Groups Outings

Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania offers customizable group outings for families, school groups, clubs, and corporate teams looking for an active, educational day outdoors. Located on modest wooded grounds near Allentown, the Zoo combines species-focused encounters with interpretive trails and rentable event spaces. Groups Outings at the Lehigh Valley Zoo start with discounted general-admission tickets available year-round—group rates begin at 15 guests—so larger parties pay less and can add on curated experiences.

Key features include scheduled animal feedings (giraffe feedings and goat grain options are often available), Animal Kingdom presentations with hands-on education animals, guided nature-trail hikes that interpret local habitats, and facility rentals such as the Pavilion, Dining Deck, or the Bison Auditorium for gatherings. On-site food choices include Cockatoo Café combo meals and Mini Melts for a sweet finish. The zoo’s compact trail system highlights habitats and the plants that support them, making it easy to pair a focused conservation talk with a stroll.

Natural elements around the exhibits include mixed deciduous forest typical of eastern Pennsylvania and specially designed enclosures reflecting species-specific terrain. The campus functions as both classroom and outdoor lab: education staff lead one-hour professionally guided tours that concentrate on adaptations, behavior, and conservation status of resident animals. Practical amenities and upgrades set this operation apart.

Event organizers can arrange catering, purchase conservation pins to support local efforts, or schedule timed feedings to create memorable moments—particularly popular are giraffe interactions and feeding stations for smaller domestic species. Facility rentals make it simple to build a program that moves from presentation to lunch to a hands-on activity without shuttling guests between locations. Families and small organizations will appreciate that the site is designed for accessibility and easy circulation; large groups can split into subgroups with different activities to reduce crowding and maximize engagement.

Seasonally adjusted pricing keeps the zoo affordable during winter hours while retaining many enhancement options during peak months. Whether you’re booking a school field trip, a scout outing, or a company picnic, the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s group offerings streamline logistics so planners can focus on learning and enjoyment. Contact Donna at (610) 799-4171 x221 for reservations and to confirm availability of specific enhancements and animal experiences.

On a practical level, groups should plan arrival windows to stagger entry and reserve enhancement options in advance—animal feedings and presentations are subject to availability and often sell out during school-season visits. Consider assigning a day leader to manage headcounts and meal vouchers; facility staff can pre-load vouchers for Cockatoo Café to speed lines. For photographers and educators, shade and quiet corners near trailheads create observation points.

Booking four weeks ahead in spring and fall guarantees the best selection of guided hikes and auditorium availability now.