Group Visits
Plan a visit that fits your group
School Groups
School groups use a different structure and rate schedule from both commercial and private groups.
If you are:
- A public or private school
- A homeschool co-op booking as a school group
Please visit our School Programs and Field Trips page for details on education-focused visit options, pricing, and how to schedule your program.
Youth Groups and Summer Camps
If you are:
- Summer camp, rec department, scouting group
Fill out our Youth and Camp Reservation Request form.
School and Youth Groups should contact Melissa Greenawalt, Program Registrar at:
Private Groups, Nonprofits, and Family Gatherings
Private groups are not selling or profiting from the visit. This includes:
- Nonprofit organizations and community groups
- Clubs, church groups, and civic organizations that are not charging a fee for the trip
- Family reunions, multi-generational family outings, and groups of friends
- Corporate or workplace groups planning an internal retreat, outing, or team-building day where the organization covers costs but does not resell the experience
Private groups do not use the commercial tour rates shown on this page. Instead, we will help you build a custom visit that fits your group’s goals and budget.
Private groups should contact Erick Amero, Operations Manager at:
Or fill out our Private Tour Reservation Request form.
Erick can help you:
- Plan a visit to the Live Animal Exhibit Trail
- Add a Guided Lake Cruise, Natural Encounters Live Animal Program, or other experiences
- Coordinate with our Private Events team if you also need function space or catering support
If you are unsure whether your group is commercial or private, please reach out and we will be happy to clarify.
Commercial Tour and Travel Groups
Commercial groups are any organizations that sell or package the visit as part of a paid service or experience. This typically includes:
- Tour operators and motor coach companies
- Travel agencies and group travel organizers
- For-profit businesses or organizations that are charging participants for the trip or including it in a paid package
Commercial groups generally:
- Have 10 or more paying participants from an established organization or agency
- Reserve in advance and receive one complimentary driver and one tour escort per bus, as noted in the package descriptions
Birthday Parties and Private Events
The Trailhead Event Space offers flexible space for meetings, retreats, trainings, group gatherings and birthday parties.