BRING YOUR CREW TO THE ZOO!
A troop of monkeys, a flamboyance of flamingos or a candle of tapirs… no matter what type of group you may be, we want to make your visit to the Hattiesburg Zoo as WILD as can be!
Field trips are offered Tuesday through Friday from 10:00AM– 4:00PM.
To book your field trip, please review our policies and fill out the form below.
Field Trip FAQs
What is the rate for field trips?
*You must register your field trip at least 48 hours in advance.
- $10 per student 2-12 years old – Includes admission, train ride, and an animal encounter. Children under 2 are free.
- $12 per parent/chaperone – Includes admission, train ride, and an animal encounter.
- You may prepay for your field trip over the phone.
- No deposit is required.
- Annual Passes do not apply.
- All forms of payment are accepted, including PO’s, credit card, check, and cash. (Bills larger than $20 are not accepted.)
Do teachers need to pay admission?
All teachers in field trips with 50 or more students will get in for free.
Should we pay in advance?
We encourage you to pay in advance for your group! However, if your group will be paying upon arrival, please send one representative from your school to the front office of the Zoo with the payment for all attendees, while your group waits outside the gate and until all transactions have been completed. All groups must be paid in full prior to entering the Zoo. If your group has paid in advance, please remember to stop by the ticket booth. At this time, you will receive tickets for the train and important information about your visit.
Can you accommodate special needs groups?
Of course! If you are a special needs group, please contact us.
What time should our group arrive?
The Zoo’s operating hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please do not arrive prior to 10:00am. Contact us if an exception must be made.
Buses should park in the large parking lot beside the zoo.
Can we bring our own lunches or snacks into the zoo?
Outside food and beverage is not allowed inside the Zoo. Sack lunches may be eaten in Kamper Park, located outside of the zoo.
Can the zoo provide lunch for our group?
Yes! Please let us know if you would like to include lunch and we will send you per person price options. We require at least two weeks notice if you would like to include lunch orders in your field trip package, and you must purchase at least 10 lunches. We need your preliminary order 2 weeks before your visit. We will need exact numbers 1 week in advance to finalize your order. Lunch will be served inside the Zoo at a specified location. Parents cannot purchase lunches through the field trip unless they pay in advance through the school.
Lunch Add-On Options (please choose one of the following):
$6 – pizza slice, chips, & drink
$6 – hot dog, chips, & drink
$10 – ham or turkey sandwich, chips, drink, & cookie
What should we do if we have scheduled an educational animal encounter?
The animal encounter is a 15 minute presentation and will include 2 education animals.
- Students will be able to touch at least one of the animals.
- Time and location of the animal encounter will be given upon arrival in the front office.
- Types of animals cannot be chosen ahead of time.
Everyone should arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled educational animal encounter. Unfortunately, if you are more than 15 minutes late, the animals will need to be put up and you will forfeit your animal presentation.
Can field trip groups participate in the High Adventures Ropes Course?
Definitely! To add the Ropes Course to your package, the rates are as follows:
$5 for the Sky Tykes, which is for persons under 48” tall. Everyone 42-48” tall will need to be accompanied by an adult.
$10 for the Sky Trail, which is for everyone 48+” tall.
To receive this special rate, your group must have at least 35 people participating.
Please keep in mind that the High Adventures Ropes Course is closed on Tuesdays.
Interested in other add-ons?
You can also add the Mining Expedition to your group experience for only $5 per person!
What if we have a question while we’re at the zoo?
If you have any questions, please ask any staff member you see. We are all here to make sure you enjoy your visit to the zoo!
Please follow all zoo rules and guidelines upon entering. Students should never be left unattended, and for everyone’s safety, do not cross any barriers or fences without permission from a zoo staff member.
Cancellation Policy: If for any reason you decide not to visit the Hattiesburg Zoo on your requested date, please contact our office at 601.545.4576 for cancellation and rescheduling. Accommodations will be attempted but are not guaranteed.
