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A Day at Pairi Daiza with Secondary School Students: What to Plan?

06.05.2026
Visits & practical advice

Organizing a school trip with secondary school students always requires a certain balance. You need to find an activity that is pedagogically meaningful, while also offering a day that steps outside the usual framework and truly captures their attention.

Between managing the group, handling logistics, and meeting objectives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right location and a bit of preparation, this type of day can really make a difference. Pairi Daiza is one of the most relevant destinations for a secondary school trip.

A Different Way of Learning

On-site, students are no longer in a “traditional” learning posture. They observe, ask questions, and make connections with what they’ve seen in class—often without even realizing it.

Being directly exposed to animals and diverse environments makes certain concepts much more concrete, especially those related to biodiversity and ecosystems.

It’s also a valuable moment for the group. Outside the classroom, interactions change, some students become more engaged, and the atmosphere is often more relaxed while still remaining structured.

A Change of Scenery for a School Trip

Pairi Daiza is not a “typical” zoo. The park is organized into different worlds, each with its own atmosphere, allowing for varied discoveries throughout the day.

With more than 7,500 animals and nearly 800 species, there is plenty to fuel observations and discussions with students.

To prepare for the visit, educational materials are also available for classroom use, which can be a real advantage in giving meaning to the trip beforehand.

Activities Tailored to Secondary School Students

For the day to run smoothly, pacing is important. In this regard, Pairi Daiza offers several formats that can be easily adapted.

A self-guided visit is already sufficient for a first discovery, but it is also possible to add guided educational animations. These last about 1 hour and 15 minutes and allow students to explore certain themes more interactively.

There are 11 activities available (including one about dinosaurs), making it possible to choose based on level and objectives.

What Should You Plan in Practice?

To ensure the day runs smoothly, a few elements should be anticipated.

Before the visit...

  • Book in advance, especially if you want a guided educational activity
  • Define a clear educational objective
  • Organize student groups and assign supervisors
  • Inform students: program, rules, and expectations

Transport

For school trips, the coach is often the simplest and most flexible solution. A dedicated bus parking area is available for groups. Drivers also benefit from certain advantages: they can access the park and receive a lunch voucher.

It is also possible to reach Pairi Daiza by train. SNCB/NMBS offers advantageous group rates, which can be a practical alternative depending on your school.

On the day...

  • Arrive early to make the most of the day
  • Set a clear meeting point
  • Alternate between guided and free time
  • Supervise free time, but do not leave students unattended

Logistics

  • Bring a packed lunch or arrange on-site catering
  • Adapt clothing to the weather and walking condition
  • Have a park map or a planned route

A Sample Schedule

To help visualize, here is an example day with secondary school students:

  • 9:30 am: arrival at the park
  • 10:00 am: educational animation
  • 11:30 am: lunch break
  • 1:30 pm: discovery of Edenya (largest tropical greenhouse in the world)
  • 3:30 pm: supervised free time
  • 4:30 pm: gathering and departure

An Experience That Works Well with Secondary Students
When a secondary school trip is successful, it shows quickly. Students are more attentive, more reactive, and they retain what they’ve seen more easily.

Pairi Daiza is exactly the kind of place that works well for this, as it combines observation, discovery, and more informal moments. Even less motivated students can find interest in it.

With thoughtful organization, Pairi Daiza offers a complete school trip experience—educational, immersive, and memorable for both students and teachers.