dallas aquarium school field trips

• Things To Do
• Neighborhoods
• Food & Drink
• en es español
• Meetings & Events
• Travel trade
• Visitors Guide
• Attractions
• Arts & Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Spas & Wellness
• Dallas History
• Weekend Picks
• Annual Events
• Free Events
• Family Events
• Spring Break
• Submit Your Event
• Bishop Arts District
• Trinity Groves
• Lower Greenville Avenue
• Design District
• Harwood District
• Your Guide to Fair Park
• Arts District
• Knox/Henderson
• Cedars/Southside
• East Dallas
• Margarita Mile
• Food Trucks
• Steakhouses
• Coffee Shops
• Getting Here & Getting Around
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Dallas CityPASS®
• Dallas Deals
• Weather & Average Temperatures
• Itineraries
• Dallas Mobile Visitor Center

Dallas World Aquarium

If you're heading to the Dallas World Aquarium, you're in the right place. Keep reading for details about your upcoming visit and how to make the most of your time at one of Dallas' most popular attractions.

Want to see more? Check out our photo essay from our last visit!

Opened to the public in 1992, the Dallas World Aquarium has been in the Downtown Dallas area for nearly 30 years. Along with providing animal and plant lovers an opportunity to see wildlife up close, the aquarium offers field trips and educational sessions for children and adults.

Orinoco Rainforest

With three levels, the aquarium’s expansive rainforest is your first stop once you make your way inside. You’ll start on the third floor – the canopy level – and see birds in free flight, sleepy sloths and Tamarin and Saki monkeys. Once on the first level, you can’t miss Ayurami, an endangered Antillean manatee. Fun fact: Ayurami (and her entire species) have nails on their flippers!

Complete with a cenote, Mundo Maya pays tribute to one of the most important ecosystems in the world. See lizards, snakes and leaf-nosed bats along with stingrays, giant groupers and other marine creatures in the first level of this exhibit. The second level is home to Scarlet macaws, various species of hummingbirds and pelicans.

South Africa Exhibit

Head outdoors to the South Africa exhibit, home to a family of penguins and a seasonal Madagascar exhibit. Look closely to see colorful species of frogs, leaf-tailed geckos and chameleons.

Hours, Tickets, and Location

The Dallas World Aquarium is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) starting at 8:30 a.m. Admission starts at $18.95 for children ages three to 12 and $26.95 for adults. With a central location in Downtown Dallas, finding the aquarium is easy! Parking is available in two lots right next to the aquarium; street parking is also available in the area. Along with three restaurants on-site, the aquarium also has a bookstore and gift shop.

Related Stories

Best Brunches for Families in Dallas

Epic Indoor Things to Do in Dallas with the Kids

All About Medieval Times

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas

Top Five Things To Do At Klyde Warren Park

10 Things to Do in Dallas With Older Kids

Explore Dallas

This website uses cookies to optimize your visitor experience. Learn More

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

School Field trip - Children's Aquarium at Fair Park

• United States    
• Texas (TX)    
• Dallas    
• Dallas - Things to Do    
• Children's Aquarium at Fair Park

We visited Saturday, visited the fresh water and salt water exhibits inside- they have the exhibits... read more

My family loved the views on the amazing underwater life. The tanks are well kept for viewing the... read more

School Field trip

Kinda older place..... Neat and clean Dark & cool place too Interesting exhibits Students were not too impressed

It was small but like the other reviewers said it's nice for smaller children as the exhibits are right at their eye level. Also it's not expensive and that helps when you have a small child with a short attention span. The stingray exhibit was nice and all the children that were there loved it!

we went here a few years back, was hesitant because of the location down town in the texas fair area. would not want to be here after dark. nice place lots of fish to see, but dated , needs a facelift

Thank you for visiting us! Depending on when you visited, you may have stopped by prior to our renovations. We are now completely renovated with an outdoor shark habitat and stingray touch tank. Not only that, but we are now under the management of the Dallas Zoo. Hope to see you again soon!

We stopped here to complete our afternoon after visiting the Dallas World Aquarium. Visiting there before coming here probably jaded us, but this is a small facility in any event. We didn’t have kids along with us, but we are both animal lovers and enjoy zoos and aquariums in general. The tanks here held some interesting and unique marine creatures, including batfish—a new one for us! We found Fair Park easy enough to get to, and the free parking lot was convenient to this and also the nearby Texas Discovery Gardens & Butterfly House (reviewed separately). We thought the admission charge was a tad high for a place that took less than an hour to walk through but were still glad we stopped in.

So happy to hear our aquarium was able to introduce you to a new species - the batfish!

We enjoyed it. Family oriented, specifically for younger kids. They have an area where you can touch starfish, sea urchins, and a few other sea creatures. The aquarium areas are at their eye level and they can easily enjoy. I loved their Stingray Bay. You can touch the stingrays as well as feed them. At 230, they have a feeding demonstration for the sharks/sea Turtle. Overall, it was a great family friendly visit that was budget friendly.

Our 3 yr. old grandson gets extra antsy if he can't burn off extra energy outside. We took a Sunday drive to let him enjoy the Aquarium, while it rained outside. All the exhibits are "eye level" for toddler and there's no problem about banging on tanks, or making noise. There are several fun hands on spots especially for toddlers and although we watched him like a hawk, felt comfortable letting him be out of the stroller.The best attraction is petting the sting rays in the open tank. For an extra few dollars, you can feed them, but looking at them and petting them is free. The wall is high enough that the kids can't dive into the tank, but they enjoy petting them when the rays stick their heads up out of the water to greet you. There is a closed tank of full sized, bigger fish to look at, right next to the ray. There's also a children's petting spot where they can touch star fish and small fish (with volunteers help). The price of the $6 senior, and $6 age 3 and up, tickets was well worth it. Bring the stroller and snacks though, since they get tired and hungry eventually - we stayed an hour and a half.

Dallas/Ft. Worth STEM trips will create lifelong memories for your students. Educational Destinations offers a variety of Dallas/Ft. Worth STEM trip opportunities. If you are ready to inspire the imaginations of your students with educational play at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, enjoy 11 state-of-the-art permanent exhibit halls as you explore at Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or take part in a real-world engineering First Lego League Team. Educational Destinations will make your Dallas/Ft. Worth STEM trip rewarding and memorable.

Educational destinations is the 1st choice for dallas/ft. worth stem trips and dallas/ft. worth education travel..

Find out why Educational Destinations is the 1st choice in educational Dallas/Ft. Worth group tours

View our 2 minute intro video to see what Educational Destinations can do for your group.

Engage your STEM students with interactive exhibits and creative and innovative lessons and workshops. From River Legacy to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Sci-Tech Discovery Center to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Dallas/Ft. Worth is also filled with engaging attractions. Dallas/Ft. Worth has so much to offer your students that are ready to open their minds to STEM!

 Below are some popular options for your educational STEM trip. You can also click on the PDF icon for a download of these features.

Educational STEM Opportunities

• V-DROME Experiences
• Space STEM Live
• Life in the Compost Bin
• Imax Dome Experiences
• Coding & Commanding Robotics Workshops
• Breakfast with the Beasts
• TEKS Correlations Programs
• Discovery Camps
• Project WILD Aquatic Workshops
• Wilds of Africa Workshops
• North American Wildlife Expedition Workshops
• Project Learning Tree Workshops
• Creating Wild Spaces Workshops
• Tech Trucks
• Museum Overnights
• Scouting Adventures
• Junior Master Naturalist Programs
• Snorkel with Stingrays
• Eco Investigations
• Conservation Treks
• Animal Encounters
• Intro to Robot Adventures
• Tiny Tinkerers (Pinball Wizard)
• Makey Makers
• World of Ozobots
• Advanced Robots – Mindstor VEX
• Advanced Robots – VEX
• 3D Computer Animation
• Optics Workshop
• WOW Invisible Forces Show
• WOW Combustion Show
• WOW Super Cooled Show
• WOW Matter Matters Show
• WOW Super-cooled Liquid Nitrogen Show
• LASER Light Optics Stations

STEM Attractions

• River Lagacy
• Perot Museum of Nature & Science
• The Dallas World Aquarium
• The Dallas Zoo
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• Trinity River Audobon Center
• Sci-Tech Discovery Center
• Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
• The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
• Fort Worth Botanic Garden
• Cavanaugh Flight Museum
• Texas Discovery Gardens
• The Museum of the American Railroad
• Frontiers of Flight Museum
• Fort Worth Water Gardens
• Fort Worth Zoo

Other Attractions

• Six Flags Over Texas
• Dallas Symphony
• Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
• NRH2o Water Park
• Gaylord Texan Resort
• Hawaiian Falls
• Bahama Beach
• Shenaniganz
• Bishop Arts District
• Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
• Galleria Mall
• Klyde Warren Park
• Hurricane Harbor
• Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
• AT&T (Cowboys) Stadium Tour
• Pinstack Bowl & Bite
• IT’Z Family Food & Fun
• Sports Events
• African American Museum
• Reunion Tower
• The Nasher Sculpture Center
• Dallas Museum of Art
• Billy Bob's Texas (Honky-Tonk)
• Dallas Arts District
• Fort Worth Stockyards & Fort Worth Herd
• Southfork Ranch (Plano, TX)
• Wichita Falls and Kell House
• Amon Carter Museum of American Art
• Sundance Square
• Kimbell Art Museum
• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
• The Sid Richardson Museum
• National Cowgirl Museum and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
• The Vintage Flying Museum
• The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall
• Log Cabin Village

The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.

Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.

Powerful Director Tools

Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.

Tools for all travelers

Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.

Everything you need for your next trip .

The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.

See our difference

It’s no surprise that Educational Destinations sets and exceeds student travel standards. We aim to provide the best service, communication, experience and safety for all of our groups. When researching for your travel provider, please download this PDF checklist HERE to ensure that your group is taking advantage of all of the essential building blocks of a successful, safe, and FUN trip! If you have questions or are ready to get started on your next trip, please call 800.616.1112 or request your customized quote .

Custom Designed Trips

ED will create a custom designed trip for your group that is shaped by your priorities, goals and wishes, and powered by your passions. ED is committed to listening and working one-on-one with you to build the perfect trip for your students. There are no stock trips here - just your trip.

Group Travel Specialists

Led by award-winning teachers, ED exceeds the needs and expectations of students, teaching staff, parents and administrators. ED anticipates group needs and delivers group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs. Our experience and expertise enable us to bring the best quality trips, events, experiences and opportunities to your group.

All-Inclusive Price

ED’s custom trips are cost-effective and inclusive, without hidden costs – a great value for your travelers. Charter coaches, flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, events, taxes and gratuities are covered for each traveler. A 24/7 Emergency Contact System is included for each traveling group.

Cutting Edge Technology

Through ED's parent company, ED is the only student travel company providing Trip Account , an internet-based program that provides you a complete trip resource center 24 hours a day. Also included in your trip is the Trip Account App: Music Directors, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.

Personal Tour Director

A signature feature of every trip is the ED Tour Director , always right by the teacher’s side, managing all travel aspects of your trip: transportation, events, meals, lodging, tickets and more. Our TD’s training and management skills let the teacher focus on the students and education.

Safety is Priority #1

ED is pro-active on safety, sending the Tour Director World Aware® alerts, sharing best practices in travel safety, emergency procedures and travel hints with chaperones and staff, ensuring traveler accountability, monitoring vendor service/performance and tellng travelers of changes or emergencies with the Trip Account App .

Trusted Leader in Travel

ED is an active member of these respected travel suppliers and organizations: Walt Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Orlando, American Bus Association, National Band Association, National Tour Association, Student Youth Travel Association and more. View all ED’s partners and awards here .

Doing the right thing

ED is deeply committed to high quality educational group travel. We love what we do, and we work hard to do it better than everyone. Creating memorable performance trips that leave positive, life-changing impressions on your students and community is a privilege that we don’t take lightly. Please talk to us about your next trip.

Ready to experience the 2024 Solar Eclipse?

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will arc across the southern half of Indiana from southwest to northeast. learn more

Check out our featured STEM destinations.

Encourage your STEM students as they participate in discovery labs, live shows, exhibits and hands-on educational experiences. learn more

Meet the ED Travel Designers

Our team is focused on creating custom trips that provide relevant, memorable and rewarding student travel experiences. learn more

Discover our featured history destinations.

Your students are ready to learn about the American Revolution and how Boston led the nation in fighting... learn more

Explore our our featured art destinations.

How about discovering a feast for the eyes with around 35,000 pieces of artwork at the Louvre... learn more

Check out our featured language immersion destinations.

Your Language Immersion students are ready to embrace the culture of France and participate in... learn more

Discover our featured adventure destinations.

Imagine your students as they kayak along the stunningly scenic coastal route along the Costa Verde in Brazil... learn more

Explore our featured theatre destinations.

Are your theatre students ready to participate in an actual Broadway Musical Theatre Workshop... learn more

Travel with Special Considerations or Dietary Restrictions

When a group is focused on its education, it is easy to overlook issues with accessibility. learn more

Top European Destinations

With the world full of fascinating educational destinations, just choosing the perfect spot for your students can present quite a challenge. Here are some of our cleints' must popular top European destinations. learn more

Getting parents involved in your educational trip.

Having parents involved in the program it a vital piece of the puzzle to be successful. learn more

Getting Groups Through Airport Security

Here’s how to get your students through security, smoothly and efficiently. learn more

Motor Coach Travel Advice for Students

Make the most of your ride with these insider tips. learn more

Choosing the right educational student group travel company.

When a student gets to experience to new locations, new cultures and new people with education being the focus, the revelations and the eye-opening impact that develop are priceless. learn more

Disney on Broadway with Educational Destinations.

Breathtaking! Amazing! Phenomenal! These are words you have probably heard time and time again from friends, family, and others when seeing a musical on Broadway. learn more

The Value of Education with a student Disney trip.

Have you ever wondered why opportunities involving educational trips to Disney are so abundant? The significance of education brought feeling and heart into... learn more

Health Tip: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis, or deep venous thrombosis, (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a deep vein, predominantly in the legs... learn more

Fund Raising for your educational student trip.

Time for some heavy lifting. Before your trip becomes a reality, some homework has to be done. Don’t worry, Educational Destinations is here to help... learn more

See why teachers are excited about Educational Destinations...

Hear from our valued clients throughout the world.

Since 1987, Educational Destinations, led by passionate, award-winning teachers, has become the first choice for educational student group travel. By listening to teachers, providing cutting edge technology and unmatched service, and having dedicated ED Tour Directors conduct trips, Educational Destinations has built an unmatched reputation. Focused on designing custom trips that provide educational, memorable, and rewarding student travel experiences, Educational Destinations successfully partners with customers to do just that, in destinations within the United States and worldwide. Decades of combined travel expertise, earned in dozens of countries, enables Educational Destinations to anticipate performance needs and deliver group wishes, without surprises or hidden costs.

I wanted to write and tell you what a terrific job you did with our trip. I’ve been traveling since 1980 and this was the easiest trip ever for me. I simply had to do nothing but teach! It’s hard to believe it’s taken me this long to get it right, slow learner! The students and parents have had nothing to say but wonderful things…

Nan Moore Male High School

You have been so wonderful with our parents and students throughout the entire course of this tour. I am so glad we signed on with Music Travel Consultants/Educational Destinations as you gave our group the red carpet treatment every step of the way.

Janis Stackhouse Bloomington High School North

Music Travel Consultants/Educational Destinations is top-notch. The professionalism of the staff and their attention to detail is a director’s dream come true. My students and I have traveled with them four times over the past several years and I can say that “I won’t leave home without them!

Jena Adrianson Lawrence Central High School

I can’t say enough good things about Educational Destinations. They had everything covered and it was a relaxing and fun trip. My students and parents commented that it was the best trip we have ever taken. I’m ready to plan another trip with this company.

Brenda Bergman Jay County School Corporation

I recently had the pleasure of going on a Disney Trip with our band from Eastern High School in Greentown, IN. I was skeptical about going but am so glad I did. My Grandson and I came in rather late and had no problems whatsoever in getting onto your site, paying for our trip, and having confirmation that we were good to go.

Dianna Workinger Greentown, IN

Being able to trust implicitly the people who are planning what we will see, the timing of the itinerary, and the traveling arrangements is comforting not only to our staff but also to our parents. For our parents to know that this is a company that we use year after year with great results gives them the peace of mind that their children will experience the safest trip possible.

Mrs. Kathy Schubel Principal, St. Bartholomew Catholic School

I wanted to thank you so much for such a great trip! Our kids had a wonderful time and I could not imagine how we would have seen all that we were able to see without having you organize this trip for us.

Angie Remington Madison-Grant Elementary Students

I have worked with Educational Destinations on a yearly basis since 2001 and ED is the best educational travel group our school has ever worked with. It is refreshing to know that during the course of a trip that if any questions or problems arise, we have the consultant, whom we have worked with all year, right there with us to answer all questions and take care of the tickets and timing. It makes the trip very relaxing and enjoyable and a trip our kids never forget.

Darrin Russell 8th Grade U.S. History, Mitchell High School

I have been coordinating educational field trips for my school for the past 10 years and could not be happier with Educational Destinations. From the very first brainstorming session to the moment we return home from our trip, Educational Destinations works tirelessly to make sure our trips are memorable and successful. They are always quick to answer my questions, which I truly appreciate. Michael, Robin, and Ryan have been fantastic to work with over the years and I highly recommend them!

Kris Samick Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation

Educational Destinations has taken the stress out of planning and traveling with a large group. As a teacher, I am now able to actually enjoy the time I have with my students instead of worrying about all of the necessary details. From the very first contact made to the last moment of the trip and beyond, each and every person we have interacted with from Educational Destinations has been professional, concerned about fulfilling our needs, and exceptionally conscientious.

Linda Crady History Teacher, Sycamore School

With our busy spring season upon us, follow these expert tips to find parking, beat the crowds, and make the most of your Zoo visit.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Account Login

Field Trip Planner

Plan your field trip.

Field trips are a great way to spark a child’s interest in animals, nature, the environment, science, and more!

➜ get started

Follow these instructions to book your field trip:.

Determine if you're eligible:

• Public or private schools
• State licensed day cares
• Home school groups
• Church groups
• City of Dallas recreation centers
• YMCA / YWCA
• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Organized college classes (where a teacher is bringing the students for a class project)

If eligible, determine your group's size and cost:

• Students: $6
• Teachers must be included on the order count. We do not have free chaperone tickets.
• Parent chaperones must purchase their tickets when they arrive at the Zoo. They will NOT be added to field trip reservations.
• Free for school buses
• $12 per additional vehicles

Review the payment options accepted:

• Groups must preregister at least two weeks in advance of their scheduled date to qualify for the discounted rate.
• A credit card is required to complete your reservation online.
• You are able to defer your payment by using the “Alternate Payment Plans” button.
• Email  [email protected]  to book without a credit card.

Before you book, review our FAQs to plan your day:

• Browse below find out what to expect and get your questions answered.
• Complete your registration online.
• Once your reservation is complete you will receive a confirmation email. 
• See you soon at the Dallas Zoo!

Book Your Field Trip

The Education Office is open Monday-Friday during regular Zoo hours. Contact us at  [email protected] or 469.554.7300 .

➜ Map out your visit

Prepare for your visit with these add ons and downloads:.

Extra experiences

Enhance your student’s wild learning adventure during your field trip with our special TEKS-aligned add-on programming .

View Add-Ons

Make your visit successful

• Download a map of the Zoo so you don’t miss a thing. We recommend saving a screenshot to your device!
• Download our Chaperone Guide before your visit. 

➜ Frequently Asked Questions

I have booked my field trip. how do i get an invoice.

After you receive your confirmation email for your purchase, please email [email protected] and we will send you an invoice for your District.

What is the address of the Dallas Zoo?

The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203 .

What are the Zoo’s hours of operation?

The Dallas Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during spring and summer (October-February) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during fall and winter (March-September). The Zoo is closed on Christmas Day.  

Do you offer scholarships for field trips or for Title 1 schools?

We do not have any scholarships available at this time.

Are there educational activities for students to do?

Yes. There are a variety of walk-up activities for students throughout the park. Some, including feeding opportunities and rides, require an additional fee. Others, like Keeper Chats and demonstrations, are free. There will be a schedule board when you enter the Zoo the day of your trip. We do not take reservations for any of these activities.

Wild Walks are TEKS aligned guided tours that are available for an additional fee. See more information here.

How many adults must I bring?

You must bring a minimum of one adult per ten students. We recommend additional chaperones especially for younger students. Additional chaperones will allow any field trip to move through the Zoo in smaller groups. This will enhance your experience and allow your students to view animals more easily.

Chaperones are required to stay with students at all times.

What do we need to reserve a field trip online?

In order to reserve your field trip online, you will need an account with the Dallas Zoo. You can sign up for an account during the reservation process.

You will need a credit card to reserve online. You can use any credit card to reserve your field trip. You will have the option to use an “Alternative Payment Plan” to defer your payment until after the end of the school year, but you will still need a credit card to finish your reservation. Your credit card will not be charged if you select the “Alternative Payment Plan” option.

How do I book a field trip online without paying immediately?

How do i book if i don’t have a credit card.

If you are not able/willing to use a credit card to book online, please call the Education Department at 469.554.7300 or email us at [email protected] to reserve your field trip without a credit card. Provide this information to reserve your trip without a credit card:

• Name of School
• Date you would like to attend
• Grade level of students
• Number of students
• Number of staff/teachers (school staff MUST have a ticket)
• Email address if you would like the invoice sent to another person

When do I need to pay? What types of payment do you accept?

Payment is due upon arrival. We do not require deposits or prepayments.

Credit cards, cash, or institutional checks (payable to “Dallas Zoo”) are accepted at the ticket booth.

You are also able to have your district mail a check or you can call the Education Department at 469.554.7300 with a credit card beforehand. We recommend that you call the day before if you are using a credit card as we can adjust your attendance numbers one final time. We do not accept Purchase Orders.

What if I have Learning Partners funding?

If you are receiving Learning Partners funding, your voucher, approval code, and amount approved must be included when you make your reservation.

Towards the end of making your reservation, the website will prompt you to provide all Learning Partners information.

Your Learning Partners voucher is NOT a field trip reservation. Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

If Learning Partners is not covering the entirety of your reservation cost, be prepared to pay your remaining balance on the day of your visit.

I have a special needs student that may require accommodations. What do I need to do?

Regular field trip prices apply to student entry, however any aides required for special needs students are free. You will need to contact the Education Department to reserve these field trips in order to access the free tickets for aides.

If you are in need of a private space, please locate Guest Services marked on your map , where we have a private room available. If you need to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter, they are available for rental from our gift shop.

Are you able to provide us with a quote before we reserve our field trip?

We are not able to provide quotes for field trips. Since we do not require a deposit or any payment before your field trip, we recommend that you book your field trip and from there we can provide you with an invoice that you can use to give your administration for approval of your field trip, reserve your transportation for your field trip, etc.

How do I know what dates are available?

Field trips are available all year except for during specific Zoo-wide events. When you book online, the website will indicate which days are sold out on the calendar page .

How do I make a change to my field trip reservation?

Contact the Education Department at [email protected] . You are able to adjust your number of guests up until your arrival, but any changes to program numbers must be made at least 1 (one) week in advance.

We strongly encourage that you wait until at least a month before your field trip to finalize your numbers. Additions and subtractions to the number of students can be made at any time.

You may change your field trip once at no charge. Additional field trip reschedule requests are subject to a $25 fee.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds will not be issued for any amount under $25, for program cancellations made within one (1) week of the scheduled date, or for no-show groups. In the event you bring a check on the day of your visit, then your check will be processed and you will be issued a refund check if the difference is over $25. This refund will be mailed to your school. The refund is processed by the Education Department. Refunds are processed quarterly and can take 4 to 6 weeks to process once the check request has been submitted.

What does the teacher need to bring on the day of the visit?

The lead teacher will need the confirmation letter provided in their email, payment (if not pre-paid), and an exact count of students, and teachers/staff. Failing to present a confirmation letter may result in a delay entering the facility.

What do I need to tell parent chaperones?

Chaperones coming in their own vehicles will park in the main parking lot and are required to pay the $12 parking fee for their vehicle. Ask them to meet you inside the Zoo in order to facilitate a quick entry into the Zoo for everyone.

We ask that all parent chaperones purchase their own tickets when they arrive. They will receive the discounted field trip price, but they must tell the ticket booth staff which school field trip they are with.

We recommend that you designate a lead chaperone that other parents and chaperones can contact to meet up with your group if they are late.

Can we bring our lunch? Where can we eat?

Yes, groups can bring their lunches to the Zoo and eat in any of our outdoor picnic areas. We do not have lunch storage on grounds. Plan to carry your lunches with you. We advise groups to hand out lunches at the bus or bring wheeled coolers/carts to transport them. If you leave the Zoo to get lunches on the bus, you will need to show your receipt/admission ticket to re-enter the Zoo.

Can we buy lunch at the Zoo?

Yes, groups visiting the Dallas Zoo can pre-purchase meals through our catering department. Please call 469.554.7477 for more information. Food and drinks can also be purchased at the Prime Meridian Café in ZooNorth or the Serengeti Grill in the Gregg Hudson Giants of the Savanna.

The Dallas Zoo reserves the right to change these policies without notice.

Other Attractions At Arizona Boardwalk

Field Trips & School Groups

General Information and Reservations

Plan Your Trip

Aquarium Map

Title 1 Schools

OdySea Aquarium welcomes Preschool through 12th grade public, private, charter, and homeschool students. School tours are self-guided tours that take 2 hours or more. No outside food or drink is permitted inside the aquarium, and there is not a place to store your lunches. Field trips can be scheduled any day with arrival times between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

OdySea Aquarium continues to monitor and follow guidelines from the CDC and government authorities.  Click here  for the most updated details on what we are doing to keep guests safe and what to expect when you visit.

Please call 480-291-8192  if you have any questions.

Can’t go on an in-person Field Trip? Virtual Field Trips Are Also Available! Your virtual field trip includes access to exclusive video content, curriculum-based activities customized by grade level, and we’ll broadcast to your class LIVE from our animal habitats. Get behind the scenes, meet the animals, and ask questions in a 45-minute LIVE interactive experience! Click here for more information and to book your virtual field trip.

Group Sizes

Minimum group size is 10. Maximum group size is 125 per 15 minute entry time. Groups may have larger numbers but must stagger their entry times by at least 15 minutes.

Discounted price for school tours is $15.25 plus tax ($16.48) per student; chaperones are no charge within the appropriate ratio. 

Student ratio is one adult chaperone for every five students (1:5) for preschool thru 2nd grade. For 3rd thru 12th grade, student ratio is one adult chaperone for every ten students (1:10). Chaperones within this ratio are included at no cost. Part of these included chaperones needs to be teachers and aides, the remainder can be parents. Any additional adults are welcome to join at the discounted rate of $25 plus tax ($27.01) each , but must prepay the school to receive the discounted price. Any additional chaperones who do not prepay with the school will be required to pay the regular admission price. Bus Drivers are admitted at no cost.

Admission is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation. Payment methods are school purchase order, credit card, school check, or cash. Purchase order is due two weeks prior to the date of the field trip.

Cancellations, rescheduling, or changes to final head count must be made no later than 14 days prior to your scheduled arrival.  No refunds or credits will be issued within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date.

Lead teacher who is checking in must bring the completed check-in sheet and make final payment at the ticket window for all students and chaperones.

Click here for a complete list of field trip prices for each attraction at Arizona Boardwalk, including optional upgrades.

Make A Reservation

School information, your contact information, school payment administrator, trip information.

Due to the number of requests, please allow 1-2 business days for a representative to get back to you to confirm the date.

Please note that an OdySea Aquarium representative will contact you to coordinate your reservation.

To reserve your field trip, please fill out the Field Trip Reservation Request Form above. Once we receive this form, you will be sent confirmation and payment details. Tours are expected to take 2 hours or more.

If you are a Summer Camp or Scout program, please complete the Group Tour Reservation Form .

Group Sales: 480-291-8192

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to SEA-ing you soon! 

With kindest regards,

The OdySea Aquarium Family

• Assign each student to a designated chaperone: Create a list of chaperones and the students they will be responsible for during the field trip. Add the cell phone number of each chaperone to the list.
• Go over Student Expectations & Chaperone Expectations: Please make sure that the students and chaperones understand the expectations of them during the field trip.
• Contact OdySea Aquarium if you are running late: Call 480-291-8000 (press 0) ask for the Concierge Desk.
• Call 480-291-8000 (press 0) when you are about 15-20 minutes away: This will make it so our guest relations representatives know to be looking for your bus to arrive, so they can meet you.
• Student Drop Off: For student drop-off, buses should take the 101 and get off the Via de Ventura exit and head East. The bus should turn left into the parking lot from Via de Ventura by Butterfly Wonderland. Take an immediate left and go past the valet parking area and loading dock area and around the back of the aquarium. Buses should stop between OdySea Aquarium and Beach Club to unload.
• Bus Parking: After dropping off the students, buses should continue around the Arizona Boardwalk complex and park in the far northeastern parking lot.
• Student Pick Up: Buses should pick up students at the same location where they dropped them off, making sure the door is by the sidewalk so students may safely board the bus.
• All students and chaperones should be at the bus pick-up area between OdySea Aquarium and Beach Club 15 minutes before you need to leave so you have enough time to ensure everyone is accounted for and loaded onto the bus.
• Students should form a single file line behind their chaperones.
• Students should sit on the benches if they need to wait for the bus to arrive.

Arizona Boardwalk Map

Drop Off and Parking

• A Guest Relations Specialist will meet you at your bus and escort the main chaperone to the concierge desk to give final numbers, make payment, and get wristbands.
• Please inform the Guest Relations Specialist what your lunch plans are and what time you need the students to load the bus.
• Additional chaperones will go to the ticketing counter to purchase their tickets and will then rejoin the group.
• Once the designated teacher or representative checks in, students will get off the bus and form a line where wristbands will be distributed. Students should be in line behind their designated chaperones. If your group is large, please have them form two lines.
• All members of the group (students, chaperones, and bus drivers) will be required to wear wristbands during the visit to the aquarium.
• Field trips are self-guided, but there will be Education Specialists, Animal Care Specialists, and Guest Relation Specialists throughout the aquarium to help the students learn about the animals and exhibits.
• The aquarium has two levels for guests to explore. Student groups will enter through a side hallway and go up the escalator to begin the tour on the upper floor.
• Elevators are available for students with wheelchairs or disabilities and for young students who cannot use the escalator safely.
• Each floor should take approximately an hour to an hour and a half to see the exhibits. The total time inside the aquarium should be about 2 to 3 hours, but you are welcome to stay longer if your group’s schedule permits.
• Because of the layout of the aquarium, students should finish everything they want to see on the upper floor before they move to the lower floor. The escalators only run in one direction.
• We will give your group designated times to meet at the end of the upper floor & the end of the aquarium visit to help keep everyone on-track timewise.
• Students are required to stay with their assigned chaperone at all times, but each student/chaperone group may travel as their own unit and meet the rest of the group at designated times.
• Encourage the students to spend a minimum of 2-5 minutes at each exhibit so they can observe and learn. Have them notice at least 3 things about each exhibit and the animals that live in it (shape, size, coloration, swim patterns, adaptations, mouth shape, diet, region they originate from, endangered species status, etc.)
• If students rush past exhibits it will make it so they do not learn even a fraction of what the aquarium has to offer and will put them at the end of the tour too early.
• It is recommended that you print copies of the map for each chaperone before you arrive.
• No outside food is allowed to be eaten inside of the aquarium. (If you have a student who is diabetic or has other medical issues, please let us know what accommodations need to be made.)
• We do not have space for lunchbox or backpack storage inside the aquarium. Student lunches should remain on the bus or in cars until the end of the field trip. Alternately students and chaperones may carry the lunches in a backpack.
• We encourage students to eat before or after the field trip.
• The outside courtyard area can be used for eating snacks/lunches. Please make sure students are respectful and properly dispose of their trash.
• Small groups may order from the Café inside the aquarium, but please note that the lines may be long and students must stay with their chaperone group at all times.
• There are several restaurants at OdySea in the Desert, including Opa Life Greek Café, El Encanto, Humble Pie, The View/Modern Grove, Frozen Penguin Ice Cream, Nekter Juice Bar, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Frozen Penguin Ice Cream has a special for school groups, if you are interested we can send you more details.

Agua Linda Park – (northwest corner of Pima & McDonald) 8732 E. McDonald, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

McCormick Railroad Park – (southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd & Indian Bend Rd) 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (1.7 miles west of the 101 Loop, exit Indian Bend)

• School groups will exit out the gift shop.
• Please have a class discuss before your field trip about proper behavior inside a gift shop.
• All students must be properly supervised while visiting the gift shop.
• The outside courtyard area is part of Arizona Boardwalk and can be used for eating snacks/lunches.
• There is a snack bar that sells food items. It is not guaranteed that the snack bar will be open during the time of your visit.
• The outside courtyard is a public area and cannot be reserved, but is available on a first come, first seated basis.
• Please make sure students are respectful and properly dispose of their trash.
• Teachers and chaperones are responsible for their group’s behavior while using the courtyard area.
• Teachers & chaperones must ensure that students are not throwing things, or running or jumping across the planters, fountains, or stage.
• There are two areas where the students are allowed to touch the animals – The Tidal Touch Pool and SeaTREK. Students need to be gentle and use “two-finger touch”. They may not pick up any of the animals. They should wash their hands before and after.
• Students need to use quiet inside voices. The acoustics inside the aquarium tend to make the sounds echo & reverberate, so please have students use quiet voices.
• Students need to use walking feet.
• Benches and ledges are not for climbing or standing on.
• Railings are not for playing on, swinging from, or doing flips. The flooring underneath is concrete and creates a liability issue. It also creates a safety issue for other guests.
• Once all attendees have their wristbands, they will be led in small groups to a hallway where they will be given a brief overview of the rules and layout of the aquarium. (At times, the introduction will be given outside or on the bus, depending on weather and group size.) It would be helpful if you go over these rules with the students before they arrive as well.
• Students are required to stay with their assigned chaperone at all times.
• Chaperones must be attentive to and responsible for their assigned students.
• Guests may take as many photos and video as they like, but must so do without the flash or video light, as these can stress out the animals.
• OdySea Aquarium photographers might be taking pictures during your field trip, please let us know if there are students who are not allowed to be photographed.
• Please be aware that photos might be used for marketing purposes.

Download Map PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unfortunately, we cannot allow groups to visit the bathroom in the lobby because of fire marshal maximum occupancy regulations for the lobby. There are only a few stalls in the lobby restrooms and we cannot have the extra students and chaperones in the lobby. The layout of the aquarium does not allow for the groups to visit the lobby after they begin. The sharks are viewable from three other areas at the aquarium – in the OdySea Voyager and two viewing areas outside of OdySea Voyager. Bathrooms are available in the Café area and outside the theater. There are also restrooms outside in the courtyard area by the escalators.

Although you may leave and re-enter the same day, we recommend that you spend the time to view both floors of the aquarium and then go outside to enjoy the OdySea in the Desert courtyard and shops. It should take you about 2 ½ hours to tour the aquarium.

Check In Sheet   Main Chaperone Checklist   Field Trip Expectations

Aquarium Map   Field Trip Map   Bus Driver Instructions   Bus Driver Information   Chaperone Agreement   Student Agreement   Field Trip Schedule   Sample Field Trip Schedules   Chaperone List 1 to 5   Chaperone List 1 to 10   Photo Release   Field Trip Info   Sack Lunch Order   Credit Card Auth

Title 1 Scholarship

Applications currently not being accepted, please check back later for Fall 2024 scholarship applications.

The OdySea Aquarium Foundation is pleased to provide opportunities for Arizona Title 1 school classrooms to experience a unique and immersive day of education at OdySea Aquarium.

Application Process The OdySea Aquarium Foundation receives multiple requests for Title 1 Scholarships every year.  There are limited scholarships and application does not guarantee an award. If your class is selected, you will be sent an award letter by email. We use the following criteria and eligibility guidelines in making our award decisions.

Scholarship Criteria & Eligibility

• Title 1 School designation from Arizona Department of Education
• At least 50% of the students eligible for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• Scholarship awards are limited to one per school, per semester

Application time frame: December 5, 2023 – January 31, 2024

Scholarships awarded: February 5, 2024

Visitation time frame: February 20, 2024 – May 20, 2024

The Odysea Aquarium Foundation considers scholarship applications from qualified Title 1 schools as designated by the Arizona Department of Education. To determine if your school class qualifies, please review the 'Scholarship Criteria & Eligibility' section above.

The OdySea Aquarium Foundation only accepts scholarship applications through our online process. To apply for a scholarship, please fill out the Title One Scholarship Application above.

In Arizona, there are more than 1,300 Title I schools working to meet the academic needs of children in low-income communities. The OdySea Aquarium Foundation would like to provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities for every Title 1 school classroom, however, if your school classroom has participated in a Title 1 Scholarship field trip within the last scholarship cycle, your application may not be chosen to receive another scholarship so that other Title 1 school classrooms have an equal opportunity to participate in educational field trips. For example, if your classroom participated in a spring field trip, your classroom will not be eligible to participate in a fall field trip.

Title 1 scholarship applications are accepted on a rotating cycle. Please refer to the 'When to Apply' section above for specific submission dates.

If your class is selected to receive a Title 1 scholarship, you will be notified via email. Please refer to the 'When to Apply' section above for specific notification dates.

Mondays and Tuesdays are our preferred days for schools requesting a scholarship.

Title 1 schools may book a class of any size, but the scholarship will only cover a maximum of 100 students. Additional students may be added at the discounted field trip rate of $15.25, plus tax ($16.48).

If awarded a scholarship, it will cover the full cost of the student self-guided field trip admission (up to the maximum number of students awarded on the scholarship). Adult chaperones are free within a 1:5 ratio for preschool through 2nd grade and 1:10 ratio for 3rd grade through 12th grade.

Additional adults outside these ratios are $25.00, plus tax ($27.01) and are not covered by the OdySea Aquarium Foundation Scholarship. Additional students above the maximum number awarded by the scholarship will be required to pay the discounted student admission price of $15.25, plus tax ($16.48) each.

Changes to a Title 1 scholarship field trip reservation must be obtained no later than two weeks in advance by calling (480) 291-8192  or emailing [email protected] . Due to timelines and available funds, approval for any increase in the number of students must be obtained in advance. Groups arriving with an unauthorized group size will need to submit payment for the additional students and/or adults upon arrival. Cash, business check, credit card or PO will be accepted.

No. Only those schools designated as Title 1 by the Arizona Department of Education may apply for scholarships.

OdySea Aquarium continues to monitor and follow guidelines from the CDC and government authorities. Click here for the most updated details on what we are doing to keep guests safe and what to expect when you visit.

Buy Tickets

Be the first to hear about upcoming events, special offers, behind the scenes sneak peeks and more from OdySea Aquarium and our OdySea in the Desert partners.

• Outreach Performances & Programs
• Fundraising
• Field trip lesson plans
• Field Trips Grants
• Service Learning
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Statewide / Region
• Daytona Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Orlando-Metro
• Palm Beach Metro
• Space Coast
• Tallahassee
• St. Augustine
• St Petersburg-Clearwater
• Atlanta-Metro
• Chicago-Metro
• Springfield
• Central Region
• East Region
• Indianapolis
• North Region
• South Central Region
• South Region
• West Region
• Bowling Green
• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans
• Baltimore-Metro
• The Berkshires
• Boston-Metro
• Cape Cod/Plymouth
• Greater Lowell
• Greater Springfield
• Capital-River Region
• Delta Region
• Gulf Coast Region
• Hills Region
• Pines Region
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Springfield-MO
• Delaware River Region
• Gateway Region NJ
• Greater Atlantic City
• Shore Region
• Skylands Region
• Southern Shore Region
• Capital District Region
• Central New York Region
• Finger Lakes Region
• Hudson Valley Region
• Long Island
• Mohawk Valley Region
• New York City
• North Country Region
• Southern Tier Region
• Western New York Region
• Canton Ohio
• Cincinnati Ohio
• Cleveland Ohio
• Columbus Ohio
• Oklahoma City
• Allegheny Mts. & Valleys
• Gettysburg/York
• Harrisburg-Metro
• Lakes & Erie Regions
• Lancaster-Metro
• Lehigh Valley
• Philadelphia Metro
• Pittsburgh & Laurel Highlands
• The Poconos
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
• Chattanooga
• East Tennessee
• Middle Tennessee
• The Smokies
• West Tennessee
• Bryan - College Station
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Panhandle Plains Region
• San Antonio
• Central Virginia
• Chesapeake Bay Region
• Coastal Virginia -Eastern Shore
• Coastal Virginia-Hampton Roads
• Northern Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley
• Southern Virginia
• Southwest Virginia-Blue Ridge Highlands
• Southwest Virginia-Heart of the Appalachia
• Virginia Mountains
• Martinsburg
• Madison Wisconsin

Dallas/Fort Worth Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource for field trips for students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about Texas’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more in Metro Dallas/Fort Worth. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below to learn about these types of field trips.

• Financial Support
• Government, Civics & Presidents
• History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
• Multicultural & Heritage
• Transportation: Boats, Planes, Trains, & Trollies
• Team Building
• Adventure Parks, Climbing, Ninja & Ropes Course, Ziplines
• Bowling & Bocce
• Educational Attraction
• Indoor Amusement & Recreation Centers
• Laser Tag/Laser Maze
• Sports/Games/Fitness & Water Wars
• Group-Friendly Restaurants
• Aquariums, Marine Life, Hatcheries
• Birds, Butterflies, Bees
• Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
• Planetariums & Astronomy
• Science Museums & Exhibits
• Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Photography & Films
• Arts & Crafts
• Theater, Dance, Music, Movies, Shows
• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

iT’Z Family Food and Fun

iT’Z Family Food and Fun is the family value indoor fun destination, with locations in Euless and Houston. Arcade, bowling, rock climbing, laser tag, bumper cars and more! Attractions vary by location.

PINSTACK is a one-of-a-kind indoor entertainment and dining destination, hosting school groups, social groups, corporate events of all sizes since 2015.

PINSTRIPES FORT WORTH

Dine, Play, Celebrate! The best field trips happen at Pinstripes, an esteemed dining and entertainment destination that offers a kids-friendly Italian-American menu and a modern spin on bocce and bowling.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! GRAND PRAIRIE

At Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie, hundreds of unusual artifacts and hands-on interactives. Come face-to-face with your favorite characters and celebrities and much more.

STRIKE+REEL

Appropriately named after its roots in bowling and cinema, Strike + Reel is the first-of-its-kind entertainment venue. The 90,000-square-ft venue-includes bowling, rock climbing, bumper cars, a high ropes course, laser tag, & 8 dine-in movie auditoriums with large-format screens.

Strikz Entertainment

Strikz Entertainment is a family owned and operated entertainment center. We offer over 43,000 square feet of fun, making us North Texas’ premier entertainment venue! We invite you to come visit us and let our team give you an unforgettable experience!

The Modern houses more than 3,000 pieces of post-war artwork, including mixed media artwork, photography, and paintings. Highlights from modern and postmodern artists of the 1950s through the 1980s.

African American Museum

The African American Museum in Dallas was created with the purpose of preserving the visual art and history of the African American community, particularly in Dallas and the Southwest.

Casa Mañana

Casa Mañana strives to create live professional theatre unparalleled in artistic excellence for the enrichment and education of the diverse community. Casa Mañana offers student matinee for field trips.

Children's Aquarium at Fair Park

Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park features interactive exhibits with freshwater and shore mammals such as alligators, eels, starfish, crabs, sharks, and more.

Crow Collection of Asian Art

The Crow Collection is dedicated to the arts of Asia, with exhibiting the arts of Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, and contemporary artists.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens most beautiful classroom is a 66-acre botanical garden with 2,400 varieties of plants such as myrtles, azaleas, Italian jardinières, tulips, roses, and more.

FieldTripDirectory.com (formerly ClassTrips.com and CampDirectorsResources.com) offers field trip ideas for class trips, scout group trips, camp group field trips, and homeschool group field trips in Dallas/Fort Worth—early childhood through college. Search for class trips in Dallas/Fort Worth by by group type, cost, activity/curriculum type, grade level, distance, and venue name or keyword. Day class trips are divided by curriculum and subject area:

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Find Dallas/Fort Worth art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD Find Dallas/Fort Worth class trips to children’s museums, petting zoos, and kids’ shows.
• HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES View Dallas/Fort Worth history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
• LIFE SKILLS Find Dallas/Fort Worth team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
• SCIENCE & NATURE Find Dallas/Fort Worth aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find Dallas/Fort Worth field trip ideas for adventure parks, ropes courses, ziplines, boat excursions, amusement parks, waterparks, kayaking, rafting, tubing, laser tag paintball, roller skating rinks, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf attractions, indoor amusement & recreation centers, and outdoor amusement & recreation centers.

Overnight field trips include trips to NYC, trips to Boston, trips to Washington, DC, trips to Chicago, trips to Atlanta, and other historic cities throughout the US. Retreats are available for environmental education, team building, and recreation. We created field trip lesson plans to help teachers, scout leaders, camp counselors, and homeschool parents provide an enriching experience for their groups. We know funds for class trips are limited, so we’ve included grants for field trips that cover admission, transportation, and more. It’s important that students and youth explore new environments, learn about other cultures, and develop an understanding of inclusivity as part of the educational process. People learn in different ways—through hearing, seeing, touching, talking, or doing. Class trips can provide a multi-dimensional learning experience. FieldTripDirectory.com can help you find the right trip for your group. A world of experiences is just a click away at FieldTripDirectory.com.

Field Trips

National Aquarium school field trips are your students' passport to a world of aquatic wonder! Spending a day with us provides an up-close look at the animals, habitats and careers that make science exciting, while bringing conservation education and STEAM concepts from your curriculum to life.

Planning Your Visit

Tour the National Aquarium with your students and chaperones on weekdays from early September through the end of the Baltimore City school year in mid to late June.

Reservations with $75 deposit are required for all school groups.

If you require assistance while booking your next field trip, our central reservations specialists are available to help you at 410-576-3833 , Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm, or at [email protected] .

Helpful Scheduling Tips:

• Work from your school's calendar to select visitation dates that allow enough time to meet deposit and final payment deadlines.
• Select several possible dates and be flexible with your entry time. Tickets sell out quickly for admission from 10 to 11:30 am, so consider visiting after lunch when crowds may be lighter.
• Avoid the crowds and schedule your class visit during our off-peak times: September, December (prior to Christmas), afternoons in October through March, and Mondays October through May.

Deposits & Cancellations:

• A deposit of $75 for field trips and all applicable fees for selected education programs are due 21 days prior to the date of your visit. Deposit requirements for Maryland groups with free admission may vary. Purchase orders and vouchers are not accepted in lieu of payment.
• You must cancel your reservation 21 or more days prior to your scheduled visit to receive a full refund of payments and deposits. If you cancel your reservation fewer than 21 days in advance or fail to arrive at your scheduled entry time, you forfeit your deposit and all program fees.
• In the event of a cancellation, Maryland school groups receiving free admission will be assessed a $75 cancellation fee.

Rates and Dates

Maryland students in grades pre-K through 12 can visit the National Aquarium at no cost from September 1 through February 28 with completed teacher orientation , thanks to support from the Maryland State Department of Education.

Out-of-state field trip groups and Maryland groups visiting in March or later are subject to the following rates.

Field Trip Group Rates

Field trip group rates are available for classes of 15 or more students ages 5 and over. Group size limits may vary according to availability; larger groups may be split and assigned multiple reservations and entry times.

Chaperones play an important role in in making sure that your day at the Aquarium is safe and successful. While you may bring as many chaperones as you'd like, you must bring the required number of chaperones and you must pay for each chaperone beyond the ratio outlined for your group. Please plan for an appropriate number of class chaperones for your trip using the following guidelines, and keep in mind that teachers count as chaperones .

Lunch at the Aquarium

For the safety of our animals and guests, no outside food or drink are permitted in the National Aquarium, but we are happy to offer an array of in-building dining options, including box lunches or food and beverage vouchers for groups of 10 or more guests, plus quick-serve dining in Pier 3 Cafe on Pier 3 near the Main Entrance and Pier 4 Canteen on Pier 4 near Jellies: Invasion .

Education Programs

Get the most from your class's field trip experience through scientific investigation, hands-on discovery, structured lab activities, presentations and live animal encounters by selecting from the Aquarium's diverse array of engaging education programs presented by Aquarium experts. Curriculum-relevant, age-appropriate programs are available for students in pre-K through grade 12. All Aquarium education programs support Next Generation Science Standards, and teacher resources featuring pre-trip classroom activities and post-trip reflection activities are available.

While most education programs are provided at an affordable per-student fee, program fees are waived for the first 2,000 Maryland students from Baltimore City Public Schools or Title 1 Schools to make a reservation . Fees associated with specific programs and program availability are subject to change.

Add-Ons Education Programs

Make the most of your time at the National Aquarium with engaging, age-appropriate programs coordinated to Next Generation Science Standards.

Adaptations

Field Trip Experience; Outreach Program

AquaPartners

Aquarium careers: animal rescue, aquatic critters, behind the scenes, bountiful biomes, teacher orientation.

Prepare for your class's National Aquarium field trip by attending a free teacher orientation prior to your visit. Sixty-minute teacher orientations cover everything you'll need to know to make your visit a success, including insight into our animals, exhibits and amenities, as well as chaperone tips, a review of your individual trip reservation, free curriculum materials, and pre- and post-visit activities and ideas.

Maryland teachers, please begin your registration process by completing the appropriate teacher orientation workshop. Teacher orientation is available to all educators planning an Aquarium field trip, but is mandatory for:

• Teachers accompanying a school group from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery or Prince George's Counties, or Baltimore City.
• Any instructors receiving free or reduced admission and visiting between September 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024.

Educators may complete an online teacher orientation any time or sign up for an in-person orientation session during the registration process.

Orientations are at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on the following days:

• September 10, 23
• October 1, 21
• November 11, 19
• December 9, 17
• January 13, 21
• February 3, 11

Stay Updated

Please subscribe to our Education Newsletter for updates on scheduled teacher orientations as they become available.

Teacher Resources

Please make use of the following resources and materials in planning your trip, communicating about your trip with you students’ guardians and making the most of your time at the Aquarium.

Pre-trip Planning Packet

Parent Pre-Field Trip Letter (English)

Parent Pre-Field Trip Letter (Spanish)

Scavenger Hunt – Grades 1-5

Scavenger Hunt Answers – Grades 1-5

Enhance Your Experience

Whether it's your first visit or you fifty-first, there is always more to see, do and experience at the National Aquarium. Complete your class's day at the National Aquarium by taking advantage of these special experiences and amenities.

• 4D Immersion films
• Lunch & Dining Options

Subscribe To Our Newsletter Sign up to receive updates on animals, news and events.

• Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary School
• Adelle Turner Elementary School
• Alex Sanger Preparatory School
• Alex W. Spence Preparatory & TAG Academy
• Ann Richards STEAM Academy
• Anne Frank Elementary School
• Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
• Anson Jones Elementary School
• Arcadia Park Elementary School
• Arlington Park Early Childhood Center
• Arthur Kramer Elementary School
• Arturo Salazar Elementary School
• Ascher Silberstein Elementary School
• B.H. Macon Elementary School
• Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith
• Barbara Mann’s DAEP at HB Bell Buckner Building
• Bayles Elementary School
• Ben Milam Elementary School
• Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy
• Billy Earl Dade Middle School
• Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern
• Birdie Alexander Elementary School
• Bishop Arts STEAM Academy
• Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
• Boude Storey Middle School
• Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy
• Buckner Terrace Montessori
• C.A. Tatum Jr. Elementary School
• C.F. Carr Elementary School
• Casa View Elementary School
• Cedar Crest Elementary School
• Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr. Elementary School
• Central Elementary School
• Chapel Hill Preparatory School
• Charles A. Gill Elementary School
• Charles Rice Learning Center
• CityLab High School
• Clara Oliver Elementary School
• Clinton P. Russell Elementary School
• Cesar Chavez Learning Center
• D.A. Hulcy STEAM Middle School
• Dallas Environmental Science Academy
• Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J. Hay
• Dallas ISD Web Training
• Dallas ISD en español
• Dallas Reads
• Dan D. Rogers Elementary School
• Daniel Webster Elementary School
• David G. Burnet Elementary School
• David W. Carter High School
• Downtown Montessori at Ida B. Wells Academy
• Dr. Barbara Jordan Elementary School
• Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory Academy at Paul Quinn College
• Dr. Frederick Douglass Todd Sr. Middle School
• Dr. L. G. Pinkston Sr. High School
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy
• Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School at El Centro Campus
• E.B. Comstock Middle School
• E.D. Walker Middle School
• Ebby Halliday Elementary School
• Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy
• Eduardo Mata Montessori School
• Edward Titche Elementary School
• Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School
• Eladio R. Martinez Learning Center
• Elisha M. Pease Elementary School
• Emmett J. Conrad High School
• Esperanza “Hope” Medrano Elementary School
• Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary School
• F.P. Caillet Elementary School
• Felix G. Botello Personalized Learning Elementary School
• Francisco “Pancho” Medrano Junior High School
• Frank Guzick Elementary School
• Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation
• Frederick Douglass Elementary School
• Gabe P. Allen New Tech Academy
• Geneva Heights Elementary School
• George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy
• George Herbert Walker Bush Elementary School
• George Peabody Elementary School
• George W. Truett Elementary School
• Gilbert Cuellar Sr. Elementary School
• H. Grady Spruce High School
• H. S. Thompson Elementary School
• H.I. Holland Elementary School at Lisbon
• Hall Personalized Learning Academy at Oak Cliff
• Harold W. Lang Sr. Middle School
• Harrell Budd Elementary School
• Harry C. Withers Elementary School
• Harry Stone Montessori
• Hector P. Garcia Middle School
• Henry B. Gonzalez Personalized Learning Academy
• Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
• Hillcrest High School
• Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School
• Ignite Middle School
• iLearn Virtual Academy at Dallas ISD
• Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy at James W. Fannin
• Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
• J.L. Long Middle School
• J.N. Ervin Elementary School
• J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard
• Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School
• James Bowie Elementary
• James Madison High School
• James S. Hogg New Tech Center
• Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School
• Jesús Moroles Expressive Arts Vanguard
• Jill Stone Elementary School at Vickery Meadow
• Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School
• John F. Peeler Elementary School
• John J. Pershing Elementary School
• John Lewis Social Justice Academy at Oliver Wendell Holmes
• John Neely Bryan Elementary School
• John Q. Adams Elementary School
• John W. Carpenter Elementary School
• John W. Runyon Elementary School
• Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center
• José “Joe” May Elementary School
• Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet
• Judge Louis A. Bedford, Jr. Law Academy
• Julian T. Saldivar Elementary School
• Julius Dorsey Leadership Academy
• Justin F. Kimball High School
• K.B. Polk Center for Academically Talented and Gifted
• Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy
• Royce West Leadership Academy
• Kleberg Elementary School
• L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School
• L.O. Donald Elementary School
• L.V. Stockard Middle School
• Lakewood Elementary School
• Larry G. Smith Elementary School
• Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School
• Leila P. Cowart Elementary School
• Leonides Gonzalez Cigarroa M.D. Elementary School
• Leslie A. Stemmons Elementary School
• Lida Hooe Elementary School
• Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet
• Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School
• Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School
• Maple Lawn Elementary School
• Marcus Leadership Academy
• Margaret B. Henderson Elementary School
• Maria Moreno STEAM Academy
• Mark Twain School for the Talented & Gifted
• Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School
• Martin Weiss Elementary School
• Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview
• Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School
• Maya Angelou High School
• Mockingbird Elementary School
• Moisés E. Molina High School
• Montessori Academy at Onesimo Hernandez
• Mount Auburn STEAM Academy
• Multiple Careers Magnet Center
• N.W. Harllee Early Childhood Center
• Nancy J. Cochran Elementary School
• Nancy Moseley Elementary School
• Nathan Adams Elementary School
• Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School
• New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell
• North Dallas High School
• North Lake Early College High School
• Obadiah Knight Elementary School
• Oran M. Roberts Elementary School
• Otto M. Fridia Elementary School
• Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center
• Personalized Learning Academy at Highland Meadows
• Personalized Learning Preparatory at Sam Houston
• Piedmont G.L.O.B.A.L. Academy
• Pleasant Grove Elementary School
• Pre-K Partnerships
• Preston Hollow Elementary
• Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker
• Raul Quintanilla Sr. Middle School STEAM Academy
• Reinhardt Elementary School
• Richard Lagow Elementary School
• Robert T. Hill Middle School
• Ronald Erwin McNair Elementary School
• Rosemont Lower Campus School
• Rosemont Upper Campus School
• Rosie M. Collins Sorrells School of Education and Social Services at Yvonne A. Ewell Townv
• Rufus C. Burleson Elementary School
• S.S. Conner Elementary School
• Sam Tasby Middle School
• San Jacinto Elementary School
• School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
• School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
• School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
• School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
• Seagoville Elementary School
• Seagoville High School
• Seagoville Middle School
• Seagoville North Elementary School
• Skyline High School
• Solar Preparatory School for Boys
• Solar Preparatory School for Girls
• South Oak Cliff High School
• Stephen C. Foster Elementary School
• Stevens Park Elementary School
• Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
• Sunset High School
• Sylvia Mendez CREW Leadership Academy
• T.G. Terry Elementary School
• T.W. Browne Middle School
• Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary School
• Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy
• Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
• Thomas Jefferson High School
• Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary STEAM Academy
• Thomas Tolbert Elementary School
• Tom C. Gooch Elementary School
• Trini Garza ECHS
• Trinity Heights Talented and Gifted
• Umphrey Lee Elementary School
• Urban Park STEAM Academy
• Victor H. Hexter Elementary School
• W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy
• W.H. Adamson High School
• W.H. Gaston Middle School
• W.T. White High School
• W.W. Samuell High School
• Walnut Hill Elementary School
• West Dallas Junior High
• Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia STEM at West Dallas
• Whitney M. Young Jr. Elementary School
• William A. Blair Elementary School
• William Anderson Elementary School
• William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted
• William Brown Miller Elementary School
• William Lipscomb Elementary School
• Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School
• Wilmer-Hutchins High School
• Winnetka Elementary School
• Woodrow Wilson High School
• Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Fred F. Florence Middle School
• Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs Middle School
• Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School

Field Trips 

Planning a Field Trip? - No Problem! 

The Student Transportation Services (STS)  Department utilizes the Triptracker system for field trip processing. However, each trip must be approved by their respective departments prior to STS scheduling the trip. Requesting trips is a three-step process. 

Guidelines for Field Trips

• Field trips must be requested 14 days in advance.
• Cost for Field Trips is $50 per hour per vehicle. 
• Field trips must be scheduled within this fiscal year in accordance with the district spending timeline. 
• Contact name and mobile phone # are needed when completing a Triptracker request; specifically, the name and # of the person who will be on site during the trip. 

The following apply on regularly scheduled school days. 

• The earliest morning pick-up time is 9:15 a.m. 
• Buses must be back on campus by 2:00 p.m.
• The earliest afternoon pick-up time is 5:15 p.m.

School Sponsored Events:

Step 1 :  Campus staff complete the field trip proposal forms and submit via Laserfiche. 

• Field Trip Proposal forms

Campus Field Trip Proposal Laserfiche link

Step 2 :   Campus staff enter the trip request  Tyler's Versatrans TripTracker     

Step 3 :   Upon receiving the request for the field trip and approval from School Leadership, Student Transportation Services schedules the trip. 

Athletics Sponsored Events:

Step 1 :   Enter the trip request on  Tyler's Versatrans TripTracker  

Step 2 :   Staff from the Athletics Department approve the trip request  on TripTracker. 

Step 3 :   Upon receiving the request for the trip and receiving approval from the Athletics Department, Student Transportation Services schedules the trip. 

Department Sponsored Events:

Step 2 :   Staff from the requesting department approve the trip request on Triptracker. 

Step 3 :   Upon receiving the request for the trip and receiving approval from the requesting department, Student Transportation Services schedules the trip. 

For Triptracker assistance,  please email [email protected]

For assistance with Field Trip Proposal Forms and Laserfische, please email Yami Leyja at  [email protected]

For general questions regarding field trips, billing, order locations, trip vehicle types, etc., please contact the Student Transportation Services Department via email at [email protected] .

Student Transportation Services Field Trip Coordinator [email protected] 

Field Trip Forms

Chaperone Form Spanish

Chaperone Form English

Additional forms 

Triptracker Information

Tyler's Versatrans TripTracker  

Request for Triptracker Training

Triptracker Account Code Request Form

Class Code: bjpsqwz

Field Trip Cancellations and Changes

FIELD TRIP CANCELLATIONS

Cancellation Fees - Trips cancelled 24 hours before the trip will be charged $35 / Trips cancelled less than two hours will be charged $70 

FIELD TRIP CHANGES

Changes may be made no less than seven (7)  business days prior to the trip date, but they must be emailed to [email protected] . If you are requesting a change to a trip order less than five (5) days prior to the trip date, the final approver may email the change request to [email protected] . Only email change requests will be accepted.

Drop and Return

Drop/ Return Field Trips  

Campuses and departments can no longer request Drop/Return type field trips.  The service centers will determine if a field trip is eligible for drop and return and will invoice the trip accordingly. 

• Questions or Feedback? |
• Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated) |

Operating Hours

Monday - sunday 8:30 am - last entry: 4:30 pm, tickets can be purchased upon arrival or online., closed thanksgiving day, christmas eve last entry 2:00 pm and closed christmas day..

• Adult – $29.95 + tax
• Child – $19.95 + tax (3 thru 12)
• Child – free (2 and under)
• Senior – $24.95 + tax (65+)

(All major credit cards accepted) Military Admission – active duty and retired military personnel, plus one guest, can each purchase admission for $24.95 + tax (photo ID required) Note:  We do not participate in any reciprocal membership programs.

Groups of 20+, please e-mail [email protected] for additional information and summer restrictions.

• CLOUD FOREST TREK
• CONSERVATION

© 2024 The Dallas World Aquarium.

• Hours & Prices
• Direction & Parking
• Mission Statement
• Animal Cams
• Field Guide
• Guests with Sensory Needs
• Cloud Forest Trek
• South Africa
• Group Visits / Field Trips
• Educational Curriculum

Everything Baby Showers

10 School Field Trips That End in Unforgettable Lessons

Posted: April 21, 2024 | Last updated: April 21, 2024

School field trips are more than just a break from the classroom routine. They often become the highlight of a student’s academic year. These outings offer invaluable real-world experiences that textbooks can’t replicate. From historic landmarks to scientific wonders, 10 school field trips leave students with unforgettable lessons.

Ellis Island, New York

A visit to Ellis Island offers students a profound glimpse into the immigrant experience, where they can trace the footsteps of millions who arrived searching for the American Dream. Walking through the halls where hopeful individuals awaited entry into the United States, students encounter firsthand accounts, photographs, and artifacts that convey the challenges and triumphs of those who embarked on the journey to a new land.

NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida

The NASA Kennedy Space Center provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to delve into the wonders of space exploration. From a rocket launch to exploring interactive exhibits, students are immersed in the history and future of space travel. They gain insights into the scientific principles behind space exploration, the challenges of living and working in space, and the innovative technologies driving exploration forward. 

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Visiting the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park transports students to one of the defining moments of American history. As they walk among the battlefield’s monuments and markers, students gain a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Civil War. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Situated along the scenic coastline of California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers students a mesmerizing journey into the ocean’s depths. With exhibits showcasing diverse marine life and interactive learning opportunities, students discover the importance of ocean ecosystems’ interconnectedness and conservation. From playful sea otters to graceful jellyfish, each encounter sparks curiosity and wonder.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C

As one of the world’s premier aerospace museums, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers students a thrilling exploration of humanity’s quest for the skies and beyond. From the Wright brothers’ historic aircraft to the Apollo moon landing module, students encounter iconic artifacts that have shaped the course of aviation and space exploration.

Alcatraz Island, California

A visit to Alcatraz Island provides students with a captivating glimpse into the history of one of America’s most notorious prisons. As they step inside the cellblocks and explore the island’s rugged terrain, students are transported to a bygone era of incarceration and escape attempts. Guided tours and exhibits highlight the daily lives of inmates and guards, highlighting the harsh realities of life behind bars. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Situated amidst the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers students an enriching journey through the history of human creativity. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, the museum’s vast collections span continents and centuries, inviting students to explore diverse artistic traditions and styles. Through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops, students engage with artworks firsthand, honing their critical thinking skills and deepening their appreciation for the power of visual expression.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Exploring the Everglades National Park immerses students in a unique and ecologically diverse landscape in the United States. As they traverse the park’s marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies, students encounter various plant and animal species, including iconic inhabitants like alligators and manatees. Guided tours shed light on the importance of wetland ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship. 

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Massachusetts

Stepping back to the eve of the American Revolution, students journey to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where history comes alive through immersive reenactments and interactive exhibits. Guided by costumed interpreters, students participate in the pivotal events that led to the colonies’ struggle for independence, from the infamous tea protest to the stirring speeches of revolutionary leaders. 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, D.C.

Exploring the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture provides students with a profound journey through the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout history. From the horrors of slavery to the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, students encounter potent stories of resilience, resistance, and resilience. Students gain insights into the complexities of race, identity, and social justice in America when they visit this museum.

More for You

Putin Ally Vows to Destroy NATO by 2030

A woman said her tattoos got her rejected for a job, but experts say personality is far more important

The right starts to reckon with its Marjorie Taylor Greene problem

Owen Wilson turned down ‘$12m offer’ to star in movie depicting OJ Simpson as innocent

Iran: Rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death, says lawyer

Kid shows off impressive dance moves after having ‘too much’ soda

Scientists have discovered the maximum age a human can live to

North Korea Throws Down Gauntlet to US and Allies

6 Questions You Should Never Ask at a Car Dealership

Jason Kelce shares update about his ‘stolen’ Super Bowl ring

Here’s Why There Are 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack, But Only 8 Buns

Symptoms of Too Much Vitamin D and Supplement Side Effects

Age at which you're officially old has changed

Megan Fox Signs With UTA

"I keep hearing he's the greatest, and that upsets me" - Rick Barry explains why Michael Jordan is not the GOAT

The 16 worst-paying college majors, five years after graduation

Trump’s gag order hearing takes fiery turn as judge questions legal basis

Putin Sends Russia's Defense Minister a Warning Shot

Social Security: These Are the 2 Worst Ages to Take Benefits, According to Experts

14 Things You Should Never Divulge to Anyone Else About Yourself