What It Means
A zoo membership is a yearly purchase from a zoo, often sold as a family level, that lets the named members in without buying tickets each time. It pays off once the visits you'd otherwise pay for add up to more than its price. At zoos and aquariums in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) reciprocal program, members can also get free or discounted admission at other participating facilities.
Try It: Does a Family Zoo Membership Pay Off?
All prices are examples. Use your zoo's own ticket and membership prices.
Call the other zoo first: AZA says discounts and who's covered vary.
How People Say It
- "We're members, so we can just pop in for an hour."
- "Bring the membership card, the aquarium takes it for half off."
- "Two visits and the membership's paid for."
The Breakdown
The formula
Break-even visits = membership price ÷ what one family visit costs, rounded up
Worked example. Two adults and two children, at a zoo charging $25 an adult and $18 a child (example prices):
| Item | Math | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| One visit, paying at the gate | 2 × $25 + 2 × $18 | $86 |
| Family membership | $160 | |
| Three visits, paying | 3 × $86 | $258 |
| Saved with membership over three visits | $258 minus $160 | $98 |
| One trip to another AZA zoo at 50% off its $90 family admission | $45 more |
$160 ÷ $86 is about 1.9, so the second visit is where the membership starts to pay. On a vacation, a reciprocal visit adds to that.
What moves the number
- How many people the membership level covers, and whether a grandparent or sitter can use it
- How often you'll realistically go, including short visits you'd never buy a full ticket for
- Whether you'll travel near other participating AZA zoos and aquariums
Good to Know
AZA's reciprocal program covers admission to the main facility on normal operating days and hours, and it may exclude special exhibits or events that charge extra. You'll need to show proof of membership from your home zoo, the number of people admitted on a family membership may vary from place to place, and AZA asks members to call each zoo or aquarium before visiting to confirm the current details.
FAQ
Is a zoo membership worth it?
Divide the membership price by what one visit costs your group. If you'll go at least that many times in the year, it pays for itself, and any reciprocal visits elsewhere add to the savings.
What is AZA reciprocal admission?
Members of participating zoos and aquariums in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums can get free or discounted admission at other participating facilities. How much you save depends on both facilities, so check with the zoo you plan to visit.
Does a zoo membership work at other zoos?
At participating AZA facilities, often yes, but call ahead. AZA says you need proof of membership from your home zoo, and coverage, group size and special exhibits vary by facility.
Do It in Buhata
Subscriptions (Plus), Calendar
Add the zoo membership to Subscriptions (Plus) with its renewal date, and put your planned visits on the Calendar so you can see whether you're on pace.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Annual pass
A pass bought once that covers entry to a park, attraction or set of sites for a year, so it pays off after enough visits.
- Library passes
Free or discounted admission passes to museums, gardens and other attractions that a public library lets cardholders reserve, usually for a set date.
- Family vacation
A trip taken together by a parent or parents and their children, usually planned around school breaks, the children's ages and a shared budget.
- Rainy day activities
Things for children to do indoors when bad weather cancels outdoor plans, ideally mixing active play with quieter projects.
- Travel budget
A plan for how much a trip will cost in total, split into travel, lodging, food, activities and a cushion, set before you book.
Sources
Association of Zoos and Aquariums, "AZA Reciprocal Admissions"
Last updated .