Going to the zoo can be a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. When planning a trip to the zoo, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how much it costs to get in. Zoo entrance fees can vary quite a bit depending on the specific zoo, the types of tickets or memberships available, and other factors.
Average Zoo Entrance Fees
According to a survey conducted in 2021, the average price for basic one-day zoo admission in the United States is $21.95 for an adult ticket. However, prices can range from as low as $5-$10 for some smaller zoos to $40 or more for larger, more premium zoos. Generally speaking, zoo entrance fees are a little cheaper for children than adults, with average children’s admission around $16.
Here are some more specifics on average adult admission costs at different types of zoos:
- Small local zoos – $5-$15
- Mid-size regional zoos – $15-$25
- Large national zoos (San Diego, St. Louis, etc) – $25-$40+
Of course, these are just general estimates – admission prices may be higher or lower depending on the individual zoo and other factors we’ll cover next.
What Impacts the Cost of Zoo Admission?
When looking at the entrance fee for a particular zoo, here are some of the key factors that influence the price:
Location and Size of Zoo
The zoo’s location and size are usually the main drivers of admission costs. Larger zoos in major metropolitan areas like New York and Washington D.C. typically have higher fees given their popularity and the volume and variety of exhibits. Smaller local zoos will usually be quite a bit cheaper.
Type of Ticket/Membership
Most zoos offer a range of admission ticket options beyond basic single day tickets that allow you to customize your visit. Common options include:
- Multi-day pass – Gives you admission for 2 or more days for a discounted rate compared to buying daily tickets.
- Annual membership – Unlimited admission all year plus other benefits like guest passes and discounts.
- VIP/premium tickets – Access to special exhibits and perks for an additional cost.
- Packages bundling admission plus amenities like parking, train rides, food vouchers, etc.
The cost and value of these membership and package options varies widely, so it’s worth exploring what’s available and doing the math for your specific situation.
Time of Year
Many zoos charge higher admission prices during peak seasons like summer holidays when attendance spikes. You may get a discount of $2-$5+ by visiting in the off-season when crowds are lower.
Age Category
Child, senior, and student ticket pricing is lower than regular adult admission. The age cutoffs for these categories can vary by zoo. Discounts generally range from a couple dollars up to 50% or more off adult ticket prices.
Special Promotions and Discounts
It’s always worth checking if any coupons, membership perks, or other specials can save you money. Zoos often run weekend discounts, BOGO deals, and other promotions during slower times of year.
Ways to Save on Zoo Admission
If you want to visit the zoo without breaking the bank, here are some tips to cut down on admission costs:
- Buy memberships – These pay for themselves quickly if you plan multiple visits per year.
- Look for coupons and deals online or in flyers/newspapers.
- Go on discounted days – Many zoos designate certain days for reduced admission.
- Visit in off-peak months like January-March to avoid summer rates.
- Arrive later in the day – Some zoos discount admission after 2 or 3pm.
- Join as a volunteer – Volunteer duty days may come with free admission benefits.
- Check social media – Zoos announce specials and contests offering free passes.
Average Cost of Zoo Memberships
Purchasing a zoo membership can make sense if you plan on visiting several times per year. Membership lengths and pricing structures vary greatly, but here are some typical ranges:
Annual Individual Memberships
- Small zoos – $40-$75 per year
- Medium zoos – $75-$125 per year
- Large zoos – $125-$250+ per year
Family Memberships
- Covers 2 named adults + children/grandchildren. Duration is usually annual.
- Small zoos – $75-$125 per year
- Medium zoos – $125-$200 per year
- Large zoos – $200-$400+ per year
Benefits like guest passes, parking discounts, early entry, and more will be included with most memberships. Be sure to factor these perks into the value calculation when deciding if a membership makes sense for your needs.
Membership vs Tickets: Which is More Economical?
Whether zoo memberships or individual tickets are more economical typically depends on these factors:
- How many visits you’ll make in a year – Memberships work best for frequent zoo-goers.
- Ticket prices – Higher day rates make memberships more advantageous.
- Membership expiration date – Allows you to maximize visit duration.
- Special member perks – Added benefits improve membership ROI.
- Number of people covered – Family plans provide more visitor value.
As a general rule of thumb, an individual membership makes financial sense once you plan to visit the zoo 3+ times in a year. For families visiting 5-6+ times annually, a family membership is likely the better option. Of course, run the numbers for your specific situation when deciding between membership vs tickets.
Case Study on Family Zoo Membership Value
Let’s look at a case study to analyze the potential value of a family zoo membership.
The Smith family of four (2 adults, 2 kids under 12) is considering purchasing a family annual membership at their local metro zoo. Here are the key details:
- Standard admission costs: Adults $24, Kids $18
- Family membership rate: $160/year
- Membership includes: Unlimited admission for 2 named adults + kids, parking discount, 10% gift shop discount, 4 guest passes
- Estimated visits per year: 8 (once every 6 weeks)
Without a membership, admission for the family would cost:
8 visits x (2 x $24 adult tickets + 2 x $18 kids tickets) = $384
With the family membership, their total yearly cost is $160.
So in this case, the family membership provides $384 – $160 = $224 per year in value after factoring in their planned number of visits. Additionally, they can enjoy other membership perks like parking discounts and guest passes.
For frequent zoo-goers like this family, an annual membership can often pay for itself quickly and provide significant savings compared to buying daily tickets.
Membership Costs and Options Vary by Zoo
While the last section provided a general overview of zoo membership costs, it’s important to note that specific prices, package options, and membership benefits can vary greatly between different zoos. Some key points:
- Larger, premium zoos typically charge more for memberships.
- Benefits improve with membership level – basic vs premium vs elite tiers.
- Geographic location influences pricing – higher in metro areas.
- Corporate and sponsored memberships may offer discounts.
- Reciprocity programs share benefits across zoos.
Rather than relying on averages, always check with your specific zoo for current membership prices and options. Many allow you to easily view membership details online. This ensures you get accurate pricing for informed comparisons and decision making.
Tips for Maximizing Zoo Membership Value
Once you’ve purchased a zoo membership, here are some tips to make sure you maximize the return on your investment and take full advantage of the benefits:
- Note expiration date – Plan visits accordingly to use the full duration.
- Share guest passes – They often go unused, so distribute to friends.
- Take advantage of discounts – Use member deals for food, merchandise, etc.
- Attend member events – Limited access events and previews.
- Upgrade before renewal – Can add extra months mid-term at pro-rated price.
- Inquire about reciprocity – Nearby zoos may offer free or discounted entry.
With a bit of planning, you can optimize your member experience and truly get your money’s worth from a zoo membership.
Conclusion
Zoo admission and membership pricing has a wide range, with many factors impacting the cost at each specific zoo. While admission generally ranges from $10-$40 for daily tickets, memberships can provide great value for frequent visitors at $50-$250+ per year depending on the package. Comparing the expected number of visits to admission prices and available membership options makes it easy to identify the most economical and convenient access method for your needs.