Group Visits
The Minnesota Zoo welcomes groups of 15 or more with multiple group ticket programs. We offer group rates for daytime zoo admission, and for select evening special events. Reservations are required 2 weeks in advance to guarantee group rates and benefits. Groups may have the option to reserve and hold tickets unpaid, which can adjusted closer to arrival at the zoo. Groups that book tickets within 2 weeks of their arrival are required to pay in full when the reservation is made.
Due to limited seating, groups are not eligible for Dolphin Presentations.
The following groups are eligible for our group rate:
Groups comprised of 15 or more people that do not qualify as a youth/school group.
• Tour Operators
• Adult Groups
• Senior Groups
• Corporate Groups
• Community and Large Family Groups
• Groups that don’t fall into other categories
• Free to Explore Groups (see below for additional information)
Choose between our regular Group Rates or our new flexible Anytime tickets!
Group Rates
Adults $17
Children (3-12 yrs) $12
Adults (65+) $12
Parking $8 car/van
Bus Parking $12
Group rate tickets are designed for groups arriving and entering the zoo together. No printed tickets are issued, you check-in from a list of groups.
Email [email protected] or call 952-431-9585 to reserve your group or questions.
Anytime Group Tickets
$20 per person. Valid for adult, child, or Adults 65+ admission and includes parking. Anytime tickets are valid for zoo admission on any date until the end of the year.
Anytime tickets are a great flexible option for groups that arrive independently and enter the zoo a different times or even different dates. Anytime Tickets are printed paper tickets.
Zoobucks are a popular add-on for groups wanting to include a meal or snack or something from our gift shop. Zoobucks are available in $1, $5, and $10 denominations.
Contact Minnesota Zoo Group Sales to reserve Group Tickets, purchase Anytime tickets, Zoobucks or questions at 952-431-9585 or email [email protected]
Jack O Lantern Spectacular
Jack O Lantern Spectacular returns to the Minnesota Zoo starting September 30 – November 4, 2023. Groups of 15 or more can reserve tickets now for this fun family -friendly special event. Please contact Group Sales at [email protected] or call 952-431-9585 for additional information or to reserve Jack O Lantern Spectacular group tickets.
Free To Explore Groups
Groups may be eligible to participate in the Free to Explore admission program if the organization is Minnesota based and all attendees qualify for the programs listed on the Free to Explore webpage, click here for full list.
- Free to Explore group visits are only available Tuesday – Thursday and are limited to a maximum of 50 total people.
- Free to Explore groups visits must be reserved at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Free to Explore does not cover zoo parking or fees for any special programs, events, or exhibits. Zoo parking is $8 or buses are $12.
- The Free to Explore program is not available for use by daycare or school groups. To qualify for Free to Explore admission, children must be accompanied to the zoo by their parent/guardian.
- PCA’s are free, any additional non-qualifying staff and attendees pay regular admission.
- Check-in and or proof of organization/document verification may be asked for attendees.
For Free to Explore groups larger than 11 people or questions please email [email protected].
The Minnesota Zoo reserves the right to modify or decline admission for Free to Explore groups at any time, including onsite for misbehavior or disrespect of zoo animals, staff, or other guests.
Contact Minnesota Zoo Group Sales to reserve Group Tickets, purchase Anytime tickets or questions at 952-431-9585 or email [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, the zoo is able to accommodate group reservations from 15 to several thousand people. If you have 15 or more people call us at 952-431-9585.
All group reservations must be made 2 weeks or more in advance. Please call 952-431-9585 (Tuesday – Saturday from 8:30am-5pm) to reserve or questions.
Group reservations can be made during regular Zoo hours, from 10 am to 4 pm (or 6 pm in the summer).
We recommend one adult chaperone for every five kids (13 and younger).
Reserved indoor private dining spaces are not available currently. Groups are welcome to visit our multiple retail foodservice outlets including, the Call of the Wild food court. Groups may also purchase Zoobucks (1$ and 5$ increments), which can be redeemed at any onsite daytime retail food outlet or gift shop. Groups may also bring their own bag lunches, with outdoor and indoor picnic tables throughout the Zoo. The Call of the Wild food court dining tables are only available for groups that purchase food within the Call of the Wild. Call 952-431-9200 for details on food and beverage options at the Minnesota Zoo.
Yes – those who qualify can make Free to Explore group reservations. Click here to learn more about our Free to Explore program and how to make an advanced online reservation.
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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