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Coming this fall
From September 2O26 - June 2O27

Complimentary School Field Trips
for TCDSB Students

At the February 2026 City of Toronto Council meeting, a motion was passed that will bring the wonders of your Toronto Zoo directly into the lives of local students - thanks to additional financial support for Complimentary School Field Trips to the Zoo for Toronto students as a pilot project.

 

This initiative is a bold step forward in the Guardians of Wild Strategic Plan, which aims to deepen our connection to nature, inspire environmental stewardship, and make wildlife education accessible to all.

Guardians of Wild Strategic Plan

Complimentary School Group Bookings will be available here, beginning this August:

Book Your Field Trip Here

Maximize Your Field Trip Experience! Make the most of your free Zoo visit by taking your students' learning to the next level with our paid school programs! By adding one of our interactive Presentations or immersive EdVentures, you guarantee a deeper, more engaging educational experience for your class. All of our paid programs are fully curriculum-linked, taking the guesswork out of your lesson planning, and are exclusively led by our passionate, expert zoo educators who know exactly how to bring wildlife science to life. Upgrade your field trip today and give your students a learning adventure they will never forget!

Fee-Based Elementary & Secondary On-Site School Programs

This pilot project was inspired by the extraordinary legacies of two groundbreaking female pioneers in wildlife research - Dr. Jane Goodall and Dr. Anne Innis Dagg. Their fearless curiosity, compassion, and dedication to understanding animals paved the way for a new generation of scientists, explorers, and advocates. By honouring their legacies, your Toronto Zoo is creating a living classroom where students can step beyond textbooks and experience the natural world up close.

These School Field Trips to your Zoo will offer unique educational opportunities - connecting classroom science with real‑world conservation, biodiversity, and the stories of animals and ecosystems under threat. Through these field trips, students will discover how they can become part of the solution to protect our planet’s wildlife and wild spaces.

This pilot project is more than just a visit - it’s an invitation to become a Guardian of Wild. It’s a chance for students to see themselves as explorers, researchers, and advocates, just like Dr. Goodall and Dr. Dagg. By providing Toronto students with complimentary school field trips to your Toronto Zoo, we’re breaking down barriers, ensuring that every student- regardless of background - can experience the transformative power of nature, wildlife, and discovery.

Together, we’re building a future where every student who walks through the gates of the Toronto Zoo feels inspired, informed, and empowered to protect our shared world.

Frequently
Asked Questions
  • When does the program start?

  • The pilot program will begin September 8th 2026, and will run until June 30th 2027 to accommodate the upcoming academic year.

  • When can I start booking a field trip for my class?

  • Bookings for the new complimentary school field trip pilot project will be open in August and can be made through our website: https://www.torontozoo.com/tickets/torontoschools

    Weekday complimentary school field trips will be limited to 1,000 students each day. Anyone booking a complimentary field trip will be required to book online using an official school board email address. The booking will also be verified by Guest Relations staff.

  • Can I book a field trip before I secure a bus rental?

  • We strongly recommend booking a bus prior to booking a complimentary field trip.

  • Does this program apply to private schools?

  • This program only applies to Toronto elementary and secondary schools in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Viamonde and MonAvenir.

  • Does this Zoo program cover the cost of busses?

  • No, the program does not cover the cost of transportation to and from the Zoo.

    The Kiwanis Club of Scarborough has contributed $10,000 towards to cost of buses for Scarborough based schools. Details on how to apply for that funding for Scarborough based schools will be shared in the near future. If your company is interested in contributing to youth engagement/education at the Toronto Zoo please contact the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.

  • Does the program apply to students who are home schooled?

  • The pilot project approved by Toronto City Council only applies to students attending Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Viamonde and MonAvenir.

  • Can I book multiple school field trips per year?

  • Yes, schools are welcome to book multiple field trips per year.

  • Are there plans to expand this to other school boards?

  • The current funding was generously provided through the City of Toronto and only applies to schools in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Viamonde and MonAvenir.

  • Does the Zoo have accommodations in place for students with accessibility needs?

  • Your Toronto Zoo is committed to welcoming all guests to experience the Zoo. We have many accessible features available including wheelchair accessible pavilions, free wheelchairs, automated entry systems, and sensory maps identifying Headphone Zones and Quiet Areas. For more information visit https://www.torontozoo.com/tz/accessibility.

  • Will the Zoo be offering any additional paid programming in French?

  • The current paid programs are only offered in English.

  • Will the Zoo’s website be available in French to book a complimentary Zoo field trip?

  • At this time the Zoo’s website is only available in English.

  • Are supervisors and parents also free?

  • Yes, supervisors/parents are included for free up to the required ratio listed here: https://www.torontozoo.com/book

    Any additional beyond this would be subject to the school group admission rates.

  • Can I come on the weekend or school holidays?

  • You’re welcome to visit as a general guest on weekends or school holidays, however this offer only applies to school field trips with a teacher on school days.

  • Are school programs available for our field trip to the Zoo?

  • The Toronto Zoo provides a variety of curriculum-based programs for students from kindergarten through secondary school. School Programs have a fee per program which is not included in this free admission offer. A complete list of program options and information can be found at https://www.torontozoo.com/schools.
    NOTE: In order to book a program, please visit the link above prior to selecting the date for your visit.

For additional questions please reach out to:

[email protected]