo Members: $3/child
Educators: One free adult per family
Additional Adults: $10.00/adult
Parking: $5/car (free for members)
Target Age Range/Prerequisite Skills: Kindergarten through 12th Grade
Field Trips
Contact Phone: 952-431-9218
Must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. You may schedule online at mnzoo.org/schools or by call 952-431-9218.
Activity suggestions and a field trip guide are available online.
Field Trip Admission
Cost per Child/Student in K–6th grade: $5
Cost per Child/Student in 7th-12th grade: $7
Note: Preschool groups receive the Group Rates rather than School rates.
Cost per Adult Chaperones: $10 - One free adult per each 5 paid students
Parking: $5/car - free for members
Free admission will be honored for students whose families hold valid Zoo memberships.
Field Trip Programs
Fun and engaging 45-minute interactive Zoo Classes are available from September through April. Topics range from tropical rainforests to animal adaptations to ocean conservation.
Target Age Range: Kindergarten through 12th Grade
Minimum Group Size: 12
Maximum Group Size: 30
Cost per Child/Student: $3
Cost per Adult/Educator: free plus applicable admission (see above)
Discount Admission
Individual homeschool families (minimum of 1 adult and 1 child) may pay the reduced school admission fee provided they pre-register at least 2 weeks in advance of their visit by calling 952-431-9218. Pre-registration is strictly required.
Admission Fees:
Grades 7-12: $7/child
Grades K-6: $5/child
Siblings ages 3-4: $12/child
Siblings ages 0-2: free
Educators: One free adult per family
Additional adults:, $10/adult
Parking: $5/car
Again, you must pre-register at least 2 weeks in advance to receive the discounted rate. At-the-door requests will not be honored.
