Bring your flock to the Zoo!
No matter what size your group may be, we want to make your visit as WILD as possible! At the Maryland Zoo your group can:
- Meet over 1,000 endangered animals eye-to-eye
- Explore six interactive animal habitats with elephants, bears, lions, penguins, chimpanzees and more
- Chat with a zoo keeper
- Groom a goat
- Feed a giraffe ($)
- Brave the Giant Tree slide or playground
Best Value For Your Group Visit
Consider an all inclusive ticket for your group, purchase a ZooMORE ticket that includes all day admission and unlimited train and carousel rides for all ages. You may also want to add Wildlife Quest, a virtual reality experience for ages 5 and up.
- ZooMORE+: $41 (unlimited rides on the train and carousel, one ride on Wildlife Quest VR, and all day admission)
- ZooMORE: $33 (unlimited rides on the train and carousel and all day admission)
Group Discounted Admission (for groups of 15 or more):
- Adults and chaperones:
$27$20 - Children and students (ages 2-11):
$23$16 - Seniors (65+):
$24$17
Additional Information:
- Rates include FREE car, bus, or motorcoach parking!
- If your group is a Maryland public school, please visit our Field Trips page.
- Tour operators receive an additional discount for groups of 15 or more. For tour operator rates, please email groupsales@marylandzoo.org or call 443-552-5290.
Please note: Groups of 15 or more reserved at least 2 weeks in advance receive discounted admission. Daily capacity limits on groups, events, and holidays may limit reservations on specific dates.
ADD more to your group visit!
Add a small souvenir bag to your group reservation for $5 each. The bag includes a coloring book, crayons, temporary animal tattoos, a Maryland Zoo logo pencil, and a mini plush (randomly selected lion, elephant or cheetah).
Located next to the Jones Falls Zephyr train station, the Jones Falls Gems sluice allows guests to sift through a sandy mix to discover gems. Bags are $9 each ($6 for Zoo members).
Add a keepsake Zoo guide during your visit and to plan your next trip. The guides are $5 each and include a Zoo map, annual events, conservation information, and food and beverage sites.
Purchase a Zoo Key for $4 to activate ten audio boxes throughout the Zoo. These recordings are available in English and Spanish narration and focus on animal and conservation information.
Pre-ordered and pre-paid box lunches can be arranged for your group if ordered at least 3 weeks prior to your group’s visit. Box lunches can be arranged for adults and children.
Adult lunches are $19 each plus tax and include:
- Non-vegetarian: Oven roasted turkey club on a brioche bun with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and honey dijon. Includes chips, canned water, cookie and eco-friendly compostable tableware.
- Vegetarian: Falafel sandwich on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, harrissa ketchup, and lemon-tahini sauce. Includes chips, canned water, cookie and eco-friendly compostable tableware.
Child box lunches are $10 each plus tax and include:
- Option 1: An Uncrustable peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple sauce, animal crackers, and apple juice
- Option 2: Turkey and American cheese on a brioche bun with a side of applesauce, animal crackers and apple juice
- Option 3: A hot dog, applesauce, animal crackers, and apple juice
Food vouchers may be pre-purchased at $20 or $10 amounts if arrangements are made at least 3 weeks in advance of your group’s visit. Mobile onsite food ordering via Whistle Stop Grille is also available.
Please note: Groups may also bring bag lunches. It is the group leader’s responsibility to transport or set up any on-site lunches; Zoo staff are not available to provide any assistance. Lunch seating areas are on a first-come, first-served basis. For guaranteed seating or catering options, please consider renting Zoo space.
Wildlife Quest is an immersive VR simulation ride that will transport you deep into the jungles of Rwanda where mountain gorillas traverse their native habitat. Experience the magic of coming face to face with these amazing creatures through the use of VR headsets and seats with multidirectional movement. Located in Zoo Central next to Penguin Coast, rides are $8 per person ($7 for Zoo members).
Experience the fun of a real old-fashioned carousel ride and enjoy the Zephyr train’s 10-minute ride on the one-mile track behind the African Journey! Ride-all-day wristbands are $10 each.
ADD an Educational Program or Tour
Led by a Zoo Educator, you’ll learn about some of your favorite animals on a guided tour of the Zoo! Select a topic you would like to explore and have your questions answered while learning how the Zoo is working to save species through conservation efforts. Zoo guided tours are $45 – $60 per person or $300 per program of 15 people.
ZOOlabs are 60-minute programs featuring hands-on activities and discussions. Zoo educators will lead students through a fun and exciting class that supports curriculum standards for a variety of audiences – schools, colleges, scouts, and camps. ZOOlabs are $250 per program of 25 people.
FAQs
Group rates are extended to groups of 15 or more for people ages 2+. Groups less than 15 are subject to regular admission rates: $27 adults, $23 children, and $24 seniors.
Group reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance.
A $75 deposit is required at the time of reservation and is applied to your group’s balance that is due 2 weeks prior to your group’s scheduled visit.
A group confirmation will be emailed to you and reflects your group’s visit and any payments. This confirmation is your group’s ticket for entrance and should be presented upon your group’s arrival at the Zoo.
Yes, for student or youth groups, one adult chaperone (21+) is required for every 8 children.
For more information or to reserve your group visit, please contact groupsales@