Hertfordshire Zoo School Day Trips

Hertfordshire Zoo is a family-run charity dedicated to wildlife conservation both in the UK and across the globe. Home to a diverse range of species, from Critically Endangered Northern white-cheeked gibbons to majestic Asiatic lions, the Zoo plays a vital role in protecting some of the worlds most threatened animals. 

An award-winning hub for innovative and interactive learning, Hertfordshire Zoo offers unforgettable opportunities for students and teachers to share the wonder of wildlife. From classroom-based sessions to mini meets next to animal habitats, every experience is designed to ensure each visitor departs with a greater empathy for wildlife and the confidence to make small, meaningful changes to support biodiversity.

Hertfordshire Zoo School day trips
Conservation East of England
Animal experiences Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire Zoo offers students an unforgettable learning experience with its immersive animal habitats, providing up-close encounters with some of the world’s most threatened species. Beyond our live animals, students can journey back in time to the World of Dinosaurs, where over 30 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs bring history to life. Together, these experiences inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and make learning both fun and memorable.

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Hertfordshire Zoo offers a wide range of learning opportunities for students across all key stages, creating an educational experience that goes far beyond a standard visit.

Schools can enhance their trip by booking one of our innovative and interactive education sessions in our dedicated classroom, ‘Base Camp’. Each session is tailored to the national curriculum and designed to immerse students in exciting topics, such as animal adaptations, habitat design, rainforests, big cats, and global conservation.

For those looking to take learning outside the classroom, Hertfordshire Zoo also offers ‘Mini Meets’, which can be an alternative or addition to the classroom-based sessions. Led by a dedicated educator at an animal habitat, these engaging talks focus on either lions, sun bears, or gibbons, and are enhanced with resources such as 3D printed skulls to bring the learning to life. 

Whether in the classroom or face-to-face with wildlife, every experience at Hertfordshire Zoo aims to spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and deepen their understanding of wildlife.

Hertfordshire Zoo welcomes groups from all key stages, from EYFS to FE Colleges, with tailored learning opportunities to suit every age group, from discovering fur, feathers, and scales to exploring marketing and animal psychology. 

Each education session or mini meet slot can accommodate up to 30 students per slot, ensuring an engaging and interactive experience for every group.

Episodes of One Zoo Three, filmed at Hertfordshire Zoo, are recommended as a valuable pre- and post-visit resource to deepen understanding of the themes explored in education sessions.

Photography and videography are permitted throughout your visit. 

We encourage school groups to share any photographs on their approved social media accounts and tag us @hertfordshirezoo.

All risk assessments can be accessed through the Hertfordshire Zoo website – Risk Assessments 

Once your booking is confirmed, Hertfordshire Zoo offers free admission for up to two teachers to complete their own risk assessment and plan their day ahead of the group visit.

Head of Conservation Education and Engagement – Chris Eley

Education@hertfordshirezoo.com

Between September to March, the off-peak admission price for school groups is £9.90, with one adult free for every six paying children (excluding 1:1’s). Additional adults cost £15. 

Between April to July, the peak admission price for school groups is £12.90, with one adult free for every six paying children (excluding 1:1’s). Additional adults cost £15.

Children who require 1:1 care are charged the standard admission price, which includes their carer free of charge. 

Education sessions are priced at £30 and last approximately 25-minutes inside our dedicated classroom – ‘Base Camp’. Mini Meets are priced at £15 and last approximately 15 minutes at an animal habitat. Each time slot is limited to 30 students.

No specific clothing is required. 

Hertfordshire Zoo has a dedicated first aid room located within the Welcome Centre and over 30 trained first aid staff, including emergency first aiders. 

Gift Shops – Please note, Hertfordshire Zoo is a cashless venue. 

Several Catering Outlets 

Accessible Toilets – Including a hoist and moveable bed. 

Baby Bottle and Food Warming

Baby Changing Facilities

Multi-Faith Prayer Room

Undercover Picnic Areas

Adventure Playgrounds – Including ‘Discover, Learn and Play’ suitable for wheelchair users.

Kulture City Sensory Inclusive Location

Hertfordshire Zoo offers level surfaces throughout the site, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Viewing platforms are accessible via ramps, and many exhibit windows are positioned at a lower level for easier viewing.

As an accredited Kulture City Inclusive Site, the zoo provides an inclusive experience for guests of all needs. Sensory bags, including ear defenders and fidget tools, are available to hire on arrival, and loud and quiet zones are clearly signposted throughout the zoo.

Several staff members have completed ‘Sighted Guide’ training to safely and effectively assist visitors who require support around the zoo.

More information on accessibility can be found on the Hertfordshire Zoo website – Accessibility Information

Open Monday-Sunday between 9:30am to 4:30pm (October-March) and 5:30pm (April to September).