cosley zoo wheaton IL

Programs

School & Group Programs
Let the area's best zoo provide an unforgettable learning experience for you and your students.

Cosley Zoo education programs meet many Illinois State Learning Standards for children ages 3 and up. Choose from one of the programs listed in our brochure or have us customize a program for you. Program material is adjusted to be age appropriate for your group.

Visit the Zoo

A trip to Cosley Zoo will offer an unequaled experience as the children participate in an educational, fun, interactive program in the midst of the zoo’s animals. Zoo programs covering a variety of topics are available year- round for ages 3 and up.

Education Programs are:

Interactive and include live animals for a one-of-a-kind, up close encounter.
45 minutes in length.
Designed for individual classrooms/small groups. Ages 3-5=max 20 participants/program; Kindergarten and up = max 30 participants/program

Education Program Fees

Schools and organized groups from Wheaton: $3.00/participant
- A minimum of 12 participants are charged ($36)
Schools and organized groups outside of Wheaton: $4.50/participant
- A minimum of 12 participants are charged ($54)
No additional charge for chaperones if kept to a 1:5 ratio. Additional chaperones will be charged admission if applicable.

Reservations

A minimum two-week advance notice is required for scheduling a program. Earlier registration is recommended. Scheduling is on a first come, first served basis.
When making your group reservation, please have the following information available:

1. Group contact information

2. Date(s) you wish to come to the zoo. Please have an alternate date in case your first choice is not available.

3. Time(s) of program

4. Number of participants

5. Number of chaperones

5. Age/grade of participants

6. Any special needs or accommodations

7. The program you would like for your group

For more information or to make reservations, please call 630.665.5534. Once you have made your reservation, confirmation material will be sent to you. Review it carefully and verify that all the information is correct. Call us as soon as possible with any corrections or changes to your reservation.

Payment and Cancellations

Please note: payment and cancellation has changed from previous years.

Payment is due no later than two weeks prior to your program date. To pay by credit card (Visa, Discover, or MC) please call 630.665.5534. Please make checks payable to Cosley Zoo and mail to Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, Attn: Education.
Final headcount (participants and chaperones) must be provided two weeks prior to your program. No refunds will be given to a decrease in group size made less than two weeks before your scheduled program. There may be an additional fee if your group size increases. It is not recommended that siblings attend the program. Any siblings ages 3 and over need to be included in the final participant count and will be charged the program fee.
Cancellations made with at least a two week notice will receive a full refund less a $20 processing fee. Cancellations made between two weeks and 24 hours prior to the program will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the program will not receive a refund.
Programs are held rain or shine. Refunds will not be given for weather related cancellations. In the case of extreme weather, where participant safety is a concern, staff will work with you to schedule another date. If your group is unable to reschedule, the normal cancellation policy applies.

Downloadable Activities

These downloadable files include activities for both before and after your visit to the zoo.

• Fur and Feathers

• Gone Buggy

• Home Sweet Habitat

• What is a Farm?

• Critter Class

• No Bones About It

Download the School & Group Programs Brochure for program descriptions.

Let the Zoo Visit You

Can’t come to the zoo? Let us come to you!
These dynamic, one-of-a-kind programs are done right in your classroom or multi-purpose room. Both classroom and assembly style programs are offered to suit your needs. Fees vary based on group size and program location.

Zoo To You Programs are:

Interactive and include live animals as co=partners in the teaching process.
45 minutes in length.
Appropriate for ages 3 and over.
Available year –round.

Download our Zoo to You Brochure for more information on topics.

Zoo To You Program Fees

Classroom Presentations (Maximum 30 participants) $89 plus travel fee
Assembly Presentations (Maximum 150 participants) $189 plus travel fee
Multiple programs scheduled to take place on the same day may be eligible for a discount.

Travel Fee

0-5 miles = no additional fee
6-10 miles = $20 additional fee
11-20 miles = $40 additional fee
20+ miles = fee determined on a case by case basis

Reservations

A minimum two-week advance notice is required for scheduling a program. Earlier registration is recommended. Scheduling is on a first come, first served basis. When making your group reservation, please have the following information available:

1. Group contact information including address of where the program will take place.

2. Date(s) you would like the Zoo To You. Please have an alternate date in case your first choice is not available.

3. Time(s) of program

4. Number of participants

5. Age/grade of participants

6. Any special needs or accommodations

7. The program you would like for your group

Payment and Cancellations:

Payment is due no later than two weeks prior to your program date. To pay by credit card (Visa, Discover, or MC) please call 630.665.5534. Please make checks payable to Cosley Zoo and mail to Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, Attn: Education.
Cancellations made with at least a two week notice will receive a full refund less a $20 processing fee. Cancellations made between two weeks and 24 hours prior to the program will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the program will not receive a refund.
If Cosley Zoo cancels a program due to unforeseen circumstances, we will make every attempt to reschedule with you.

Cosley Zoo staff is experienced in working with a wide variety of ages and groups with special needs. If you are interested in scheduling a program, need more information, or have a special request, please call us at 630.665.5534.
We look forward to being part of a memorable learning experience for your students.

For more information about Cosley Zoo School and Group Programs, please contact us.

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field trip they are sure to enjoy.

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1356 North Gary Ave. | Wheaton, Illinois 60187 | Phone: 630.665.5534
Cosley Zoo is a facility of the Wheaton Park District and is AZA accredited
All content © Wheaton Park District | All Rights Reserved

Programs

School & Group Programs Let the area's best zoo provide an unforgettable learning experience for you and your students.

School & Group Programs
Let the area's best zoo provide an unforgettable learning experience for you and your students.