Happy Hollow’s mission is to connect people to nature through play, and one of the important ways we do this is by funding free field trips for low-income Title I schools. There are 17 such schools within 3 miles of the park and zoo, and many of these students have never had the opportunity to visit this wonderful place. A new initiative from Happy Hollow Foundation aims to change that.

To ensure that these field trip groups get the most out of their experience, the foundation funds admission for students and chaperones; transportation to and from Happy Hollow; a picnic area rental so students can store and eat their lunches; and an educational assembly featuring Happy Hollow’s incredible animal ambassadors.

It makes for a truly unforgettable day. Children beam when they are greeted by Danny the Dragon, and their eyes light up when they get to see a snake up close. They scream with joy when they experience our fast, fun roller coaster, the Pacific Fruit Express. On a recent field trip, one student turned to his teacher and exclaimed “Today feels like a dream!”

Happy Hollow Foundation aims to continue making dreams come true for our community. This is a pilot program, and funding is currently limited. If you’re interested in supporting the Title I Field Trips program, please contact Amy Pizarro, Executive Director, at [email protected].

Read more: “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood“