Zoo School

Welcome to Zoo School

The Florida Environmental Education Center or “Zoo School” offers exciting educational experiences for everyone. From tots and teens to schools and organizations, we are dedicated to offering fun, innovative, imaginative and investigative learning programs for all ages.

Zoo School is a unique learning experience for children ages 2 through Pre-K to discover wildlife in a safe environment. There are limited spaces and Zoo School fills up fast, so please don’t delay – show your interest today by joining our interest list.

Contact

Christy Taylor
Early Childhood Education Manager

P | (813) 933-8087
E | Christy.Taylor@ZooTampa.org

Childcare License: C TA 430588

Our Mission

At Zoo School, we aim to provide a safe, clean, pleasant and caring environment for each child. Students may develop their physical, social, emotional and intellectual potential at their own pace, while fostering a respect for wildlife and wild places through unique Zoo interactions.

If you place your child on the interest list, here’s what to expect going forward:

  • Parents of prospective students are typically on the interest list for an average of 18-24 months.
  • We will refer to the interest list and contact interested families when space becomes available. Once you have added your name to the interest list, there is no need to re-submit your information as the interest list carries over from year to year.
  • Group tours are scheduled throughout the year. We will email families on the interest list as updated group tour dates are determined.
  • In order to limit distractions in the classroom as students are learning, individual tours cannot be accommodated until a slot that fits your family’s interest becomes available.

Preschool (4 years old)

  • 5 Day (Monday-Friday): $1075/Month


Early Childhood Education

(2-3 years classroom)

  • 5 Day (Monday-Friday): $1075/Month
  • 3 Day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday): $746/Month
  • 2 Day (Tuesday, Thursday): $602/Month

Special Thanks

Tampa resident and Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa board member Patricia C. Sullivan, a former school teacher, provided a $1 million leadership gift for the construction of Zoo School.

Additionally, the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation provided a $500,000 grant and is the namesake of the Lecture Hall.

In 2008, construction was completed on an annex that provides additional classrooms for expanding youth/teen programs and office space. The new annex was made possible by Patricia C. Sullivan, the Thomas Family, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. Senator Mel Martinez.

Commemorations

Please review our booking tips before continuing

Outside Food & Drinks Policy

ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a variety of delicious food for guests at several restaurants and concession stands throughout, but we understand that guests may need to bring outside food for special dietary needs. Acceptable and prohibited food items are listed below. For the convenience of our guests, there is a picnic area located outside the park near the main parking lot.

 Acceptable Items
  • Bottled water (max 20oz bottle, sealed) one per guest
  • Small snacks for young children
  • Baby food/baby formula
  • Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep (limit one per child)
  • Pre-purchased empty ZooTampa souvenir cups
  • Any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements
 Prohibited Items
  • Prepared or packaged food or meals
  • Alcohol
  • Glass or any open containers or water bottles filled with beverages
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our animals, guests and employees, the following items are not permitted to be brought into ZooTampa:

  • Any type of explosive or weapon
  • Knives or other sharp objects
  • Pepper spray
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana
  • Illegal drugs
  • Straws
  • Clothing likely to create a danger or disturbance
  • Any hazardous items or materials

The following items are also prohibited to avoid blocking of walkways and/or trip hazards:

  • Segways
  • Hover boards
  • Two-wheeled scooters
  • Self-balancing electric vehicles
  • Shoes with wheels
  • Drones
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.

We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not observing Zoo Rules.

Pay For A Day Tickets

With a new Pay For A Day, Rest of Year Free ticket – for a limited time – you get unlimited admission through December 31, 2023 including access to our seasonal event series. Some blockout dates apply — see below for details. Not valid with any other discounts.

When does my Pay For A Day ticket expire?

For a limited time, new Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets are valid from the day of purchase until 12/31/2023 Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets which were purchased prior to October 1st, 2022 are valid until 12/31/2022.

What are the blockout dates?

3/11/23 – 3/19/23
11/24/23 – 11/26/23
12/26/23 – 12/31/23

Can I purchase a Pay For A Day ticket on a blockout date?

Yes! You can purchase a Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free ticket for first-time use on a listed blockout date and have full access to the park on that day. Blockout dates apply to repeat visitation.

Can I use my Pay For A Day ticket on blockout dates?

If you already have your Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free ticket and wish to visit during a listed blockout date, please stop by the Zoo’s ticketing windows for alternate options:

  1. During blockout periods, Pay For A Day ticket holders have access to significantly discounted single-day tickets.
  2. For a limited time from the date of purchase, Pay For A Day tickets can be upgraded to a Zoo Membership (with no blockout dates).
I purchased a Pay For A Day ticket online. How do I get my actual ticket?

Bring a copy of your confirmation (or show the confirmation email on your mobile device) to expedite entry into the Zoo. At your convenience during your visit you can stop by the Tours & Guest Services kiosk located just inside the Zoo to print your physical pass. No need to stand in line at the ticket windows. Walk right in!
Still have questions? Email us or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 0.