School/Group Visits
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo welcomes school groups and countless other youth & adult groups all year round! Whether it’s an educational field trip, a youth club outing or a special group adventure, the Zoo provides a fun and engaging environment to explore our wildlife collection, learn about conservation and create lasting memories.
Discounts are available for Onondaga County School Groups, with no minimum attendance required, and All Other Groups, including schools outside of Onondaga County, with a minimum of 20 paying attendees.
The rates below are for admission only. Click here for more information about guided tours, education programs or classes.
NEW! Teachers and other group leaders may now submit a reservation request to visit the zoo using a convenient online form. Click on the applicable button below.
School/Group Rates
This rate is for schools groups located in Onondaga County only. All other in county groups such as scout groups, faith-based groups, etc. should refer to the All Other Groups rates below.
Youth (Pre K-12th Grade) - $1.50
Adults (above the required number of chaperones) - $6.00
Minimum 20 in group, not including free chaperones. Groups less than 20 should refer to general admission rates.
Groups of 20-100
Youth (ages 3-17) - $3.75
Seniors (62 & up) - $3.75
Adults (18-61) - $6.00
Groups of 101-250
Youth (ages 3-17) - $3.25
Seniors (62 & up) - $3.25
Adults (18-61) - $6.00
Groups of 251-500
Youth (ages 3-17) - $3.00
Seniors (62 & up) - $2.75
Adults (18-61) - $4.50
Groups of 501+
Youth (ages 3-17) - $2.50
Seniors (62 & up) - $2.25
Adults (18-61) - $3.75
Minimum 20 in group, not including free chaperones. Groups less than 20 should refer to general admission rates.
Groups of 20-100
Youth (ages 3-17) - $3.75
Seniors (62 & up) - $3.75
Adults (18-61) - $6.00
Groups of 101-250
Youth (ages 3-17) - $3.25
Seniors (62 & up) - $3.25
Students (ages 18-21 with school ID) - $3.75
Adults (18-61) - $6.00
Groups of 251-500
Youth (ages 3-17) - $3.00
Seniors (62 & up) - $2.75
Students (ages 18-21 with school ID) - $3.25
Adults (18-61) - $4.50
Groups of 501+
Youth (ages 3-17) - $2.50
Seniors (62 & up) - $2.25
Students (ages 18-21 with school ID) - $2.75
Adults (18-61) - $3.75
One form of payment for the entire group, this includes admission for extra paying adults. The following payment methods are accepted:
- Credit Card - Visa, MasterCard & Discover are accepted
- Check - Make payable to Rosamond Gifford Zoo and leave amount blank. Our staff will let you know the final amount due.
- Cash - At the door only - Large bills are appreciated
- Purchase Order - All Purchase Orders are to be emailed to [email protected], prior to your visit or brought with you on the day of. An invoice will be sent to the email address(es) provided after the visit date, if not previously paid.
Required Chaperones for School & Youth Groups
The zoo requires a minimum number of adult chaperones accompany all school & youth groups. The number depends on age group and any special needs. Required adult chaperones are admitted free of charge. If additional adults, beyond the required amount, accompany the group the charge of admission is based on the type of group and number of expected attendees.
- 1 adult chaperone per every 7 youth ages 4 & up
- 1 adult chaperone per every 4 youth under age 4
- 1 adult chaperone for every special needs youth requiring 1 to 1 supervision or care
Group Visit Options
There are two ways groups can visit the zoo AND save on discounted admission.
Advance Reservations:
- All members of the group arrive at the zoo at the same time on the same day.
- The group requests a specific date, an invoice is issued and group pays in advance or on the date of the visit.
- Purchase Orders are accepted and must be received in advance or on the day of the visit.
- One form of payment is required at the ticket booth at the time of arrival.
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.
- Click on the applicable reservation button above to request a date or call (315) 435-8511 x8512, 9:00am-4:00pm, daily.
Advance Sale Tickets:
- Members of the group plan to visit on different days and at different times.
- A representative of the group purchases a specific number of tickets, tickets are mailed to the representative who then distributes them to the group.
- The ticket price is based on the total number of tickets purchased.
- Full payment is due when tickets are purchased (we are unable to invoice) credit cards, checks or cash are accepted.
- Tickets are valid for one year from purchase date. No refunds are issued for unused tickets. Tickets are non-transferable.
- Tickets must be purchased at least two weeks in advance.
- Call (315) 435-8511 x8512, 9:00am-4:00pm, daily to purchase tickets. The above forms are NOT applicable for Advance Sale Tickets.
Enjoy lunch at the zoo...the HoneyBee Café is accepting group orders online!
Minimum order 12 lunches.
Must place order 72 hours in advance.
Please notify us of any food allergies in advance and provide your Tax-Exempt form with your order.
contact [email protected] for details, menu and to place your order.
