The Ultimate Guide: Planning Your Field Trip to Little Rock Zoo

LITTLE ROCK (September 19, 2024) –Planning a field trip can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation, your visit to the Little Rock Zoo can be a fun and educational experience for everyone. Whether you're a teacher organizing a school trip or a parent planning a family outing, this ultimate guide will help you plan the perfect field trip to the Little Rock Zoo.

Step 1: Schedule Your Visit

Before you visit, make sure to schedule your trip and take advantage of our special rates for school groups and large parties. To book a field trip, your group must include at least 10 paying guests, and reservations should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

Step 2: Prepare Your Group

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the Zoo, follow these preparation tips:

Arriving at the Zoo: Buses should not stop on Zoo Drive or in the main parking lot for unloading. Instead, follow the signage to the designated group parking and unloading area, located just past the Zoo entrance.

Chaperones: Parents and other visitors who paid with your group should meet and check in with your group. Those not part of the group must enter through the main Zoo entrance.

Checking In: Designate one leader for your group who will handle check-in with Zoo staff. This leader should collect all admission and parking fees from everyone in the group before arriving. At check-in, present your confirmation sheet and allow time for counting. During peak seasons, multiple groups may be checking in simultaneously, so your patience is appreciated.

Maps: Download and share the Zoo map with your group prior to your visit. Paper maps will not be provided for large groups due to the high volume of guests.

Step 3: Plan Your Itinerary

The Little Rock Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and exhibits, so planning your itinerary in advance can help you make the most of your visit. Here are some must-see attractions:

• Great Apes: Visit the primate section to see gorillas, orangutans, and other fascinating primates.
• Big Cats: Get up close with lions, tigers, and other big cats.
• Arkansas Heritage Farm: A great spot for younger visitors to interact with friendly farm animals.

Step 4: Make Lunch Plans

• Buying Lunch Inside the Zoo: The Zoo offers various food and beverage options at several locations throughout the grounds. Please anticipate lines and wait times, especially during lunch hours. For a central, air-conditioned spot with restrooms, consider Café Africa, which is an ideal place for groups to meet and rest.
• Bringing Your Lunches: To protect our animals, outside food isn’t allowed inside the Zoo. Please keep your lunches and ice chests on the bus. At lunchtime, head to the designated picnic area at the Zoo entrance to enjoy your meals. If you want to re-enter the Zoo afterwards, you can—just get your hands stamped at check-in.

Step 5: Educational Opportunities

Enhance the educational value of your trip with these opportunities:

• Keeper Talks: Check the schedule for Keeper Chats and animal feedings to enhance your adventure.
• Educational Programs: Take your field trip to the next level by adding a Guided Tour from one of our dedicated Educators

Step 6: Follow Zoo Etiquette

Respecting the Zoo and its inhabitants is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit:

• Respect the Animals: Treat our animal residents with kindness. Avoid loud noises, teasing, throwing objects, and running.
• Barriers: Stay on marked paths and behind guardrails, barriers, and fencing.
• Respect Local Wildlife: While exploring the Zoo, you may encounter local wildlife such as birds, ducks, rabbits, and squirrels. Please respect these animals by giving them their space. Avoid chasing or bothering them, and instead, appreciate them from a distance. Remember, they are wild animals and deserve our respect.
• Stay Together, Stay Safe: Stick with your group at all times. No wandering off on solo expeditions!
• Remember: For the well-being of all guests and animals, the following items are not allowed:
  • Pets
  • Outside food and drinks
    • Please enjoy your food and drinks, including ice chests, coffees, and sack lunches, before entering the Zoo.
  • Styrofoam and balloons
  • Wheeled devices like bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, and scooters (strollers and wagons are welcome; rentals are available in the Gift Shop)
  • Toys and sports equipment
  • Drones and firearms
  • Tobacco and marijuana products
    • Smoking and vaping are not permitted on Zoo grounds
  • Firearms—The City of Little Rock does not permit any person to carry a concealed weapon, a firearm, or a handgun on City property at any time.  Therefore guns are not permitted on the grounds of the Little Rock Zoo.

Step 7: Have Fun and Capture the Memories

Rule number one is: Have Fun! Let's make this Zoo trip a memory to roar about!

Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the memories of your field trip. The Zoo offers many picturesque spots perfect for group photos.

Make Your Field Trip a Roaring Success! Book Today at 501-661-7235!