RISING SUN ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Plumpton Park Zoo for Groups: Intimate, Hands-On Animal Encounters for Parties of 15+
Group general-admission visits at Plumpton Park Zoo offer discounted rates for groups of 15 or more (starting at $13.95 for children) and optional one-hour guided educational tours — this guide explains logistics, animal highlights, and how to plan a smooth group arrival.
Plumpton Park Zoo for Groups: Intimate, Hands-On Animal Encounters for Parties of 15+.
Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, Maryland, pairs a small-zoo ease with big-animal appeal: close-up views of giraffes, black bears, zebras and Siberian tigers within a compact, family-friendly setting that also offers a shaded picnic area, a snack bar and a petting zoo for hand-feeding select animals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close Encounters with Big and Small
See signature residents like Jimmie the Giraffe, Louie the Black Bear, Zoe the Zebra and Alexis and Miracle the Siberian Tigers in an intimate layout that’s ideal for groups and children.
Picnic, Snacks and Souvenirs
The zoo provides a shaded picnic area, a snack bar and a gift shop; visitors can purchase petting‑zoo food to hand-feed friendly animals, making it easy to keep a large group comfortable and engaged.
Optional Guided Educational Tour
For groups wanting structured learning, a one-hour guided educational tour is available as an add-on at a set per-group rate.
What the day feels like
What a Group Visit Feels Like
A group visit unfolds as a relaxed circuit through a compact collection of exhibits — close viewing of large mammals, stops at the petting area and time for snacks or a picnic — all staged for easy supervision and frequent wow moments for younger visitors.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit works best for — and who should rethink.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring any petting‑zoo food purchased onsite, water and sun protection for outdoor exhibits; families should collect admission money prior to arrival and assemble the group outside the main entrance for streamlined payment.
Most groups must reserve the visit three weeks in advance; group admission is handled by a representative at the admissions window and group members who pay separately do not qualify for group rates.
Parking at Plumpton Park Zoo is free; on-site amenities include a snack stand and a gift shop.
Normal hours are 10 AM–5 PM with last admission at 4 PM; summer hours (Memorial Day–Labor Day) shift to 9 AM–6 PM with last admission at 5 PM.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum group size to qualify for group rates?
Group rates are valid only for groups of 15 visitors or more.
How much are regular admission rates?
Adult admission (ages 13+) is $19.95; child admission (under 12 years old) is $13.95.
Is there an educational tour available for groups?
Yes — a one-hour guided educational tour is available for an additional $45.00 per 20 people.
When should groups make reservations?
Reservations are required for most groups three weeks prior to the date of your visit.
How should a group handle payment and entry on arrival?
Collect money from participants before arrival; upon arrival assemble the group outside the main entrance and have a representative come to the admissions window to pay so the group rate applies.
Is parking available?
Parking at the zoo is free.
Can visitors leave and re-enter the zoo?
After entry, anyone can get a hand stamp to exit and re-enter the zoo.