Additional questions that you or your chaperones may have can be found right here!
The zoo is open year round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. You may schedule a group trip any of the days the zoo is open.
*HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
The Education Department can schedule a program any day the zoo is open and the price for the program includes your zoo admission. Programs can typically be scheduled at 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, and 2pm depending on availability. Additional information can be found here.
Restrooms are located in the Nature Shop, the Trail of the Jaguar exhibit, and under Habitat HQ. Click here to view the Zoo Map for Teachers.
There are two large picnic areas in the zoo. One is the Picnic Pavilion between the Eagle Exhibit and the Barn. The other is located between the Bison Exhibit and Pond. Other guests share these areas with school groups, so please feel free to contact us if you are interested in renting a section just for your group. There are also additional tables around the zoo as well.
If your students did not pack a lunch or require additional food, you may find multiple food stands around the zoo. Food stands are open seasonally so it is recommended that you call the morning of to see if it will be open during your visit. You can find them on the Zoo Map for Teachers.
Buses may arrive starting at 10am to the South Gate for parking. There may be multiple school groups some days so give your group extra time for arrival. Groups are recommended to arrive 30 minutes before their education program if they have one scheduled.
We offer multiple animal feedings throughout the day for guests at an extra charge. If interested for your students, you may find prices and times here. It is recommended that you purchase these in advance for a discount. Feedings are weather permitting and times are subject to change. We also have different shows and attractions.
If you have scheduled an education program during your visit, the class locations can be found in the Discovery Center near the Canopy Garden Hall and the outside ZooBowl Theater near the barn. Your assigned location will be found on your invoice and confirmation email.
If you are interested in adding zipline opportunities for your students with our Treetop Adventures course, please take a look at the options here. These prices include your zoo admission. This needs to be scheduled in advance.
Elmwood Park Zoo is proud to be a recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as a Certified Autism Center. We have built a separate closed off Quiet Space where our guests can go if they need privacy. You may find it across from the Prairie Dog exhibit. Additional information on students with disabilities (Sensory Guide, Social Narrative, Sensory Backpacks, etc) can be found on our accessibility page.
