How many chaperones will I need?
The Zoo suggests a 1:8 ratio of adults to students. If your group requires extra chaperones or matrons for special needs all chaperones must show their school photo ID to receive free admission.

If we are interested in a program how much will it cost and how do we reserve a spot?
Programs are $8.00/person with a minimum charge of $160.00. Your admission to the Zoo is included in the program price. Education programs are a great way to enhance learning at the Zoo. Our programs are 30-45 minutes and include four live animals. Programs are very popular and must be scheduled in advance and over the phone at 262-636-9580. Please have a couple of dates and times in mind when calling. The Education Department will let you know where your program will be held at the Zoo.

What if our group is running late and we have scheduled a program?
Due to the popularity of our programs, we may not be able to accommodate your group if you arrive late. Please make every effort to call the Zoo at 262-636-9580 if your group will be arriving late for your program. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we reserve the right to cancel or adjust program length depending on the availability of staff. No refund will be given to late arrivals. 

Should we wear name tags?
We strongly encourage each child to be identified with school name, teacher name, and school phone number.

What do we do for lunch?
Bagged lunches are permitted in the Zoo. No coolers or storage areas are available for lunches during your visit. You may have your hand stamped when exiting the Zoo to retrieve your lunches from the bus to re-enter. Picnic tables are available on a first come first serve basis and are located throughout the Zoo. A covered picnic area may be reserved for an extra fee of $50 for one hour. Please contact us for rental information and reservations. You may also purchase kids meals from Max & Jenny's Jungle Grill including hot dogs or PB&J. All meals must be pre-ordered at least two weeks in advance.

What if it’s raining the day of our visit? 
Just call us if you decide not to come. As long as your group has not entered the Zoo, you are welcome to reschedule. If you have entered the Zoo there are no refunds.  If you have scheduled a program, we will do our best to find another date for you but cannot guarantee it. To reschedule please submit a new field trip registration form with your new selected date.

Where are your restrooms located?
Restrooms are conveniently located at the entrance, downstairs in the Vanishing Kingdom Historic Main Building and near the Land of the Giants by The Watering Hole bar and snack shop.

A few reminders:

• Chaperones should be with students at all times and managing their behavior.
• Please do not feed or tease any animal. They are on special diets and anything you feed them could make them sick.
• Stay behind all guard rails. They are there to protect you and the animals.
• Please do not bring roller skates or roller blades, skateboards, scooters, heelies or bicycles into our Zoo.
• We have placed trash receptacles and recycle bins throughout the Zoo so that you can leave the grounds the way you found them.

Educational Opportunities

Do you want to have a wild time at the wildest place in Racine? To schedule your educational program or to check out a teaching kit, please call (262) 636-9580.  Programs are scheduled and kits are checked out on a first come first served basis.  We fill up quickly!  Please have several dates and times in mind when you call to schedule your wild educational opportunity! 

Animal Programs
All of our educational animal programs can be conducted at the Zoo or at your facility.  Please see attached listing of prices.  Animal programs are 30-45 minutes long unless otherwise noted. Full descriptions and standards met by our programs are available HERE.

Late Arrivals
Due to the popularity of our programs, we may not be able to accommodate your group if you arrive late. Please make every effort to call the Zoo at (262) 636-9580 if your group will be arriving late for your program. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we reserve the right to cancel or adjust program length depending on the availability of staff. No refund will be given to late arrivals. 

Cancellations
Cancellations of your visit due to weather or road conditions are your decisions. However, refunds may be given due to extreme circumstances. Programs canceled 48 hours in advance will receive a partial refund. Programs canceled with less than 48 hours notice will not receive a refund. Please call us as soon as possible to let us know of any cancellations, and we will do our best to reschedule. The Racine Zoo reserves the right to cancel any program due to unforeseen circumstances for a full refund.