Supporting our mission to prevent extinction, we are once again giving away FREE tickets for school children to explore conservation up close at Chester Zoo. We aim to empower as many young people as possible; sparking a passion for saving species and inspiring a nation of conservationists.

The scheme, which has ran since 2017, has already seen thousands of school children enter our gates each year. Giving children the benefit of experiencing the wonder of seeing our amazing animals and learning about the ways we are all helping to protect them.

Visiting the zoo can foster a lifelong connection with nature. For the schools accessing our free ticket scheme, it gives them the opportunity to support their pupils to learn about incredible species whilst being inspired to take conservation action.

Our zoo educators are passionate about educational reform by embedding conservation education, including issues such as climate change and sustainability, into the curriculum. With an increase in young people’s awareness and desire to be involved in conservation campaigns, zoos and schools play an important role in championing their knowledge and give them a place to explore these topics in more depth.

Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education and Engagement says;

“With so many species threatened with extinction, it’s vital now more than ever that we all play our part in creating a more sustainable future for people and wildlife. Spending time observing and learning about animals in the amazing setting of our zoological gardens supported by our educational experts can help foster a connection to nature and give young people some of the tools to make a difference. A visit to the zoo is also beneficial for young people themselves. Children and young people have experienced so much disruption during the last few years. It’s more important now than ever that all students have opportunities to get outside, spend time in nature and learn about the amazing biodiversity of our planet, all things that can be supported through a zoo visit. So, we’re delighted to be able to offer our free tickets for schools scheme again this year and enable even more young people to access the enriching educational experience of a trip to the zoo.”

This year’s free ticket offer is open for nurseries, schools and colleges which have not received free tickets for Chester Zoo within the last three years. 

Places are available for pupils from nursery age to year 13, for weekday visits between 1 November 2022 to 28 February 2023, during the Cheshire West and Chester region term time. Home educators are eligible to apply as a group through a Home Educators’ Network. 

There’s a maximum capacity of bookings per day to avoid overcrowding and ensure every child and visitor is able to enjoy a safe and world class experience.