RISING SUN ZOO FIELD GUIDE
School and Daycare Group Admission at Plumpton Park Zoo — Up Close with Giraffes, Tigers and a Hands-On Petting Area in Rising Sun
Group rates and guided-education options for groups of 15 or more at Plumpton Park Zoo, useful for teachers and program leaders planning a streamlined, educational zoo visit.
School and Daycare Group Admission at Plumpton Park Zoo — Up Close with Giraffes, Tigers and a Hands-On Petting Area in Rising Sun.
Adventure brief
School and Daycare Group Admission at Plumpton Park Zoo — Up Close with Giraffes, Tigers and a Hands-On Petting Area in Rising Sun
Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, Maryland, offers a compact, intimate zoo experience tailored to school and daycare groups: big animals like Kazar the Giraffe and Alexis and Miracle the Siberian Tigers live alongside a petting area, shaded picnic space and concessions, all delivered with an education-and-conservation mission.
Plumpton Park Zoo offers an exceptional private education group admission experience designed specifically for schools and daycares in Rising Sun, Maryland. This unique outdoor adventure invites young learners to explore diverse animal habitats up close, fostering curiosity and environmental awareness in a fun, engaging setting. Students can benefit from tailored educational programs that blend interactive animal encounters with important lessons about wildlife conservation and natural habitats. The zoo's compact size makes it ideal for educational groups, ensuring personalized attention and a safe environment. Whether it’s spotting playful otters, observing colorful birds, or learning about native reptiles, children leave with memorable experiences that support classroom learning. The friendly staff and experienced educators enrich every visit, making it not only educational but also a delightful outing for kids and chaperones alike. Beyond the animals, the zoo prioritizes hands-on learning and meaningful connections to nature, encouraging long-term respect for the environment. Located just a short drive from larger cities, Plumpton Park Zoo offers a convenient, affordable outdoor adventure perfect for fostering a love of wildlife and nature in the next generation.
Route Schematic
Typical route and stops
A group visit moves through key animal exhibits and visitor amenities designed to be experienced within a school-day schedule.
Admissions & Group Check-in
Groups gather at admissions where a zoo representative settles group details; groups should remain on buses until this process is complete to ensure the group rate is applied.
Large Mammal Exhibits
Stations for animals such as Kazar the Giraffe, Louie the Black Bear and Zoe the Zebra are prime stops for observation and discussion.
Siberian Tigers
The exhibit for Alexis and Miracle the Siberian Tigers offers a concentrated opportunity to discuss habitat, behavior and conservation.
Petting Area & Picnic
Finish with the petting zoo and a shaded picnic area where students can eat and, if purchased, hand-feed select animals.
Group leaders should note the zoo requires reservations for most groups three weeks prior to a visit and enforces group-size rules at admissions; operators may adjust entry flow and exhibit access on busy days.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close views of signature residents
Visitors can see named residents such as Kazar the Giraffe, Louie the Black Bear, Zoe the Zebra and the Siberian Tigers, presented in a setting designed for close, family-friendly encounters.
Group-friendly education and guided tours
School and daycare groups have access to discounted admission for parties of 15 or more and can add a one-hour guided educational tour for an additional fee—designed to give a focused, curriculum-friendly hour with zoo educators.
Picnic, petting opportunities and visitor services
The zoo includes a shaded picnic area, snack bar and gift shop; visitors can also purchase petting-zoo food to hand-feed some of the friendlier animals during their visit.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
A group visit to Plumpton Park Zoo is compact and efficient: a close-knit zoo layout emphasizes intimate viewing and hands-on experiences, anchored by an explicit educational and conservation purpose and augmented by modest visitor amenities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Which groups this admission suits — and which it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Group rates are valid only for groups of 15 visitors or more; reservations are required for most groups three weeks prior to the date of visit.
Standard admission rates are listed by age (Adult 13+ and Child under 12); a one-hour guided educational tour is available for an additional fee per group segment.
Collect money from parents and children prior to arrival and keep your group on buses while a zoo representative completes group admissions; group members who pay separately may not receive the group rate.
Free parking is available; the zoo offers a snack bar, gift shop, shaded picnic area and petting-zoo food for purchase.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum group size for the school/daycare group rate?
Group rates are only valid for groups of 15 visitors or more.
How far in advance should I reserve for a school group?
Reservations are required for most groups three weeks prior to the date of your visit.
What are the standard admission rates?
Adult admission (ages 13+) is $20.95; child admission (ages under 12) is $14.95.
Is a guided educational tour available for groups?
Yes. A one-hour guided educational tour of the zoo is available for an additional $35.00 per 20 people.
What should group leaders do on arrival to speed entry?
Collect money before arrival, have the group remain on buses while a representative completes admissions, and note that group rates do not apply to individuals who pay separately.
Is parking available and can visitors re-enter the zoo?
Parking is free; after entry, anyone can get their hand stamped to exit and re-enter the zoo.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-15T03:09:48.166Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.