cincinnati zoo school field trips

Travel With the Zoo

Plan a trip you’ll remember forever.

Do you crave an out-of-the-ordinary intimate travel experience? Then come travel with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! We have been taking folks around the globe since 1964. Our trips are adventurous, educational, and fun. All our tours are escorted by zoo naturalists who are knowledgeable, friendly, and well-traveled. Our trips create real-life connections with like-minded travelers. Come join us today on our next exciting adventure!

Questions? Please contact Christina Anderson at 513-487-3318 or email  here .

April 26 – May 4, 2024

Escorted by Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Come join us as we explore the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland. Celebrate the spectacular beauty of Holland and Flanders in springtime on this uniquely exclusive, 7-night cruise.

Or call 800-922-3088 for assistance.  More Info

• Private cruise along Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage designated canal district.
• Enjoy a walking tour of Nijmegen, a university town—originally settled by the Romans in the 1st -century B.C.
• Guided tour of the prestigious Kröller-Müller Museum, located within De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
• Discover the Delta Works, an impressive feat of hydraulic engineering that has been hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. GOHAGAN & COMPANY
• Take a walking tour of Bruges to the Gothic Town Hall, the famous octagonal belfry and tower, and the Church of our Lady, with a visit to see Michelangelo’s Virgin and Child.
• Admire the windows and Gothic steeples of St. Bavo’s Cathedral and see Hubert and Jan van Eyck’s magnificent altarpiece Adoration of the Mystic Lamb—the most frequently stolen artwork of all time.
• Explore the Old Town of Antwerp and visit the UNESCO-inscribed belfry at the Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Walk through the historical Delft, where Johannes Vermeer painted his famous View of Delft from 1660 to 1661.
• Discover Hoorn, which rapidly grew to become a major harbor town

March 1-11, 2025

Escorted by Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability

Embark on a journey through nature’s most breathtaking landscapes, to witness iconic species of Patagonian wildlife. Join the Zoo in a trip to Patagonia March 1-11, 2025 with Mark Fisher, Vice President of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability.

Kenya –  Sold Out

June 25 – July 6, 2024

Escorted by Dave Jenike, COO, Cincinnati Zoo

This will be a very intimate trip with limited availability. Please email  Christina Anderson  or call 513-487-3318 for more details.

Tanzania – Sold Out

June 11- june 23, 2024.

Escorted by David Orban, Director of Animal Science & Strategy

Come join us on this exciting 13-day adventure to Tanzania. Tanzania is renowned for its spectacular wildlife viewing. Your adventure takes you to Arusha, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater for daily wildlife-viewing drives in open-top safari vehicles, then cap off the experience with three days on the Serengeti to witness the world-famous Great Migration. Return each day to memorable accommodations nestled amid idyllic African beauty, from the rim of Ngorongoro Crater to luxury tented camps perfectly positioned to access migration paths in the Serengeti.

• Witness the legendary Great Migration on wildlife-viewing drives along the Serengeti plains and around the Seronera River.
• Take in views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru at Arusha National Park as you seek out giraffes, flamingos, and colobus monkeys.
• Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of up to 300 elephants.
• Take a walk around Mto Wa Mbu, a culturally diverse village whose residents come from more than 100 different tribes, and enjoy a special lunch.
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, home to a dense concentration of wildlife including the highly endangered black rhino, black-maned lions, elephants, hippos, and herds of wildebeest.
• Embark on daily wildlife-viewing drives and bushwalks for the chance to observe Africa’s “Big Five” up close.
• The trip is capped at 12 travelers.

October 8 – October 20, 2024

Escorted by TBD

Tanzania calls to mind vast landscapes dotted with herds of wildlife, lions lounging blissfully on sun-drenched rocks, and mighty elephants trundling through tall grasses. This 13-day safari with Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden makes vision a reality in Tanzania’s most celebrated parks for spectacular wildlife viewing. Set out in Arusha, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro for daily wildlife-viewing drives in open-top safari vehicles, then cap off the experience with three days on the Serengeti to witness the world-famous Great Migration. Return each day to memorable accommodations nestled amid idyllic African beauty, from the rim of Ngorongoro Crater to luxury tented camps perfectly positioned to access migration paths.

Manitoba – Only 2 Spots Left

October 23 – october 30, 2024.

Escorted by Dr. Erin Curry, Cincinnati Zoo’s CREW

Come join the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden trip to Churchill, Manitoba: the polar bear capital of the world! If you’ve been hoping to see polar bears in the wild, this is the place to do it. In Oct/Nov of each year, bears congregate on the shores of the Hudson Bay waiting for sea ice to form, providing up-close viewing opportunities. We will be visiting during peak bear viewing week!

Cincinnati Zoo

The Zoological Society of Cincinnati was founded in 1873 and officially opened its doors in 1875, making the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden the second oldest Zoo in the United States. The Zoo’s original animal collection was very small, originally consisting of just eight monkeys, two grizzly bears, three deer, six raccoons, two elk, a buffalo, a hyena, a tiger, an alligator, a circus elephant, and over four hundred birds, including a talking crow. The Zoo was founded on 65 acres in the middle of the city, and since then has acquired some of the surrounding blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati’s suburbs. Enhance your students’ learning with a field trip where the Zoo is your living classroom! Our Zoo Education Vision: By developing personal connections with nature and environmental literacy in our visitors, we create community, a sense of wonder, knowledge, and conservation action. Our programs foster a sense of wonder, share knowledge, and advocate active involvement with wildlife and wild places! Lunch For the easiest lunch experience, we encourage each school group to carry their lunches with them and sit wherever they find a spot to eat at their convenience. There are also places to purchase lunch if you choose. We are trying to add "Adaptations" at 11:30 a.m. for grades pk-5th: This program introduces several unique live animals and explores their adaptations related to survival. It is 45 minutes long. This is limited to 30 people total! We are trying to add another program at 11:30 a.m. for grades 4th-7th: TBD. It is 45 minutes long. OPTIONAL- Zoo Adventure Ticket (both 4-D Theater & Rides) – $5.00 per person The 'Zoo Adventure' ticket includes a 4-D Theater Pass (good for one show) & Rides Pass (unlimited rides!) for Train and Carousel. ​ All field trip participants must be present at 10 AM. People arriving late will have to pay the full admission price to enter the zoo, and will not receive a refund from RCFT. We have to go in as a group to receive this fantastic price on admission. Once we are inside, it will be completely self-guided, and you can enjoy the zoo with your family and friends.

Date: Monday, May 8, 2017 Time: 10 am Ticket price: $6/students, $7/adults ADD ON: Zoo Adventure Ticket: $5/person Reservation/Cancellation Deadline: 3/31/2017 Non-participating children under 2 receive free admission to the zoo , but not to the rides or theatre.

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Bringing the Cincinnati Zoo to the Classroom

The Henderson Fund was established with the goal of introducing special needs students at Cincinnati Public Schools to animals from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Interacting with animals is one of life’s biggest joys, regardless of age. But it is especially important during childhood, when kids tend to form lasting images about their environments.

For kids, taking regular trips to the zoo is a great way to see and learn all about animals. But what about kids who have disabilities that make traveling or being in foreign environments too difficult to handle? Since 2008, the Henderson Fund seeks to address this very problem. Created by Julie Henderson, a retired Cincinnati Public Schools teacher, the fund was established with the goal of introducing special needs children to animals in their own classrooms.

Animals for All

It all started when Julie had her retirement party back in 2008. Instead of receiving gifts from her friends, Julie asked that they donate money to be used to fund zoo visits to disability classrooms in the district. Ten years later, the program is still going strong under Julie’s supervision and in partnership with Activities Beyond the Classroom , Cincinnati’s foremost extracurricular organization.

These days, no less than 34 classrooms get to enjoy visits from local zookeepers, who bring all sorts of animals along with them, including hedgehogs, chickens and even hissing cockroaches. Every creature that the children come into contact with is docile and harmless, so there’s no need to fret about safety. Aside from seeing the animals up close, children also get to learn all about their characteristics and habitats. As Julie puts it, “I ask them to choose books and choose animals that align with curriculum.” Animals that are deemed too frightening are kept out of the program, and parents are also invited to take part in the fun themselves.

The Impact of the Henderson Fund

In its ten years of existence, the Henderson Fund has fostered a strong connection between CPS and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, an institution that has time and time again proven its value as an educational partner. By witnessing and interacting with creatures they’d otherwise have little chance of seeing, special needs children get to expand their horizons and discover what’s out there in a completely risk-free environment.

Teachers are also happy to see their children enjoying themselves. “These visits are so special and important to my children. My children have a variety of special needs so we are unable to travel for the rich experiences that field trips provide young children! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see the children enjoy these visits,” says Kim Philips, a Preschool Disabilities Intervention Specialist at Cheviot Elementary School.

Helping special needs children enjoy the company of animals may be a small step in the right direction, but it’s one that has already made a noticeable difference in the lives of many CPS children and will hopefully continue to do so in the years to come.

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Ten Fun Field Trips around Cincinnati

Somehow, we blinked and it’s already August! Back-to-school season is upon us, which means new backpacks, new friends and new places for class field trips. Whether you’re a teacher, parent or even scout troop leader, here are some options for interesting, educational and fun field trips around Cincinnati.

American Sign Museum

1330 Monmouth Street, Cincinnati

(513) 541-6366

Did you know that Cincinnati is home to the only public sign museum in America? Kids will love touring the American Sign Museum, where they’ll see 150 signs, sign-making tools and equipment, salesman’s samples and more. A tour lasts about an hour, and brings to life American history and culture in a fun, highly visual way. On weekdays, the tour includes a visit to the onsite neon shop for a demonstration of how neon signs are made.

Behringer-Crawford Museum

1600 Montague Rd., Covington

(859) 491-4003

Located just over the river in gorgeous Devou Park, the Behringer-Crawford Museum is a great place to plan a field trip. This museum has several different levels with fun, interactive exhibits, but is still small enough that kids can tackle the entire museum in an afternoon. Afterwards, let the kids run loose in Devou Park’s playground.

blue manatee

3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati

(513) 731-2665

For smaller groups, blue manatee offers fun classes and activities tied to various books, themes and holidays. The bookstore encourages proposals for educational, creative and community meetings, including parent gatherings, craft demonstrations, expert lectures/discussions, in-store art fairs, etc. so feel free to propose an idea!

Cincinnati Fire Museum

315 West Court Street, Cincinnati (513) 621-5553

The Cincinnati Fire Museum is tucked away in Over-the-Rhine – and is a must for fire truck obsessed kids. Children will love looking at the old gear, sliding down the fire pole and “driving” the interactive fire truck with a real working siren. Guided group tours are available by appointment, making this a fun option for smaller homeschool groups, scout troops or even play dates!

Cincinnati Museum Center

1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati

(513) 287-7000  

The Cincinnati Museum Center is a popular field trip destination for local schools, but they also offer special programs just for homeschooled students. Every Monday, September through June, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and Cincinnati History Museum provide walk-up floor programs as part of “Homeschool Mondays.” The Museum also offers specific classes for early childhood students and elementary-aged students, designed to supplement their homeschool curriculum.

Cincinnati Nature Center

4949 Tealtown Road, Milford

(513) 831-1711

The Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) believes outdoor education should be part of every teacher’s toolkit – and this outdoor center has an expansive variety of programs to prove it! The CNC offers outdoor “expeditions” for students of all ages, plus special homeschool classes and teacher training programs.

Gorman Heritage Farm

10052 Reading Rd. Cincinnati

(513) 563-6663

Gorman Heritage Farm has creative, hands-on, interdisciplinary field trips for kids from preschool to middle School. All groups are led by trained staff and volunteers, and all material relates to Ohio State Standards. Field trip themes vary by age, and include topics such as food sources and Ohio history.

Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District

(513) 946-7737

Now this is a field trip destination you probably haven’t thought of before! The Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District offers free field trips to schools that are registered with the District’s Recycling Assistance Program. Kids can tour area landfills, recycling centers and nature centers. With titles like “Trash Talk” and “Compost Kids” these field trips offer kids and educational and fun way to learn about important issues.

Happen, Inc.’s Toy Lab

4203 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati

(513) 751-2345

Happen, Inc. is a local non-profit organization dedicated to bringing kids and adults together through art. Kids can build their own creation out of recycled toys at Happen, Inc.’s Toy Lab and special “toy professors” will glue, drill and weld the toys right in front of them. This is a great option for smaller scout troops, youth groups or birthday parties.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati 

Main Stage: The Taft Theatre, 5th & Sycamore Streets, Cincinnati

Ticket Office: (513) 569-8080, ext. 10

It’s never too early to introduce kids to the arts – and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is an amazing resource for local educators. Kids can take a field trip to The Taft for a Main Stage performance, or view a theatrical show from the comfort of their school’s auditorium as part of the ArtReach program. There are even downloadable study guides available online to assist teachers in their lesson plans.

Every kid loves a field trip, so liven up your kids’ learning and schedule an adventure at one of these local spots today!

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Cincinnati Zoo to offer free field trips for qualifying schools

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is now able to offer free field trips to the Zoo for qualifying schools through The Living Classroom Education Access Fund.

This new fund will not only help schools with Zoo daytime field trips, but it can also be used towards a Nocturnal Adventures Overnight program.

The Living Classroom Education Access Fund is being made possible with lead support from The Helen G., Henry F. and Louise Teacher Dornette Foundation, and founding partners - Time Warner Cable's "Connect a Million Minds" program, The John A. Schroth Family Foundation, PNC Bank, Trustee, the Ambassador Council of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and grants from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America.

The Cincinnati Zoo welcomed more than 86,000 school children last year, representing nearly 1,400 schools.

For schools to apply for financial assistance on a daytime field trip to the Zoo, teachers must submit documentation of financial need as either a school with 50 percent or more students receiving free or reduced lunches or as a Title I School. The same online application must be filled out to apply for the Nocturnal Adventures Overnight program.   More information can be found online at http://cincinnatizoo.org/access .

Copyright 2013 WXIX . All rights reserved.

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School Programs & Field Trips

Thank you for your interest in School Field Trips at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Our calendar is full for the 2023-24 school year.  We will be opening registration for the 2024-25 school year in spring 2024.

Cincinnati Nature Center’s School Programs can help your students strengthen their understanding and connection with the curriculum through hands-on, outdoor experiences. We offer a variety of programs and packages to meet your school's needs and interests. 

Click here  to view our School Programs brochure.

Summer Field Trips

If you are planning a summer field trip for your camp or child care center, please  click here  or contact our Registrar at 513-831-1711, ext. 129, or email  [email protected] . 

School Program Philosophy

Providing positive experiences in nature • Regardless of the lesson choice, our first priority is to make sure students feel comfortable and safe. Each day we hope to increase the comfort level students and adults have in natural settings.

Discovery first, discussion second • Students will be exposed to local ecosystems and biodiversity with hands-on activities with authentic materials. Their discoveries and questions will be tied back to lessons in school and the organisms that live in their backyards.

Small student to naturalist ratios • In order to provide hands-on experiences without harm to our local natural resources, small groups of 8-10 students per naturalist are key. This also allows us to follow student interests and provide personal attention to each student.

Training for adults (teachers and parents) • Parents, teachers and other adults in the lives of students are the ones with the real power to expose children to nature on a regular basis. Cincinnati Nature Center provides training for these adults on how to take children outside for learning opportunities.

Teacher E-Newsletter! 

Want to receive a Teacher E-Newsletter once per month with nature fun facts and upcoming program announcements? Join our Teacher E-Newsletter mailing list!

Click here to sign up!

Homeschool Programs

If you are interested in bringing your family or homeschool group to Cincinnati Nature Center for an outdoor experience, programs are available throughout the year. For a list of upcoming homeschool events,  click here  to be added to the homeschool email list. Homeschool groups are not eligible for a discounted teacher membership.

School Group Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering to lead or assist school groups,  visit our Volunteer page.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

We are deeply grateful to The Charles H. Dater Foundation and the John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust for their support of our school programs. 

• Field Trips

An Epic Field Trip Under One Giant Dome

It’s time to get out of the classroom for a day of learning and fun! The Museum is a great space for learners of all ages. You may choose to combine general museum admission with an OMNIMAX ® film, featured exhibit, or a visit to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. Book your field trip today!

Please note: In terms of qualifying for school/group pricing, a group is defined as a minimum of 15 paying visitors with a reservation at least two weeks in advance.

Please note the following SOLD OUT group dates:

• Monday, April 22
• Thursday, April 25
• Friday, April 26
• Monday, April 29
• Thursday, May 2
• Friday, May 3
• Monday, May 6
• Thursday, May 9
• Friday, May 10
• Monday, May 13
• Thursday, May 16
• Friday, May 17
• Monday, May 20

Field Trip Experiences

Museum of natural history & science.

The Museum of Natural History & Science at Cincinnati Museum Center offers a world of science, history and nature through interactive exhibits and amazing artifacts. Guests can reach their own “ah-ha” moment through creative thinking and problem-solving skills. With something for all ages, there’s always more to explore in the Museum of Natural History & Science.

DISCOVER MORE

Cincinnati History Museum

Step back in time and experience the history of our city, from our earliest settlers to those actively shaping the Queen City today. Along the way, meet costumed interpreters to better understand and connect with history. Explore a recreation of the bustling  Public Landing from the late 1850s and climb aboard the Queen of the West, a replica side-wheel steamboat. Take an aerial view of Cincinnati from the early 1900s through 1940s in Cincinnati in Motion , a 1/64-scale replica of the city complete with the nation’s largest S-scale train model.

The Children’s Museum

Discover hands-on fun for children of all ages in our eight educational and themed play areas, including two specifically designed for preschool-aged children and younger. We encourage kids to climb, crawl, explore and learn about themselves and the world around them. Go on a wilderness adventure through The Woods , be a part of a complex machine in the Energy Zone and explore the neighborhood in Kids’ Town . Dive into arts, culture, reading, science and more with over 1,800 hours of programming each year.

Field Trips may be scheduled Thursdays through Mondays. Group visits to The Children's Museum are limited to grades 4 and under.

The Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX ® Theater

The Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX ® Theater takes you to places you can only imagine. Immerse yourself in epic adventures in our five-story domed theater, from the untamed beauty of our natural parks, to the red surface of Mars, to the deep blue sea alongside humpback whales.

Custom films are available at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. All other time slots are subject to the public film schedule. The following films are available during the custom film timeslots:

• Ancient Caves
• Into America’s Wild
• Dinosaurs of Antarctica
• Backyard Wilderness
• Great Bear Rainforest
• National Parks Adventure
• Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope
• Secrets of the Sea
• Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa
• Superpower Dogs
• Volcanoes: Fires of Creation

POMPEII: The Exhibition

On August 24, 79 A.D., the city of Pompeii was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. But what nature destroyed, it also preserved. Through 150 artifacts, POMPEII: The Exhibition tells the tale of a city hidden from view and forgotten for centuries.

In a media-rich, object-based immersive experience, discover the bustling commercial port and strategic military and trading center that was Pompeii. Authentic artifacts from Pompeii recreate a sense of this world as you discover how its people lived, loved, worked, worshipped and found entertainment at the height of the Roman Empire.

Get the Educator Guide

Download the POMPEII: The Exhibition Educator Guide.

Get the Student Field Trip Question Guide

Download the POMPEII: The Exhibition Student Field Trip Question Guide.

Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center

Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, the site where numerous Holocaust survivors arrived in Cincinnati to rebuild their lives, the museum examines this watershed moment through its local connection. Using innovative storytelling, interactive experiences and genuine artifacts, visitors witness the strength and courage of the human spirit set against the backdrop of one of the darkest chapters in human history. The museum incorporates media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions to share this history and its lessons. It also includes the Humanity Gallery where visitors explore moments, meeting individuals who activated their character strengths to become upstanders and bring change to our community and world.

Looking for more information?

Group minimums.

• Pre-registered group rates require a minimum of 15 paid guests with a reservation made at least two weeks in advance of the visit date. No other discounts, memberships, or reciprocal benefits can be utilized with a group reservation.

Scheduling Requirements

• Group visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of the visit date. If you have questions about availability, please contact us at (513) 287-7021.
• If scheduling a group visit less than two weeks in advance, payment is required at the time of booking.
• Groups with high attendance estimates will be split into smaller groups of 60 people or less and will be scheduled to enter experiences at different times.

Lunchtable Reservations and Boxed Lunch Order Form

• Reserve a 30-minute time slot to enjoy your lunch in the rotunda. The cost of lunch tables is $0.50 per person.
• Lunch table reservations must be made in advance and cannot be added to the reservation on the day of the visit. Groups that do not reserve lunch tables in advance are not permitted to each lunch at CMC.
• School/Group Boxed Lunch Order Form. Please note that on-site food services do not accept cash.

Custom OMNIMAX ® Films

• Custom OMNIMAX ® films can be reserved for a minimum of 30 paid guests made at least two weeks in advance. Custom films are available in the morning and are subject to availability.
• A film title must be selected at the time of reservation. Custom films are subject to availability.
• Groups may schedule into afternoon public showtimes and are subject to the public film schedule.

Attendance and Chaperones

• It is important to finalize your attendance two weeks prior to your visit date. With advanced notice, additional participants may be accommodated subject to availability. Please be prepared to confirm your attendance upon arrival on the day of your visit.
• Chaperone ratios are 1:5 for Pre-K-1st grade, 1:10 for 2nd – 8th grade, and 1:15 for 9th-12th grade.
• Prepare your chaperones ahead of time with a schedule of the day and CMC Behavior Guidelines. CMC always requires active chaperoning and that students remain with their assigned chaperone for the entirety of the visit.
• Groups must confirm final attendance count two weeks before the visit date. This final count will reflect the final amount due. No refunds will be issued the day of the visit if your group arrives with less attendees.
• Buses or marked passenger vehicles may park for free in the South Parking Lot.
• Chaperones arriving separately from the bus may park in the North or South Parking Lot and must pay the $6 parking fee. CMC memberships can be used for parking only.

Group Pricing

• Get all the details on discounted group tickets for 15 or more paid guests here !
• Only attendees listed on the group reservation are eligible for the discounted group rate. Individuals not included in the reservation will be charged full general admission prices.
• Groups requesting to visit the three general museums at 9 a.m., one hour before CMC opens, must pay a $100 early opening fee. Reservations with an early open request are required to make a reservation at least 3 weeks in advance of the visit date.
• One school caregiver or aide per Student with Disabilities may receive one free, complimentary Museum Admission ticket for the purpose of providing care to the Student with Disabilities. The number of caregivers/aides must be provided when submitting the reservation request. Caregivers/aides will need to pay to visit OMNIMAX ® and Featured Exhibits.
• Payment by credit card, check or purchase order is required at least two weeks in advance and must be made in one lump sum. Payments from individuals or families cannot be accepted.
• Groups that do not provide payment two weeks in advance must provide payment by credit card, check, or purchase order at the time of group check-in. Groups arriving without a form of payment will be denied entry.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours may result in the suspension of privileges or grant eligibility and no-shows are subject to pay 100% of reservation.
• For groups scheduling a visit less than two weeks in advance, payment is required at the time of booking.

Grant Funding

• For schools whose percentage of students enrolled in Free and Reduced-Price Meal Plans is 60% or greater, grants are available for a limited number of free in-person visits. For more information, contact Group Sales at (513) 287-7021 or [email protected] .
• Grant funding is subject to availability.

Need help planning an epic visit?

We know what it takes to plan a field trip – we’ve been doing it for years! Give our Group Sales Team a call at (513) 287-7021 and we’ll help you create an epic experience tailored specifically for your students.

Request a field trip online and our Group Sales team will be in touch within three business days to complete your reservation.

BOOK A FIELD TRIP

Thank you to our Community Field Trip Partners

• Pre-Reservation Checklist
• Request a Field Trip
• Pre-Visit Checklist
• Virtual Programs & Field Trips

Book your field trip today!

Request a field trip online or call (513) 287-7021.

Field Trip Information

• School Group Leader Agreement
• School Group FAQs
• School Group Schedule Forms
• Welcome Video

Educator eNews

Get the latest news about Teacher Preview Nights, gallery and exhibit guides, new special exhibitions, teacher resources, professional development opportunities and so much more!

Educator's Guide

Find everything you need to know about educational programs, field trip planning, professional development and other educational opportunities that are offered at Union Terminal as well as in the community in our Educator’s Guide.

Museum Hours

Open Thursday – Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Member’s-only early entry: Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Customer Service Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are not currently accepting in-person field trip reservations. Please see our Virtual Program and Field Trip options or call (513) 287-7021 for outreach programs.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Zoos & Aquariums

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• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
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• Garden Ring
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moskvarium

2. Moscow Zoo

3. Oceanarium RIO

4. Crocus Oceanarium

6. The Tallest Cylindrical Aquarium in the World

7. Gorodskaya Ferma Na VDNKH

8. Husky Park Sokolniki

9. Exotarium

10. Sea Aquarium Oceanarium

11. Touching Zoo Bely Kenguru

12. Contact Zoo Baby Animals as Toys

13. Touching Zoo Lesnoye Posolstvo

14. Touching Zoo Rebyatam O Zveryatakh

15. Planeta Obez'yan

16. Tropicarium

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19. Butterflarium

20. Tropical Butterfly Garden

21. aquarium complex.

22. Touching Zoo Zveryushki Kak Igrushki

23. Touching Zoo A Pogladit Mozhno?

24. zveryushki touching zoo.

25. Touching Zoo

26. Trogai Glad Kormi

27. poglad yenota.

28. Lesnoye Posolstvo

29. strana yenotiya zoodom.

30. V Mire Zhivotnykh

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• Crocus Oceanarium
• The Tallest Cylindrical Aquarium in the World
• Oceanarium RIO
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3 Days in Moscow – Itinerary: What to Do, How to Get Around & Where to Stay

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

Don’t worry; 72 hours is enough to get a glimpse of the vibrant and expressive side of Moscow.

Russia. Just the mention of the name conjures images of red flags, vast spaces, and deadly distances.

Moscow is the heart of Russia, with an incredibly turbulent history, gorgeous architecture and slightly strange people with a mystic Russian soul.

While visiting Moscow, the brutal history is palpable. But, with so many shops, restaurants, and malls, the city is rightfully considered a perfect destination for a city break .

Moscow’s relatively compact city center is teeming with sights: theaters, museums, boulevards, and beautiful city squares. But because of that, planning a short visit to Moscow can be quite overwhelming.

I fell in love with Moscow a long time ago and I want to use this article to point out my favorite sights and spots in the city.

My 3-day Moscow itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors and those who want to see as much of the city as possible. So let’s get started!

NOTE:   This article is currently not being updated because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

3 Days in Moscow – Itinerary

Day 1: iconic moscow.

There is no doubt that the Red Square is the heart of Moscow and almost any trip to this city starts from here .

The square has an abundance of sights to see and you should probably expect to spend at least 2-3 hours here if you want to explore every nook and cranny.

Tip: Book a Red Square, Kremlin & Metro Tour to skip the line and learn more about Moscow’s incredible history.

The massive Lenin mausoleum, the opulent St Basil Cathedral, the GUM department store, and the State Historical Museum became integral parts of the architectural ensemble.

And depending on where you enter the Red square, those four sights are the first things to see.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Red Square there is a majestic Christ the Saviour Cathedral.

Originally built in 1883 it was then demolished in 1931 during the Soviet period and finally rebuilt between 1994-1997.

This awe-inspiring cathedral is one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world . And it has a convenient location for exploring the rest of the city.

End the first of your three days in Moscow by exploring the area near the Old Arbat Street. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Moscow. It dates back to the 15th century and allows you to enjoy the authentic ambiance of the Old City.

Located just a few blocks away there is the New Arbat Street. While it is much younger and less fancy than its older counterpart the street is filled with some of the most vibrant restaurants and liveliest nightclubs in Moscow .

Both Old and New Arbat streets have a wide range of restaurants with food catering for all budgets.

Day 2: Beyond Red Square. Moscow’s Parks.

On the second day of this Moscow itinerary, I suggest exploring Moscow’s green lung.

In fact, there are way too many parks to visit in just one day, thus I will only mention my favorite ones.

Named after Maxim Gorky this is one of the trendiest and most hipster-friendly areas in Moscow .

Originally opened in 1928 the park underwent a massive transformation that has turned it into a charming recreation ground with an open-air cinema theater, bicycle- and skate-rental spots, and contemporary public art projects.

If you visit the Russian capital in winter, make sure to pay this park a visit because it offers one of the best ice skating rinks in Moscow .

Kolomenskoye Park

Conveniently situated in the southeast of Moscow this huge park is both an open-air museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site .

With an impressive number of original buildings, churches, bell towers, and pavilions, Kolomenskoye dates back to the 14th century and the Ascension church to the mid-16th century.

It may take up to four hours to explore the area near the church so you can easily combine these two parks in one trip.

Day 3: Hidden Gems in Moscow

The patriarch ponds.

This tranquil and charming neighborhood next to Mayakovaskaya Metro station has long been known as the area popular with expatriates. However, only a handful of tourists make their way here .

I absolutely recommend visiting this tiny park especially if you’re a Bulgakov fan.

The residential area near the Patriarch Ponds is where the conversation between Berlioz, Ivan Bezdomny, and Woland has been situated by Mikhail Bulgakov in his popular novel “The Master and Margarita”.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Situated not far from Moscow Zoo and the Embassy of Poland, this neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Church is one of the largest and most beautiful Catholic cathedrals in Russia .

Built in the early 20th century, the building has had a fairly complicated history. It was shut down and suffered terrible damage from aerial bombings during the Second World War but was restored in 1990.

These days you can attend one of the masses offered in a range of languages and enjoy classical music concerts free of charge in this lesser-known architectural gem.

There you have it – the perfect 3-Day Moscow Itinerary!

Tip: Save time and money by getting the 1, 2, or 3-day city pass in Moscow .

I can also highly recommend going on a guided tour if you want to learn more about Moscow or check out one of these activities in Moscow:

How To Get To Moscow’s City Center

With four international airports located not far from the city, there are many convenient ways to reach the city center from any of them.

Chances are you will arrive at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, or Vnukovo airport as only a handful of flights arrive at Zhukovsky airport.

The Aeroexpress train is the fastest (and my favorite) way to reach Moscow city center from the Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, or Vnukovo airport. Trains run every 30 minutes between around 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. and cost around $7 USD (500 RUB) one way.

With frequent heavy traffic in Moscow, the train is definitely the best way to get to the city center at a predictable time.

But, if you travel on a tight budget, there is a way to save money on transportation . All airports are connected with the nearest subway station by bus. These are not that comfy but really cheap. You could travel for less than $3 USD one way.

Keep in mind, however, that if you choose to take the bus you’ll have to use the metro to get from the outskirts of Moscow to the center. Watch for bus 851 if you arrive at Sheremetyevo airport and bus 308 if you arrive at Domodedovo airport.

Getting Around in Moscow

Moscow’s ticketing system for their public transport can be confusing especially if you’ve never visited the city before and don’t speak Russian.

It is always good to remember that most stations and ticketing machines can get ridiculously crowded during peak hours.

I can’t recommend purchasing a Troika card enough when it comes to getting around. You can get a Troika card that is valid for 3 days for less than $7 USD, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to save money and avoid wasting time in line.

This reusable card allows you to use the Moscow metro, as well as Moscow’s Central Ring, busses, trams, and trolley busses. There is no limit to the number of rides during the validity of your card.

How to get the Troika card: you can buy this card at any metro kiosk.

While they do have English announcements in the metro on most lines, signs at Metro stations are often written only in Russian. Getting a printed copy of the metro map might come in handy to overcome the language barrier and find your way around.

Where to Stay in Moscow

When you’re planning a 3-day Moscow itinerary, you’ll find out there are literally thousands of places to stay.

Accommodation in Moscow ranges from luxury hotels to budget hostels that often have both shared facilities and private rooms.

To save on accommodation I recommend using the Ostrovok hotel booking engine. They often offer better deals on hotels in Moscow than websites like Booking.com.

If you’re looking for budget hotels in Moscow, I recommend 999 Gold Hotel and Orange House Hotel near the Victory Park.

Airbnb and Couchsurfing are also popular in Moscow and most of the hosts speak English well.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Moscow!

And if you’re looking for more things to do in Moscow, I have a one week itinerary here!

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A Map of the 3 Day Moscow Itinerary

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3 thoughts on “3 Days in Moscow – Itinerary: What to Do, How to Get Around & Where to Stay”

Going to visit Moscow next week as I don’t know much about it so I was looking for a blog to know the best things to do there. Thanks for this information as now I know what to do there.

Hey, Alyson!

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit at any time of the year! I visited it both in winter and summer and every season has its appointed uses and advantages.

Gorky Park is one of my favorite spots to hang out in Moscow and it can be easily reached by metro because things have evolved. Now they do have most of the signs (including the ones on the floor) written in English, so chances are you won’t get lost in the metro the way you could several years ago!

We did this 20 years ago! This takes me right back. Moscow was the first stop of our first RTW. We did all of the above but it was winter, snow on the ground. I loved Gorky Park, so atmospheric, like a spy movie. We had to remember the shapes of the letters to find the right stations. It looks like nothing much has changed!

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