School Program FAQs
We will be arriving on a school bus. Do we need to make an advance reservation? Where does the bus drop off/pick up and park?
We will be arriving on the metro. What is the closest stop?
Our students will be bringing lunch. Are there lockers where we can store our lunches? Where can we eat?
Unfortunately, there are no lockers for lunch storage. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the Zoo — the Panda Plaza, the Panda Overlook, the Great Meadow and the picnic pavilion next to the Mane Grill.
Can we buy lunch at the Zoo?
We have parent chaperones who will not be arriving on the bus. Where can they park? Where should they meet us?
The closest parking lot to the bus drop-off is Lot B. For chaperones arriving separately, parking is a flat fee of $25 per car (free for some levels of membership). On busy days our parking lots can fill up very quickly and chaperones may have to walk from one of the further lots, so please encourage chaperones to arrive early.
Information about your program's starting location will be included in your confirmation email.
Where are the bathrooms?
What happens if it is raining/snowing on the day of our visit?
Our programs run rain or shine! We do have a number of indoor exhibits, where we will try to spend the majority of our time, but expect to walk outside in between exhibits, so please dress for the weather!
If the Zoo or your school is closed due to inclement weather, however, we will work with you to reschedule at no cost.
Will our students be able to touch any animals?
Can we choose the animals we will see/learn about?
What can I do to prepare my students for the field trip?
What if we hit traffic and are late for our program?
If you are running late, please call the Education Office at 202-633-3024.
As we often schedule multiple programs per day, we may not be able to extend your program. We will work with you as best as we can within the available time frame to make sure your students have the best possible experience at the Zoo!