brookfield zoo school field trips

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• Planned Giving

Don't see your question answered below? Email us at [email protected] . 

What is the cost of the Field Trip? / I need a price quote.

Admission for children and chaperones (including teachers) is FREE  for reserved qualified Illinois Schools on weekdays only between Labor Day and Memorial Day from Head Start, public, and private Illinois groups serving pre-kindergarten through college for self-guided field trips. Parking and attraction fees still apply. If you require a quote for parking or attractions, please contact [email protected] or call 708-688-8809.

Where should we park?

All buses for field trips MUST park in the NORTH PARKING LOT located off of 31st Street and Golfview Rd. The North Parking lot's GPS Address is: 8400 3st Street, Brookfield, IL. 60513.

Do buses dropping off and picking up need to pay for parking?

Yes. All buses that enter the parking lot will be charged parking, regardless if they are staying for the duration of your visit or just dropping off.

Where can we eat lunch?

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has several outdoor areas with picnic tables. The 2 largest areas of these tables are behind BZ Red Hots in the East Mall and south of the bison habitat on the west side of the zoo. Your group is also welcome to use any of the large grassy malls located cardinally around the Roosevelt Fountain.

How do I cancel a field trip or change field trip dates (as a qualified Illinois school)?

Cancelations:  Please use the cancel link provided in your confirmation email. This can be done until 10 days before your self-guided field trip. If it is less than 10 days from your visit date, forward your confirmation email to [email protected] with your request to cancel. For any purchased tickets, contact [email protected] . Date Changes: 1. Make a new reservation here .  2. Cancel your original trip using the method above.

Does the zoo offer storage?

Brookfield Zoo Chicago does not offer storage. Please make plans to carry your items/lunches with you or leave them on the bus.

Are Field Trip materials offered?

Yes! Along with educator online support! In February - April 2024, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is offering  free  online 1-hour professional learning for teachers during which we share downloadable student activities, teacher guides, and lesson materials along with tips and strategies for making your field trip to BZC a fun, meaningful day of learning for your students. Engaging, inquiry-based classroom activities for pre-visit and post-visit learning are also included. Visit  our Teacher Classes page  to view our current field trip learning topics and session offerings targeted to educators who serve teachers in grades K-8. (All educators are welcome!) 1 hour of professional development credit is available for teachers to attend an online session. 

I have accessibility questions

The staff and volunteers of Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcome you and are happy to answer your questions. BZC makes a concerted effort to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits, and programs accessible to all visitors. The information contained in the zoo's Accessibility Guide will be helpful in answering your questions. For Wheelchair or Electronic Convenience Vehicle (“ECV”) rentals, please see our Rentals page.

How can I make an ADA Request?

If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation or auxiliary aid, please complete and submit this Request Form as far in advance as possible, preferably at least 14 calendar days prior to the date you will be visiting the zoo or begin participating in a program, class, or event. If insufficient notice is given, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is not able to guarantee that it will be able to provide the accommodation, as some accommodations require advance scheduling with outside providers, who may or may not be available.

• Next Century Commitments
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago Emblems
• Tropical Forests
• Awards and Recognition
• Executive Team
• Governance Boards
• Women's Board Members
• Fundraising Events
• Forest Preserves of Cook County
• Request a Donation
• Strategic Plan
• Projects and Open RFPs
• Register for Supplier Diversity Program
• Group Ticket Sales
• Dolphins In Action
• Anniversary Ferris Wheel
• Motor Safari
• Coming This Year
• Shop Online
• Butterflies
• Virtual Reality Experiences
• Animal Ambassador Adventure
• Feed a Giraffe
• Flamingo Feeding Adventure
• Macaw Playtime Adventure
• Otter Adventure
• Penguin Encounter
• Penguin Feeding Adventure
• Rainforest Aviary Feeding Adventure
• Shark Feeding Adventure
• School Field Trips
• Join or Renew Now
• Gift Membership
• Member Login
• Membresía
• Membership FAQs
• Gateways Member Magazine
• Travel Programs
• Mother's Day Brunch
• Roaring Nights Concerts
• A Midsummer Night's Feast
• Hispanic Heritage Fest
• Oktoberfest
• Fall Recycling Day
• Boo! at the Zoo
• Zoo After Dark: BOOS & Brews
• Wines in the Wild
• Reindeer Run
• Zoo After Dark: Holiday Sip & Stroll
• Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party
• Holiday Magic
• Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
• Punta San Juan Blog
• Save the Pangolin
• AZA SAFE Species
• Species Survival Plan
• Conservation Leadership Awards
• Illinois Monarch Project
• CBOT Endangered Species Fund
• Animal Ambassadors
• Veterinary Science
• Radiology Consulting Service
• Animal Welfare Research
• Animal Husbandry Program
• Behavioral Husbandry Program
• The Cetacean Welfare Study
• Zoo Nutrition Services
• Animals A-Z
• Job Openings
• How to Apply
• Equal Opportunity Employment
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Venue Information
• Birthday Parties
• Daytime Events
• Evening Events
• Internships
• King Scholars
• Community Engagement
• Advanced Inquiry Program
• Family Play Programs
• Field Trips
• Learning Resources
• Teaching Safari
• Teacher Classes
• Zoo For All
• Insights Blog
• Dr. Mike's Video Blog Series
• Adopt an Animal
• Annual Fund
• Bison Circle
• Corporate Partners
• CZS Associates
• Matching Gifts
• Name a Parakeet
• Memorials and Tributes
• Planned Giving

Self-Guided Field Trips

Brookfield Zoo Chicago provides  free general admission to qualified Illinois school groups between Labor Day and Memorial Day during Self-Guided Field Trips for both Students and Chaperones with an online reservation. Reservation link is at the bottom of this page.

This opportunity is intended to afford all children, chaperones, and teachers in a class or school an opportunity to enjoy the zoo as a group and to learn about and experience animals and nature in a beautiful park-like setting.

Make your online reservations early—space is limited. No reservations will be taken less than 10 business days prior to your requested Field Trip date. If you must cancel or change a reservation, refer to your confirmation email for instructions. Your confirmation email will also contain information about how to pay for parking and how to purchase additional attraction tickets.

• Open to Head Start, home school, public, and private Illinois school groups of 10 or more serving pre-kindergarten through college. • Available dates are limited to weekdays only between Labor Day and Memorial Day, with some exclusions. • Parking and attraction fees still apply and are payable in cash, credit, or check. • By reserving a Self-Guided Field Trip, you agree to our code of conduct .​ • If you have any questions after reading our FAQ  or watching our How do you Zoo? video, please contact us at [email protected] .

Resources and Opportunities for Teachers

Field trip faq , how do you zoo pre-visit guide, field trip enrichment sessions, learning resources for teachers , teaching safari professional development, advanced inquiry master's degree .

Forest Preserves of Cook County

Home » Places to Go » Locations » Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has educated and delighted generations of families with live animals, exhibits and self-guided trails.

On this page:

Location, Hours & Things to Do

Upcoming events & programs, field trips & hybrid learning, accessible garden, volunteer opportunities, nps cancellation stamps.

Things to Do & Amenities

• Nature Center
• Nature Play
• Accessible Indoor Bathroom
• Trail Access
• Hiking & Walking
• Birding Hotspot
• Service dogs are allowed at most public locations. View accessibility policies .

Closures & Alerts

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Trails

Explore the Little Red Schoolhouse grounds on three unpaved walking trails or the paved accessible garden trail. Connect to the Palos Trail System to extend your walk.

Location: Willow Springs

Estimated Total Length

Things to do, palos trail system.

The extensive and varied Palos Trail System winds through rolling hills and deep ravines, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.

Location: Hickory Hills, Justice, Palos Hills & Willow Springs

• Dogs (on-leash only)
• Cross-Country Skiing

Spring Sensory Walk

Dark sky walk, s.e.n.i.o.r.s..

Early Morning Bird Walk

R.I.P. Stewardship

Our hybrid learning and field trip offerings allow teachers, parents and youth leaders to use forest preserves and nature centers as an outdoor (or virtual) classroom. Our hybrid learning programs serve kindergarten through 12 th grade students and meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), while our field trips serve everyone from pre-K to adult learners.

Contact one of our nature centers or [email protected] for more information or to discuss programs tailored to your learning objectives.

This 6,000-square-foot garden with accessible trail encourages people of all abilities to physically interact with nature. The garden features several flower beds (five of them are raised and accessible), interpretive signage lining an ADA compliant concrete walkway and a sensory water feature.

The interpretive signs throughout the garden describe native plants and animals, with each name featured in tactile English letters alongside Spanish, Polish, Braille and American Sign Language translations.

From the garden, the accessible trail winds through the prairie and down to Long John Slough, inspiring people to immerse themselves in nature, rather than just observe it from the sidelines. The path is just under a half-mile long and is 100% ADA compliant.

Visitors can connect with the historic past of the Palos Hills at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Built in 1886 amidst farms, woods and prairie, the schoolhouse replaced a log cabin school and hosted generations of children. Originally located on the Black Oak Trail at old 99th Street, the schoolhouse was moved in 1932 to Camp Kiwanis by a local resident using horses and log rollers. Classes continued there until 1948.

In 1952 it was moved to its present site, and in 1955 reopened as a unique, new kind of school. In place of reading, writing and arithmetic, children and adults learn about plants, animals and the natural world around us.

Did you know the oak woodland is more endangered than the tropical rain forest? Help remove invasive plants so the oaks can have sunlight and space once again. Gloves, tools, goggles, and light refreshments are provided.

The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has National Park Service cancellation stamps available for the Chicago Portage National Historic Site and the I&M Canal National Heritage Area .

Call 708-839-6897 to arrange a time to receive a stamp at 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480.

Nature Center Rules

• Pets are not permitted on Nature Center grounds, including the parking lots.
• Nature Centers are unable to accept injured, orphaned or abandoned wildlife.
• For your safety and for the protection of natural areas, please stay on marked trails. Trails are for hiking only.
• Bicycles are only allowed in Nature Center parking lots, or at provided bike racks.
• For the benefit of other visitors and wildlife, please maintain respectful noise levels at all times.
• Picnicking is not permitted on Nature Center grounds. An adjacent picnic grove can be opened for pre-registered groups on weekdays.
• Food or drink is not permitted in Nature Center buildings.
• With the exception of water or sports bottles, food and drink are not permitted on Nature Center trails. Please dispose of litter in proper receptacles.
• Collecting of any kind is prohibited, as is the use of metal detectors. The fine for picking wildflowers is $500.
• For the protection of animals and visitors alike, please do not feed the wildlife.
• Be mindful of closing times for trails, the Nature Center building and parking lot.
• Please report safety hazards or suspicious activities to the Nature Center staff.
• Cross-country skiing is not permitted on Nature Center trails.
• Forest Preserves Launches $10 Million Palos Preserves Trail and Restoration Project
• University Students Set Fire to the Woods
• Kick Off Earth Month with a Trash Bash
• Women Conservationists Highlighted at Bemis Woods Walk-and-Talk
• Black History Events Cover Eco-Justice Warrior, Underground Railroad

Now Accepting New Enrollees For The 2024-2025 School Year!

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Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities

Over the many years that St. Paul's has been teaching students, field trips have become a large part of the school curriculum. Here are just of few of the places students have visited throughout the years:

• The Museum of Science and Industry

The Field Museum

• The Shedd Aquarium
• Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• Lyric Opera House
• The I & M Canal
• Fullersburg Woods
• The Little Red School House

Concordia University

• The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts

Brookfield Zoo

• Brookfield Library
• Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Volkening Heritage Farm

Cantigny Tank Yard

Cantigny Tank Tech Presentation

Cantigny Visitors Center

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St. Paul's Lutheran School

9035 Grant Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois

708-485-0650

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Chicagoland Homeschool Network

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Brookfield Zoo free days

Brookfield Zoo is a great field trip destination even in the winter months. They also have an abundance of free days in the next couple months. I like to look for warmish days that fall on these free days and enjoy some great outdoor time with my kids. The zoo offers plenty of educational content for a day of learning outside of your home “classroom.”

Even on free days you should plan on paying for parking, but general admission is free on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. You can also enjoy the Children’s Zoo and the Hamill Family Play Zoo every day of the week the rest of January and through February for free. The Family Play Zoo has some great indoor activities especially geared toward younger kids that can be a great way to enjoy the zoo even on a colder day.

Check the forecast and make some plans to enjoy the animals in their winter habitats.

View the press release from the zoo with all the details.

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Field Trips Gone Wild: 10 Top Zoos for Student Groups

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Take a walk on the wild side and visit one of the many zoos across the nation for your next school field trip. From first-hand animal encounters to archeological dinosaur digs, zoos have something in store for students of every age. Here are 10 top zoos with exciting adventures and activities for student groups:

San Diego Zoo

Although it is known for having the largest colony of koalas and most koala births outside of Australia, the San Diego Zoo just welcomed a new giant panda cub and an African elephant calf. Students can see these animals, along with many others, while on a guided tour with a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life and up-close animal encounters or on a teacher-guided tour using free grade-specific resources offered through the zoo. Safari tours are also available for student groups at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Be sure to ask about the pre-ordered lunch options available for field trips at either location. Admission to both the zoo and safari park is free to San Diego County schools and offered at a largely reduced rate for all other school groups.

Saint Louis Zoo

Sea Lion Sound Tunnel St. Louis Zoo. (Photo Courtesy of David Merritt & STLZoo.org)

For the first time in North America, people can experience a sea lion exhibit through an underwater tunnel. The newly opened Sea Lion Sound exhibit offers visitors a chance to walk through the animal habitat while sea lions swim all around them. Students can visit this and other major exhibits when taking one of several themed tours or overnight adventures covering educational topics such as ecology, adaptation, conservation and classification/animals. With offerings in each category available for every grade level, student groups of all ages can enjoy field trips to Saint Louis Zoo. Sack lunches can be brought by groups or arrangements can be made at the time of reservation. General admission to the zoo is free; however, there are fees for some attractions and tours, all of which are offered at discounted group rates. School groups can purchase a class pass that provides reduced admission to the Children’s Zoo, Zooline Railroad and Conservation Carousel.

National Zoo

Another zoo with free admission is the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Although it is known for its giant panda conservation work, the National Zoo is dedicated to helping promote the conservation of all animals and within the last two years has seen the birth of over 400 animals between the two zoo campuses. Visitors can now see seals, sea lions, bald eagles, gray wolves and many other animals at the newest exhibit, the American Trail. Field trips can be planned around daily programs such as animal trainings, feeding demonstrations and keeper talks. A school zoo package is available and includes reserved bus parking, full meals and souvenir panda lunch boxes. Other group packages are also available.

Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Voted as the No. 1 zoo in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska is home to the world’s largest indoor desert (Desert Dome), largest indoor rainforest (Lied Jungle) and largest nocturnal exhibit (Kingdoms of the Night). Through the new “Ed-Zoo-cational” experience, students can gain hands-on learning while taking a “Walk About Tour” covering topics such as habits and habitats, vanishing wildlife, animals undercover and Wildlife Safari Park. Students can also get up-close-and-personal with selected animals during a zoo animal presentation. For a night your students will never forget, plan a themed campout at specific locations throughout the zoo, aquarium and safari.

Zoo Miami Tram Tour. (Photo Courtesy of MiamiMetroZoo.com)

Not only do student groups receive special prices on educational tours but they also receive discounted tram tours and monorail passes. Teachers are encouraged to enhance their field trips with activities such as giraffe or pelican feedings, animal encounters, zookeeper talks and camel rides. The newest exhibit at Zoo Miami, Wings Down Under, is an interactive exhibit with free-flying parrots, cockatiels and parakeets that will eat out of the palm of your hand. Amazon and Beyond, another new exhibit, is comprised of over 600 animals—such as monkeys, snakes, frogs, crocodiles and giant river otters—and divided into three areas: Cloud Forest, Amazon Forest and Atlantic Forest. In 2014 Zoo Miami will open another new exhibit, Florida: Mission Everglades, which will be made up of plants and animals native to Florida ’s ecosystems.

Woodland Park Zoo

With the birth of two snow leopard cubs and groundbreaking on phase one of a new tiger and sloth bear exhibit scheduled to open in 2013, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle continues to add to its impressive list of award-winning exhibits. Students can learn about zoo life and animal conservation through the ZEST (Zoo Experiences for Students and Teachers) program. ZEST topics range from tropical rainforest explorations to Arctic animal survival guides; each includes downloadable resources to prepare your group before their visit. Groups can also learn about endangered animals at the zoo and across the world and learn what they can do to help. ZEST programs are free to all student groups with admission to the zoo.

Brookfield Zoo  

Located just outside Chicago , Brookfield Zoo offers several exciting opportunities for student groups. Zoo talks give students the opportunity to learn about specific animals, habitats or regions of the world before touring the zoo and seeing them first-hand. Talks can also include information on zoo careers, animal training or exhibit designs. Connections classes are also available and consist of activities such as nature hikes and topics such as conservation and science research. Zoo admission is free to all school groups from Illinois and discounted for out-of-state school groups. While at Brookfield Zoo, be sure to check out the newly born dwarf mongoose pups in Habitat Africa and look for Pepe the penguin who occasionally walks about the Living Coast exhibit as an ambassador to his species.

Coquerel’s Sifaka and Baby (Photo Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher & BronxZoo.com)

At the Bronx Zoo, the world’s largest urban zoo, student groups can participate in educational programs with topics such as animals of the land, animals of the air or animals of the water. Other program topics focus on a specific species of animal, and there is even a program that demonstrates the importance of math in the conservation of animals. The zoo’s newest exhibit, Madagascar, offers visitors a view of over 150 animals including Nile crocodiles, hissing cockroaches and several species of lemurs. Visitors can also see six tiger cubs at the Tiger Mountain exhibit and relax on the Wild Asia Monorail tour. Keep in mind the daily animal feedings and demonstrations when planning your group trip.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the United States, has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is known as the greenest zoo in America because of its environmental initiatives. While at the Go Green Garden, visitors can see the changes made around the zoo and learn ways to go green at home. Groups also have the chance to feed lorikeets at Lorikeet Landing, walk with penguins at the Spaulding Children’s Zoo Penguin Walkabout, see Lulu the newborn giraffe at the African exhibit and see the only Sumatran Rhinos on display in the nation. The newly expanded Cat Canyon offers a closer view of tigers, leopards and cougars than ever before. These features and many others can be seen by groups taking guided or self-guided tours of the zoo. In addition to tours, activities available for student groups include hands-on animal demonstrations of up to three animals, zookeeper talks, mobile “Wild Pack” gear for scientific investigation and an Adventure Pass filled with missions and explorations throughout the zoo. All activities can be fit to meet almost any grade level. Tours are also available at the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) for student groups interested in learning about the zoo’s conservation research projects.

Audubon Zoo

Young School Kids at Audubon Zoo’s Dinosaur Adventure. (Photo Courtesy of Michele McGovern & AudubonInstitute.org)

From the African Savannah to the World of Primates, the Audubon Nature Institute’s Audubon Zoo in New Orleans has much to offer visitors. Students can learn about zebras and giraffes in the African Savanna, experience a digging site in Jaguar Jungle and see some of the world’s endangered amphibians in Disappearing Amphibians. The Louisiana Swamp Exhibit showcases plant and animal life found in local Louisiana swamplands. Other interesting attractions at the Audubon Zoo are the Cool Zoo splash park, Audubon’s Dinosaur Adventure and the Diefenthal EarthLab with interactive games and science experiments. Teachers can download an endangered species scavenger hunt or a language of conservation poetry scavenger hunt for their groups to use while visiting the zoo. Discounted rates and lunch option are available for school groups.

Ashley Braun is an Editorial Intern at Premier Tourism Marketing. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English-Creative Writing from Kentucky Wesleyan College and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Writing and Publishing at DePaul University.

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