Plan Your Group Visit to Cameron Park Zoo
Thank you for planning a trip to Cameron Park Zoo. To receive the group discount, one person will need to pay for the entire group upon arrival. Questions about field trips please call Connie at 254-750-8467 or email conniek@wacotx.gov.
Schedule a field trip
- March 10-21, 2025 are Spring Break dates for Waco and surrounding areas – this is a very busy time, you may have difficulty finding parking for your chaperones and busses
- You will receive a confirmation email after you have submitted the form.
- When you arrive at the Zoo, one person will need to make their way to admissions to pay for the entire group, to receive the group discount.
- Teachers and chaperones must pay admission.
- Any adults that pay separately from the group will be charged regular admission.
- Students can be unloaded in the front and once payment has been made, your group can make their way into the zoo.
- Have bus drivers unload and then park in the overflow parking, they may not remain at the front of the Zoo.
- Outside food and drink is not allowed. You can bring lunches but will need to eat them outside of the Zoo.
Groups of 15+: $10 per person
Frequently Asked Questions
I have booked my field trip. How do I get an invoice?
- After you have sent in your request, you will be emailed with additional information and an invoice sent, via square reader.
- You can email the Education Department at conniek@wacotx.gov to adjust the numbers on the square invoice.
When do I need to pay? What types of payment do you accept?
- Payment is due upon arrival.
- Credit cards, cash or institutional checks (payable to “Cameron Park Zoo”) are accepted.
- You are also able to have your district mail a check. We do not accept Purchase Orders.
What is the refund policy?
- Refunds will not be issued for any amount under $25. In the event you bring a check on the day of your visit, then your check will be processed, and you will be issued a refund check if the difference is over $25. This refund will be mailed to your school. The refund can take 4-6 weeks to process once the check request has been submitted.
What are the Zoo’s hours of operation?
- Cameron Park Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Last entrance is at 4:30 p.m.
- The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Do you offer discounts for Title 1 schools?
- We do not have an additional discount for Title 1 schools. The group rate is $10 per person.
How many adults must I bring?
- We recommend one adult per ten students and additional chaperones for younger students. Multiple chaperones will allow any field trip to move through the Zoo in smaller groups. This will enhance your experience and allow your students to view animals more easily.
- Chaperones are required to stay with the group of students during the entire visit.
What does the teacher need to bring on the day of the visit?
- The lead teacher will need payment (if not pre-paid), and an exact count of students and teacher/staff.
What do I need to tell parent chaperones?
- Parking space is limited, it is on a first come basis. Carpool if possible.
- Parent chaperones will need to purchase their own tickets when they arrive.
- Ask them to pay for tickets ahead of time and meet the group by the Education Center where the group will check in.
Can we bring our lunch? Where can we eat?
- Outside food and drink (except water and water bottles) are not allowed.
- There are a limited number of picnic tables at the front of the Zoo that can be used for lunches.
- If you are unloading lunches, they can be left in front of the Education Center while you tour the Zoo.
- We recommend loading back on the bus and eating at one of the picnic areas in Cameron Park (Pecan Bottoms, Miss Nellie’s).
Can we buy lunch at the Zoo?
