Zoo Membership - Great Budget helper

[andrews_dad]

Many zoos are part of an AZA (American Zoo Assoc) partnership. Your membership in one can not only give you unlimited visits to your local zoo, but 100's of other zoos and aquariums in the USA and Mexico/Canada. You can save a few buck if you shop around, too. I am a member of the Baltimore Zoo, which runs about $80 a year for the whole family bought at the gate (currently a $5 off promo). Now, you could buy a yearly membership for a family at the Aquariums in North Carolina (where we often vacation) and it runs $50 for the family. That annual membership pass gets you the same AZA reciprocal benefits ... so that pass will get you into those same 100's of other zoos and aquariums. Shop around and find the best deal if you want to save a few bucks. Most zoos have free parking and most are fine with guests bringing in outside food and drink. We go at least monthly for a cheap and thrilling day for the kids with our membership to some zoo.

Also, although Dizzers do not like to think of Animal Kingdom as a zoo, some zoo folks DO think of it as zoo-like. So much so that Zoo Professionals who are members of the AZA get a free day pass to Animal Kingdom (membership for professionals is $95). http://www.aza.org/membership/Documents/Free_Discounted_Admission.pdf

So, here is what you do. Check the websites of the zoos and aquariums. Look for the link of the reciprocal zoos and aquariums to your particular zoos. Buy the best rate with the best benefits. FYI -- Most reciprocals give you 2 adults and 2 child admissions.... check with each location about bigger families.

 

[livndisney]

Many zoos are part of an AZA (American Zoo Assoc) partnership. Your membership in one can not only give you unlimited visits to your local zoo, but 100's of other zoos and aquariums in the USA and Mexico/Canada. You can save a few buck if you shop around, too. I am a member of the Baltimore Zoo, which runs about $80 a year for the whole family bought at the gate (currently a $5 off promo). Now, you could buy a yearly membership for a family at the Aquariums in North Carolina (where we often vacation) and it runs $50 for the family. That annual membership pass gets you the same AZA reciprocal benefits ... so that pass will get you into those same 100's of other zoos and aquariums. Shop around and find the best deal if you want to save a few bucks. Most zoos have free parking and most are fine with guests bringing in outside food and drink. We go at least monthly for a cheap and thrilling day for the kids with our membership to some zoo.

Also, although Dizzers do not like to think of Animal Kingdom as a zoo, some zoo folks DO think of it as zoo-like. So much so that Zoo Professionals who are members of the AZA get a free day pass to Animal Kingdom (membership for professionals is $95). http://www.aza.org/membership/Documents/Free_Discounted_Admission.pdf

So, here is what you do. Check the websites of the zoos and aquariums. Look for the link of the reciprocal zoos and aquariums to your particular zoos. Buy the best rate with the best benefits. FYI -- Most reciprocals give you 2 adults and 2 child admissions.... check with each location about bigger families.

FYI-Zoo Members in Florida no longer get free admission to other Zoo's in Florida. They changed it this year to 50% off admission.

It looks like Zoo's in quite a few other states have changed to 50% off admission as well. (AND here I was bummed at Florida LOL) http://www.brevardzoo.org/uploads/RECIP2009COPY(1).pdf

It may still be a good deal for some, but I would not buy a membership planning to use it to visit other zoos for free without doing a bit of homework.

 

[eeyorefan74]

This is great information, and I think a lot of people aren't aware of it. We used to have a membership to our local zoo, and used it several times at different zoos on vacation, or when visiting out of town family. Great money saver!

 

[RangerPooh]

We have a membership to Binder Park Zoo here in Michigan and have used it at many other zoos. One thing to keep in mind is the reciprocity at other zoos is not always the same. Some zoos let you in free while others are at a discount.

Plus, the zoo that you purchase through will probably offer memebr disocunts. BPZ offers discounts on gift shop purchases, birthday parties, summer camp programs, and zoo overnights. Plus there is a refillable souvenier cup for both adults and kids that you can purchase and refill from free on your visits. There are also coupons that you can use for discounts on food purchases, trian rides, giraffe biscuits, and a few other things.

 

[Mickeyorbust]

I work at an AZA accredited zoo, please don't assume that just because another zoo is on the reciprocal list that you'll get free admission to it. Some of the reciprocal zoos only offer a discount on the admission. You should always call the zoo you're planning to visit, other than the zoo you have a membership to, to verify whether the reciprocal agreement offers free admission or discounted. Also, the reciprocal agreements are yearly. So it would be a good idea to make sure you have a current reciprocal list from your home zoo. But, a zoo membership is a great money saver.

 

[pixiewings71]

I'm confused, we are members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it's on this list but what does that mean? Does that mean we are supposed to be able to go to the Sacramento Zoo (which is also on the list) and get in for free?

 

[java]

Can you explain the headings? What does AA stand for?

We belong to the Lehigh Valley Zoo(it was cheaper for us to join)
I see that the SC Aquarium is on there and we were also members there- now I'm thinking we can get in with our Lehigh valley Zoo pass??

 

[twinglesmome]

You can also get in free or at a reduced price to various venues with other reciprocal memberships as well. For example, we have a membership at the Maryland Science Center that is part of ASTC. We can then visit other science centers/museums that are in the ASTC network worldwide. We also have an ACM reciprocal membership with Port Discovery Children's Museum which allows free/reduced cost admission at other children's museums nationwide.

We have taken advantage of these reciprocal programs when we travel. It greatly reduces entertainment/admission costs. If you visit your local museums/attractions at least two times, your membership fee usually pays for itself. Then just be sure to look up the reciprocal programs before you travel. We have actually scheduled vacations around these memberships. Several years ago, we visited Philadelphia and received reduced admission to the Philly Zoo, free admission to the Franklin Institute and Museum of Natural History as well as the Please Touch Museum.

It's definitely worth checking out your local museums. Sometimes restrictions do apply. For example, no reciprocal membership within a 90 mile radius within your home state.

 

[livndisney]

I'm confused, we are members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it's on this list but what does that mean? Does that mean we are supposed to be able to go to the Sacramento Zoo (which is also on the list) and get in for free?

I didn't see Monterey Bay on the list I posted. But if Monterey participates I would be able to go to the Sacramento Zoo for 50% off. The ** to the left of the name are the Zoos that give the 50% off admission vs Free admission.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I'm confused, we are members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it's on this list but what does that mean? Does that mean we are supposed to be able to go to the Sacramento Zoo (which is also on the list) and get in for free?

yes, but call an make sure. Sometimes its free and sometimes its a % off.

I used to have my local zoo, turtle back zoo. It expired and we were in Florida and the central florida zoo. I just bought an annual membership there which wasnt more than my total admission for the day and was than able to use my florida zoo pass to get in free at my local zoo.

 

[livndisney]

FYI The link in the first post is the list for 2008.
The list changed for 2009 and was revised 12/08.

 

[Benducci]

FYI The link in the first post is the list for 2008.
The list changed for 2009 and was revised 12/08.

Do you have the link for 2009?

 

[andrews_dad]

Don't look at the link as much as you should visit your home zoo website to see. There is not one UNIVERSAL list as much as it is each zoo that works out deals within the AZA system. So, if you live near one check that one first.

Here is the reciprocal list for Baltimore Zoo .. it denotes the 50% off and the free.... http://www.marylandzoo.org/Images/MD Zoo Reciprocal List SRING 2009 rev 04.10.09.pdf

Lehigh Valley does not have thier list posted.. I'd call to get a current list ... but they advertise AZA membership All membership categories include the following benefits:
Unlimited daytime admission for one full year
Discount Zoo admission for special events
Discount for Zoo camp, family programs and birthday parties
10% discount at the Nature Store and the Outdoor Cafe
Free or discounted admission at over 100 zoos and aquariums

 

[java]

Don't look at the link as much as you should visit your home zoo website to see.

Here is the reciprocal list for Baltimore Zoo .. it denotes the 50% off and the free.... http://www.marylandzoo.org/Images/MD Zoo Reciprocal List SRING 2009 rev 04.10.09.pdf

Lehigh Valley does not have thier list posted.. I'd call to get a current list ... but they advertise AZA membership All membership categories include the following benefits:
Unlimited daytime admission for one full year
Discount Zoo admission for special events
Discount for Zoo camp, family programs and birthday parties
10% discount at the Nature Store and the Outdoor Cafe
Free or discounted admission at over 100 zoos and aquariums

Thanks I'll get a list when we go next time- we actually go just to see the penguins and have a picnic- it's not much of a zoo- but there is a great little river and a drive thru safari- kind of(only elk and buffalo) but the kids love it.

 

[andrews_dad]

Reciprocal list for Brevard Zoo in Fla.

http://www.brevardzoo.org/uploads/RECIP2009COPY.pdf

 

[andrews_dad]

We have a membership to Binder Park Zoo here in Michigan and have used it at many other zoos. One thing to keep in mind is the reciprocity at other zoos is not always the same. Some zoos let you in free while others are at a discount.

Plus, the zoo that you purchase through will probably offer memebr disocunts. BPZ offers discounts on gift shop purchases, birthday parties, summer camp programs, and zoo overnights. Plus there is a refillable souvenier cup for both adults and kids that you can purchase and refill from free on your visits. There are also coupons that you can use for discounts on food purchases, trian rides, giraffe biscuits, and a few other things.

DH is actually the Curator of Education at our local zoo (BPZ) so we have used our memership (and his AZA privilages) at many zoos. It makes an affordable family outing!

Tell him to tell their website folks to update the Binder Park reciprocal list... it is from 2007!! http://www.binderparkzoo.org/pdf/reciprocal_2007.pdf

 

[andrews_dad]

I am not seeing any reciprocals listed on the Montery Bay Aquarium website. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/md/join.asp

 

[andrews_dad]

Lowery Park in Tampa. Search reciprocals by drop-down menu. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/annual_pass.php

Detriot Zoo ... http://www.detroitzoo.org/Support_the_Zoo/Membership/Reciprocal_List/

Clevland ... http://www.clevelandzoosociety.org/join_zoolist.aspx

 

[mrudman]

I love my zoo membership! We've gotten it ever since my older dd was a baby, and because we live 40 minutes from Cleveland Zoo/Rainforest, and 20 minutes from Akron Zoo, we frequent both on a regular basis.

Love going to the Akron one just for a couple-hr stroll, then go to the Cleveland one if we feel like spending the day there.

Only costs $68 for our family, which is exactly what we'd pay for just 2 trips to either zoo. So definitely get our money's worth out of it!

 

[Mickeyorbust]

I love my zoo membership! We've gotten it ever since my older dd was a baby, and because we live 40 minutes from Cleveland Zoo/Rainforest, and 20 minutes from Akron Zoo, we frequent both on a regular basis.

Love going to the Akron one just for a couple-hr stroll, then go to the Cleveland one if we feel like spending the day there.

Only costs $68 for our family, which is exactly what we'd pay for just 2 trips to either zoo. So definitely get our money's worth out of it!

Excellent point...even if you never visit one of the reciprocal zoos, usually the cost of membership at your local zoo cost less than two or three visits paying gate price each time.