Zoo Explorer

The Santa Ana Zoo is a wonderful place for an educational field trip.

About

In this two-part guided program, the adventure begins with a live animal spotlight presentation, followed by a self-guided exploration of the zoo. At select education stations, students interact with education staff and volunteers to learn more about the animals and habitats they find. Education stations close at 12 p.m.

TK and kindergarteners

Students become Junior Explorers with a story about animal groups.

1st and 2nd graders

Students become Explorers as they focus on animal adaptations and observation skills.

• This program is open only to TK through 2nd grade.
• There is a ratio requirement of five students per adult (teacher or chaperone).
• Reservations for your program must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
• If your organization is not already in our booking system, please contact us so we can set it up and you can book.
• Payment is not due at time of booking. Payment will be made in person on the day of your visit.
• Payment for your group must be made in one transaction.

Zoo Explorer program visits are available to book:

• January through May
• Tuesdays and Thursdays only
  • 9:30 a.m.
  • 10 a.m.
  • 10:30 a.m.

Pricing

Memberships and free or discounted passes cannot be used towards group admission. Bus drivers do not receive free zoo admission.

• Teachers are free
• Students: $15
• Additional adults: $15

Payment

Payment is not required at time of booking.

Purchase orders are not accepted.

Payment is required upon date of visit. You will pay based on the number of actual attendees. Payment must be made in one transaction upon checking in at the ticket booth. Any members of your group paying separately from the group transaction will be charged regular admission price, and will not be admitted to the program portion of your visit.

Preferred forms of payment include:

• credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
• cash

Checks made out to Santa Ana Zoo or City of Santa Ana are accepted. Checks must be for one group and one visit date only. Checks made out for multiple groups or multiple visit dates will not be accepted.

Once you click Book Now, you will be taken to our reservation booking page. You will see a calendar and a drop-down menu.

1. Select your date from the calendar.
2. Select your time and group size from the drop-down menu that says Please select an available option. Click into the space above the line. 9:30 a.m. is the earliest arrival and check-in time.
3. Please note that the only group size available is 10-100.  You will add your actual group size as you progress through the booking.
4. The time slot will also show you how many tickets are available. If your group is larger than the number of available tickets, please select another time or date.
5. Select your organization name from the drop down list. If your organization name is not available, please email your organization name, best contact, and billing address/phone number to zooreservations@santa-ana.org so we may add you to the system.
6. Select your group size from the drop down list. Again, the only option will be 10-100. If your group is larger than 100 members total, you will need to create multiple bookings.
7. Add your expected numbers of students/clients, teachers/staff, and additional adults (chaperones). Please keep in mind that we request a ratio of at least one adult per every 10 children. Click Add to cart. After this, your selection will be in your shopping cart, and you will be taken to the Checkout page.
8. Check your numbers, and add the name of the best contact person for the booking. While this page says Amount to Pay and Payment Form,  no payment is required at time of booking. Payment will be made in-person upon date of visit. 
9. Review and accept the Terms and Conditions.
10. Click the blue PAY button. Again, this will not record or require any payment information. It will just complete your booking.
11. You will be directed to the Payment Completed page, with your receipt # and barcode. This will also be emailed to you.
12. Click the blue OK button to be directed to the zoo home page.