(or the Zoo Field Trip Survival Guide)
Whether you plan to visit for one hour, two hours or the entire day, we want to help you experience an educational, entertaining, safe and successful trip to the Saint Louis Zoo. Here are some ideas, suggestions and valuable information to meet your needs.
We're lucky it's easy to get to the Zoo! From east and west, north and south, there is a variety of routes to get here. In the coming weeks, construction on Highway US 40/I-64 temporarily may cause traffic to be re-routed when lane closings occur. We'll be posting alternate routes so that your Zoo visits are not affected. Please check our web site before your trip. See Hours, Prices & Directions for more detail.
Zoo Hours
The Saint Louis Zoo is open daily, year-round, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except where noted below. See Hours, Prices & Directions for more detail.
Check out our Calendar of Events for details on what's happening on the days you plan to visit.
Free Hour
During the first hour the Zoo is open, admission to Children's Zoo and Conservation Carousel is free.
Parking
Parking is available on the Zoo's North and South Parking Lots; please see map at right. The price for parking is $11 per vehicle. (Parking fees are subject to change.) Bus parking is $22 and is available on the South Parking Lot only. (Note: For information on bus parking, see If Arriving by Bus, below.)
Parking for cars is free on the Forest Park streets around the Zoo, but please pay attention to no-parking zones, marked by signs. Parking rules are subject to change.
If Arriving by Bus
Bus parking at the Zoo costs $22 and is available on the Zoo's South Parking Lot only. (Parking fees are subject to change.) Due to road construction, buses will not be allowed to drop off passengers at the South Entrance. All buses should drop off passengers at the North Entrance (The Living World building).
TO DROP OFF STUDENTS AT OUR NORTH ENTRANCE (The Living World): Direct the bus driver to enter Forest Park from Skinker Blvd. at Wells Drive.Turn east on Government Drive and approach the North Entrance traveling eastbound. Unload students in front of the Zoo entrance.
BUS/COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING PERMIT
To park a bus or commercial vehicle elsewhere in Forest Park when visiting the Zoo, you must obtain a permit through the City of Saint Louis Department of Parks. You will also be assigned a designated lot by the Parks Department. The parking permit fee is $5 per bus or commercial vehicle. Parking permits are obtained by calling the Forest Park Permits Office at (314) 289-5300, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Please request your permit at least two weeks before your scheduled field trip.
Teachers or other bus users will need to provide the following information: their name, name and address of school/organization, date of visit, and the number of buses arriving at the time of their request. Permits will be mailed. Any permits requested less than two weeks of the scheduled trip will need to be picked up at the permit office.
Please note: your parking permit must be prominently displayed on the windshield of your bus during the time the vehicle is parked in Forest Park or you risk getting ticketed.
To assist both you and any Zoo staff in directing traffic and to identify your school bus, be sure your school name is clearly marked in the front passenger-side window.
Please note: Our heaviest school visitation occurs in April and May. Consequently, you will need extra time to allow for heavy school bus traffic. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
Attention Teachers and Group Leaders!
Schools and groups are now required to register before visiting the Zoo. Please take a moment to let us know when you are coming, by completing the school/group registration form. When you arrive at the Zoo, please check in at one of the Welcome Desks located at both Zoo entrances. Whether you are scheduled for an educational program or tour, or just planning to tour the Zoo on your own, completing this information provides us with the necessary information to better serve your group, particularly in the event of an emergency. For questions regarding group registration, please call (314) 646-4544.
Group Safety
The Saint Louis Zoo Security Department recommends that large groups bring cell phones or group two-way radios. This way, group members can find one another easily if they get separated.
Also, please check in at the Welcome Desk at either Zoo entrance to leave a cell phone number in which you can be contacted in case of emergency.
Group Rates
For information on lunch at the Zoo, special attractions at special group rates and other savings for field trip groups, see Group Visits.
Bringing Your Own Lunch?
Students may bring sack lunches to the Zoo. However, we cannot store lunches. Please be prepared to carry lunches in backpacks or store them in your vehicles. Storage lockers are available at both the north and south entrances of the Zoo for your convenience. The price for a storage locker is fifty cents (quarters only). You are welcome to enjoy your lunch at any of our outdoor tables or benches, except those on the terrace at the Painted Giraffe Cafe or at Lakeside Cafe.
Order Souvenirs for the Class
Create a lasting memory of your field trip for your students by ordering souvenirs in advance. We know that time on your field trip is sometimes limited, and may not allow for a visit to the gift shops. So ordering souvenirs may be just what you need to do to round out your day. Gift bags are available for $5. Call (314) 781-0900, ext. 4857 for details.
Get a Class Pass for Zoo Fun
Special offer for school groups only: School groups of 15 or more may purchase a Class Pass for just $5 per person. Your group will receive admission to Children’s Zoo, Zooline Railroad and Conservation Carousel. Just call (314) 781-0900, ext. 4857 or e-mail foodgroupsales@stlzoo.org.
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