Fossil Rim Wildlife Center doesn’t offer a teacher discount at the gate. What it does offer is a set of group programs for schools, and every one of them includes one free adult or chaperone for every 10 students. If you’re a teacher thinking about a class trip, that group route is the one to look at.
The park’s FAQ answers a question about veteran and elderly discounts by saying that at this time Fossil Rim doesn’t offer discounts. That line isn’t about teachers, but it’s the only discount statement we found on the site, and we found no teacher ID or pay stub offer on the FAQ, tickets or membership pages.
How To Get The Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Teacher Discount
The group programs page lists who qualifies: a school, scout troop, day care, college or university, homeschool group, assisted living facility, extracurricular organization or non-profit organization. To book, you confirm your group qualifies, choose one of 4 program formats, select a program theme and submit a reservation request form.
The page says every group program includes one free adult or chaperone for every 10 students or youth. It also asks for a deposit 3 weeks before the event and full payment 2 weeks before the program date, and it suggests planning 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Groups under 10 can still book if they meet the other requirements, but Fossil Rim charges for a minimum of 10 participants.
What Each Format Costs
Prices on the group programs page are per person, and they change with the length of the program and the grade of your students.
- Focus Tours run up to 1 hour for groups of 10 to 100, are recommended for age 5 and older, and are $20 per person, Monday through Friday.
- Discovery Tours run 1.5 to 2 hours for groups of 10 to 100, are recommended for age 8 and older, and are $30 per person, Monday through Friday.
- Day Programs run 4.5 hours for groups of 10 to 80 and require 3rd grade or older. They’re $50 per person.
- Overnight Programs last 24 hours for groups of 10 to 56, require 5th grade or older, and are $110 per person with dinner and breakfast included.
What’s Included And What Isn’t
Every program includes at least one guided visit through the park, and all guided experiences include feed for the animals. Lunch isn’t part of any program, but groups are welcome to bring packed lunches to the Overlook picnic area. If a deposit is a problem, the page says you can pay in full instead and that Fossil Rim will work with you on payment plans if you note it in your request.
Visiting On Your Own
If you’d rather go with your family than with a class, the tickets page describes the Self-Drive visit as a self-guided 7.2-mile drive through Texas Hill Country. The FAQ says to buy tickets online before you go if you want guaranteed admission, and that on self-guided drives guests get one free cone of feed per five people at the check-in station when tickets are scanned.
The membership page says the Scout tier is ideal for students, educators or individuals who enjoy solo visits. It doesn’t list a separate educator price, so don’t expect the tier to cost less for teachers. Memberships also come with discounted admission to partner zoos, including the Dallas Zoo and Caldwell Zoo.
What We Couldn’t Confirm
We didn’t find a teacher rate for the Self-Drive ticket, and the membership page states no educator price. We also can’t say whether Fossil Rim will take a school ID or pay stub for a reduced price at the gate, because nothing on its pages mentions one. For anything about a specific date, group size or payment plan, the reservation request form is the place to ask.
Q&A
Does Fossil Rim give teachers a discount?
We found no individual teacher discount. The FAQ says the park doesn’t offer discounts at this time, and its school route is the group programs.
How many free adults does a school group get?
One free adult or chaperone for every 10 students or youth, on all group programs.
What’s the smallest group I can book?
Fossil Rim can book groups under 10 that meet the other requirements, but it charges for a minimum of 10 participants.
Can a homeschool group book?
Yes. Homeschool groups are on the list of qualifying groups.
Is lunch included?
No. None of the programs include lunch, but you can bring packed lunches to the Overlook picnic area.
When is payment due?
A deposit is due at least 3 weeks before the program and full payment 2 weeks before the program date, though Fossil Rim says it can take payment in full instead of the deposit.
More Information:
The details above come from Fossil Rim’s own pages as they loaded when we checked, and programs and prices change without notice. See more entertainment discounts for teachers.
