Guided Tour - Queens Zoo

Grades: Pre-K - Adult
Time: 60 minutes
Fee: $175 / $125 (off-peak)

Tour the Queens Zoo with our knowledgeable and trained guides. One hour tours are provided for schools, scout groups, summer camps, families and adults. Whether you're interested in adaptations or animal survival, beautiful birds or magnificent mammals, just let us know the theme and we'll tailor the experience for your group.

Domestic Animals: Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the animals on the farm-what products we get from them and how the zoo keepers take care of these animals—just like you might take care of a pet you have at home! This tour takes place entirely on the farm side of the zoo. There is not too much walking involved. Recommended for pre-k groups!
Adaptations: Discover the amazing ways that animals survive— participants will learn about physical adaptations like fur and feathers—why some animals have claws and others don’t.
Habitats and Diets: Some animals live in the water, other on land, and some even in trees! Participants will learn what animals need to survive in their habitats and how the food an animal eats connects to where it lives.
Mammals: Learn all about what makes mammals unique! Participants will see mammals both big and small and discover what they have in common.
Birds: This tour focuses on the amazing features that birds have—and the incredible diversity within this group of animals! Participants will see ducks, birds of prey, parrots, and even some native species! (offered mid-May- September).
Protecting the Environment (grades 1-3): Tour focuses on the work that WCS is doing to help save wildlife and offers suggestions as to things students can do to help!
Environmental Stewardship (grades 4-12): Tour focuses on the work that WCS is doing to help save wildlife and offers suggestions as to things students can do to help!

Registration

If you would like to schedule a Queens Zoo Education program, please complete the Queens Zoo Program Request Form or call the Education Department at 800-433-4149, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. You can also email qzeducation@wcs.org with any questions about education programs or the registration process.
Once your booking has been made, an invoice with program information, including date & time, will be sent to you. This letter is valid for free general admission for your classes & must be shown at the entrance gate on the scheduled dates.
A $50 change fee will be incurred if the school needs to change the program dates.
If you’re interested in learning about new and exciting education opportunities at the Queens Zoo, please sign up for our email list here!

Class Size

PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN: Maximum class size is 25 students & 7 adults, including the teacher.
1ST GRADE & UP: Maximum class size is 35 students & 7 adults, including the teacher.
Schools are not allowed to combine classes to reach the maximum class size.
School & camp groups are required to provide a minimum of 1 adult chaperone for every 10 children & chaperones must remain with their group at all times.
SPECIAL NEEDS CLASSES: We welcome students with special needs. Please be sure to mention special needs or disabilities when registering so that we can place your class in a wheelchair-accessible classroom. We require one adult for every two students in a special education class with a maximum class size of 12 students.

Payment Policy

Payment in full is due at least 4 weeks prior to the program date & ASAP if booked within 4 weeks.
Under no circumstances will a program be held without full payment in advance or a Purchase Order.
Payment may be made by check, credit card, or Purchase Order.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing by email, qzeducation@wcs.org, or fax, (718) 733-9545.
Cancellations made at least 4 weeks in advance will receive a 50% refund.
There are no refunds for programs cancelled less than 4 weeks prior to the scheduled date of program.

Late Arrivals

Due to a very full schedule, programs will not be extended for late-arriving groups beyond the scheduled end time. Staff will make every attempt to cover as much material as possible in the time available. Please obtain information on how to locate us in advance of your trip by visiting the directions page on our website.

Weather Conditions

Programs are held rain or shine unless trips are cancelled by school officials or a zoo closure is in effect. Please encourage children to dress appropriately for outdoor activities.

For General Admission Only

Visit our self-guided visits page >>

For more information please call 800-433-4149 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except holidays), or email qzeducation@wcs.org with any questions about education programs or the registration process.