Field trips
Schedule a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo! Group reservations are available for groups of ten or more, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).Make your reservation at least two weeks before your trip to qualify for a group discount! Refer to the Reservations info page for more information. To help you fully utilize your time before, during, and after your Zoo visit, we have several Educational Packages. These packages support the California Standards of Learning and provide the resources necessary to help increase science literacy. Book an entire package or choose among the options.

Project Discovery Workshops
Your students will have a wild time learning at the Zoo in these interactive and age-appropriate 45-minute workshops. All workshops are inquiry-based and reinforce the California Standards of Learning. Pre-registration is required.

Discovery Kits
Bring the Zoo to your classroom! Discovery Kits are filled with learning activities that transform your classroom into a wild space. Each thematic kit complements the California Standards of Learning and is an excellent way to prepare your students for their Zoo visit. The kits also function well as a post-visit review.

Zoo Tours

• Guided Tours Join us for a Guided Tour! The Zoo's volunteer educators or a member of our Education staff will lead you around the Zoo. Choose an established age-appropriate tour or work with our staff to develop your own special topic. Your students will never forget this interactive and outrageously educational experience.
• Bio-Bag Tours Attend "The Living Classroom," a half-day Teacher Training, and lead your very own personalized tour of the Santa Barbara Zoo with engaging bio-facts! See the Teacher Resources section for more information.

Critter Encounters
Get up close to an education animal at the Zoo. Critter Encounters are available following a Guided Tour and are based on availability.

Cat Naps - School Overnights
Now is your chance to see the Zoo in a whole new light…moonlight! Your students will go wild over this fun and educational overnight experience. Call the Education Department at (805) 962-5339 for more information.

Custom Programs
If you do not see a program that suits your needs, we will create a custom program. There is an additional expense to create these custom programs and fees will be evaluated on an individual basis. Custom programs require at least two weeks' notice.

Teacher's Pet
Is that an elephant in your classroom? By working together, your students can be Foster Feeders at the Zoo! Sponsor a favorite animal and join our efforts to ensure a happy and healthy future for all wildlife. Contact the Development Department for sponsorship information and benefits.

Career Fairs and Science Expos
Are you organizing a Career Fair or Science Expo at your school? Don't forget to include the Zoo! Call (805) 962-5339 for more information.