Tour Types
Zoo Guided Tours (Regular admission applies. Discounted rates available for groups of 15 or more)
- 1-hour zoo visit with a tour guide
- Available for school groups, social groups, individuals or families
- Scheduled on the hour starting at 10 a.m.
Zoo Self-Guided Visit (Regular admission applies. Discounted rates available for groups of 15 or more)
- Experience the zoo at your own pace
- Available for school groups or social groups. Individuals and families can visit the zoo without a reservation.
- Scheduled on the half hour starting at 9:30 a.m.
Combination Zoo Tour and Planetarium Show ($10/children, $14/adults)
- 1-hour zoo visit (guided or self-guided) and a planetarium show (length varies by show)
- Available for school groups and social groups. Individuals and families are welcome to visit a public planetarium show, or book a private show. More information can be found on the Planetarium's website.
- Maximum 60 participants per tour time and planetarium show time.
An estimate of total participants, including teachers, chaperones and students, is required in order to make a reservation to ensure we schedule you at a time with enough available tour guides.
One certified teacher per class and certified bus drivers will receive complimentary admission to the Zoo during your field trip.
When booking any group visit, all individuals ages 1 year old and up, including members, will be charged admission. Group rates require that all participants are paid for with a single payment.
Guided Tours
Tour guides are students in the Zoo Animal Technology program, so guided tour availability is subject to student schedules. If we are unable to accommodate your group with a guided tour, our scheduling staff will work with you to split your visit between multiple days or suggest a self-guided visit.
We do not have final tour guide availability until the first week of each semester. All guided tours scheduled ahead of the current semester are tentative and subject to change.
Groups requesting a guided tour of the zoo, or a combination guided tour/planetarium show must request a tour a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Guided tours are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the following times:
- 10:00 a.m.
- 11:00 a.m.
- 12:00 p.m.
*Guided tours are not available on Wednesday.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour time in order to settle payment, organize groups and use the restrooms.
Groups are not guaranteed a tour guide if:
- they arrive 15 minutes past the reserved tour time
- they do not confirm their tour with zoo scheduling staff 2 weeks prior to their visit
- they increase their participant numbers without notifying zoo staff in advance
- *Any increase in participant numbers after the original schedule has been created are not guaranteed a tour guide due to limited zookeeper availability.
Self-Guided Visit
If a tour guide is not available, groups are welcome to explore the zoo at their own pace. If you have a group of 15 or more individuals, please fill out the registration form to schedule, and zoo staff will get back to you with a confirmation and important information for your self-guided tour. Groups under 15 do not need to schedule a visit to explore the zoo on their own.
Teachers - Please see our teacher resources section for packets and additional information to create an enriching self-guided zoo experience for your students.
Combination Zoo/Planetarium Tours
Combination tours can be scheduled as a guided tour or a self-guided visit, dependent on zoo tour guide availability and the size of your group. This combination tour of the zoo and planetarium has become popular with schools and other organizations. We encourage groups to plan ahead as we must have this tour scheduled a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance. This tour allows groups to visit the zoo and experience a planetarium show at a discounted rate. The combination tours generally last an approximately three (3) hours with breaks and lunch included as time permits. Schedule varies based on availability and size of groups.
Planetarium shows range from 30 minute to 60 minute shows. When a combination tour is scheduled, the group must choose a planetarium show they would like to see. View a list of planetarium shows here! Please be advised that if anyone needs to exit the planetarium during a showing, they will not be allowed to re-enter due to safety issues.
The planetarium is only able to accommodate 60 people maximum per show. If your group is larger than 60 people, you will need to select at least two zoo tour and planetarium show times to accommodate the entire group, or split your visit between multiple days.
Combination tours are not available on Wednesdays.
Group Rates
A discounted group rate of $6.00 per person is available to groups of 15 or more that schedule a visit at least two weeks in advance.
When booking any group visit, all individuals ages 1 year old and up, including members, will be charged admission. Group rates require that all participants are paid for with a single payment. We accept cash, all credit cards, Apple/Samsung Pay, and checks made payable to "Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo".
Lunch
Groups are welcome to use the picnic tables in front of the zoo for lunch or snack time. All lunches and coolers must be kept on the bus or vehicles as the Zoo does not have storage and cannot be responsible for items. Picnic tables are first come-first serve. Please specify in the comments when requesting a tour if you would like zoo staff to block time for lunch during your visit.
Helpful Tips for Planning a Memorable Tour
- October, November and February thru May are very popular for field trips. Plan in advance to reserve your group(s) preferred date.
- Thursdays and Fridays book up quicker than other days.
- All guided tours are by reservation only. Space is limited - please reserve as early as possible. We cannot guarantee tour guides if you do not request a tour a minimum of two weeks in advance. We also cannot guarantee tour guides for your entire group if your numbers increase.
- For all reservations to the Zoo, please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled tour time.
- We encourage you to have cell phone numbers of all members of your party in case you get separated.
- Please dress comfortably and according to the season - close toed shoes are recommended! We do not provide rain checks, so bring rain gear if needed. We also recommend bringing bug spray as the zoo is in a forest environment.
- The zoo is sensory inclusive certified through KultureCity, and we have sensory bags available for guests upon request. You can also view our social story prior to your visit! Learn more on the accessibility page.
Fee Waivers
Certain groups may qualify for Santa Fe College's fee waiver program to receive free entry to the zoo and planetarium. To apply:
- Fill out the tour request form below with preferred dates for your visit a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.
- Zoo scheduling staff will contact you within 3 business days to confirm availability and tentatively hold your spot on our schedule.
- Once your trip is confirmed, fill out and submit the Fee Waiver Form with required documentation to the Zoo (zoo@sfcollege.edu) at least 10 days prior to your requested visit. Groups who submit the form late or without required documentation will not be approved for a fee waiver of your visit.
The Office of the Provost will review your application and either approve or decline your request for waived fees. Forms received late or without the required documentation will be returned.