Membership | Cincinnati Zoo (original) (raw)

Join for a Full Year of Adventure, Learning, and Fun!

Celebrate the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 150th anniversary and become a member today. It’s worth your wild!

All Members receive free admission, free parking, discounted tickets for extra guests, discounts at the gift shop, restaurants, and on educational programs, priority registration for select programs, free admission to PNC Festival of Lights, discounts at 150+ zoos and aquariums nationwide, invitations to member-only previews and special events, and virtual membership perks!! Current members, access your Digital Membership Card here.

Official Membership Sponsor:

membership pricing

PLATINUM

Standard level benefits + unlimited rides on the Train & Carousel + 4 free guests per visit

Family** – $330

Dual – $265

Individual – $230

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GOLD

Standard level benefits + unlimited rides on the Train & Carousel + 1 free guest per visit

Family** – $245

Dual – $180

Individual – $145

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STANDARD

Year-round unlimited admission + parking

Family** – $165

Dual – $120

Individual – $80

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Member Benefits

Virtual Member Benefits

Disclaimer

All members are held to the Zoo’s Policies, found at Visitor FAQs. Memberships are non-refundable, non-transferrable and cannot be extended. *NOTE: Virtual Membership does NOT include admission to the Cincinnati Zoo.

The person(s) using this membership grants the Zoological Society of Cincinnati (the “Zoo”) permission to use his or her image, or that of his/her children, in advertising, publicity and other promotions without payment or compensation to holder. By using this membership, the person using it voluntarily assumes all risk of personal injury (including but not limited to death) and loss of property, by accident or otherwise, incidental to attending the Zoo and using its rides, attractions and facilities, and agrees that the Zoo, its directors, officers, employees, and agents are not responsible for and shall not be liable for any such injuries or losses, no matter how caused. This membership evidences a revocable license to enter the Zoo’s property, and this license may be revoked (and the holder ejected from the Zoo’s property) at the sole discretion of the Zoo, without refund, if misused or if the holder fails to abide by the policies, rules or regulations of the Zoo. Such policies, among other things, prohibit the possession and/or use of controlled substances and intoxicants on Zoo property. Park hours, prices, policies, and programs are all subject to change without notice. This membership is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fees for food, merchandise, pay-per-ride attractions, and special concerts and events are not included unless noted on the membership.

Discount Disclaimer

Must be renewed before the current membership expires to receive a discount, discount code required. The 20% discount cannot be combined with any additional discounts, promotions or offers.

Discount is off the full price of membership. Mail orders can take up to 21 days to process.

*Ask about our student, military and first responders discounts.

**Limit of 8 children/grandchildren per family membership, age 18 and under. Please be advised that due to US tax law, gifts made through Donor Advised Funds or charitable IRA rollovers are not eligible for memberships.

people sitting down at the zoo eating ice cream

Become a Donor Club Member

Keeper Circle and Andrew Erkenbrecher Society memberships come with exclusive benefits.

Learn More

Fiona fans all over the world can now visit the world-famous hippo and her bloat every day via live stream from Hippo Cove! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s new Virtual Membership package includes access to a members-only site that includes the live hippo feed, live giraffe feed, live lion feed, exclusive videos, discounts in the Zoo’s online store, and insider news.

Choose the option that works for you! All membership levels include access to the Cincinnati Zoo Virtual Member Center.

Already a Zoo member? Just log in to the Virtual Member Site! Not a member yet, an out-of-towner, or just looking to access the hippo cam? Purchase a Virtual Membership or membership level that is best for you!

virtual membership live hippo cam showing a litlte boy looking at hippo

Looking for a wild and unique gift? Give the gift of membership! When you purchase a gift membership, you (as the gift giver) will receive an e-mail confirmation with a PDF gift certificate attached that the recipient will redeem at their convenience to begin their membership. To redeem and activate the gift membership, the recipient will need to call the Member Services Office at (513) 559-7713 or email [email protected]. You will not need any of the recipient’s information to purchase a gift membership.

More info

The membership doesn’t start until the recipient decides to redeem the gift certificate, which means they won’t lose any time on their membership! The membership is valid for one year from the redemption date (must redeem within one year of purchase).

Gift memberships in the form of renewals will add one year from the current member’s expiration date (i.e. if the current member’s expiration date for their membership is 3/31/2023, the gift membership will add one year and expire on 3/31/2024). You will not need the current member’s information to complete the transaction.

Purchase a Gift Membership

Click here for a printable PDF Gift Certificate to give with your gift membership

I renewed by phone/mail but have not yet received my new Membership Card?

As part of our Zero Net Waste Initiative we are no longer printing membership cards and your membership will not be automatically sent through the mail. Re-prints of physical cards will incur a $7 fee. You will receive an e-mail confirmation with a temporary card that you can use immediately. You can also download your digital membership card through the Digital Membership Portal.

Do you offer a military and first responders discount for memberships?

First Responders and all members of the military (both active military and veterans) receive a 10% discount on all Zoo membership levels.

Please bring your first responder employee ID, military or veteran ID to a Ticketing Window to redeem. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer/deal/discount.

First Responders: A valid photo ID must be presented at the Cincinnati Zoo to take advantage of this offer. Fire, EMT and police badges and identification cards are accepted only if accompanied by photo ID. As all ID must reference specific fire or police duty, government-only IDs will not be accepted.

How do I replace a lost or damaged card?

In our effort to reach Zero Net Waste, there is a $7.00 fee for re-printing physical membership cards. Please contact the membership office to pay by phone to replace your cards. Don’t forget you have access to your digital membership cards via the Digital Membership Portal

After I buy my membership, when will it expire?

All memberships expire the last day of the month they are purchased in, the following year – so you and your family will have at least 12 months to enjoy the Zoo year-round.

If I renew my membership early, when will it expire?

We always add 12 months to your current expiration date when you renew. For example, if your membership expires 6/30/2021 and you renew 4/4/2021, your membership will be extended to 6/30/2022.

Does my membership include guest passes?

Our Gold level memberships include one free guest per visit and our Platinum level memberships include four free guests per visit (this is total guests for the entire membership).

Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member to use?

No. Memberships are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be extended. All sales are final. Primary and secondary adult member names cannot be changed during the membership year.

Can I use my membership for my child's school field trip or ticketed event?

Memberships are not applicable for admission or rides during school field trips or ticketed events. Memberships are always valid for parking.

Can I drop off my child at the zoo? How old do they need to be without an adult present during their visit?

A Child must be 13 years or older in order to visit the zoo without a parent or guardian present. If the child is coming into the zoo on a membership (and they are one of the children on the membership), they will need a note from one of the named adults on the membership stating they give their permission and knowledge for the child to enter the zoo without them present.

My membership includes parking, where do I park?

Parking is limited to one vehicle per named adult on your membership, per day. If you have a Platinum, Gold or Standard membership, you may park in any open Zoo parking lot free of charge. Due to limited availability, parking is first-come, first-served and is not guaranteed on high volume days. The membership free parking benefit is applicable for zoo visits only. Parking lot is for visitors to the Zoo and only for the duration of the visit. Parking for other purposes is explicitly prohibited and may result in your vehicle being towed.

Can I use my membership for PNC Festival of Lights?

Zoo memberships are valid for all seasonal events, such as Zoo Blooms, Zoo Babies, HallZOOween, and PNC Festival of Lights.

I’ve already renewed my membership but I continue to get renewal notices in the mail. Should I be concerned that you did not receive my renewal?

If you have recently renewed your membership, please disregard any renewal notices that follow. Although we work to process renewals as quickly as possible, there is a chance that you may receive another notice before your payment and renewal is processed and entered into our system. Renewals sent by mail may take up to 21 days to process. If you have any additional questions about your renewal or if it has been over a month since you renewed, please call our membership office for more information.

My gift membership expired. Does that mean I can't redeem it?

We will honor the value of the gift certificate you received, even beyond its expiration date. However, if the price of the membership has increased since the time of purchase (or if there are any other differences in price where the value of the membership you are receiving is higher than what the gift certificate was purchased for) you will be responsible for covering the difference.

Is my membership tax-deductible?

Zoo memberships are purchased for the goods and services offered by means of the membership and are NOT tax-deductible EXCEPT if the amount paid is 75orless.Memberships75 or less. Memberships 75orless.Memberships75 and under are considered an insubstantial benefit and are therefore 100% deductible. Please consult a tax advisor for additional information.

If I want to join the Zoo on the day of my visit, can I receive credit from my admission toward the cost of the membership?

Did you buy tickets and love the Zoo? Up to 100% of your paid admission is applicable when you present proof of purchase or an email confirmation from an online ticket purchase. Admission receipts and email confirmations are only valid on the day of your visit and must show amount paid. Some restrictions apply. Amount deducted from price of the membership cannot be greater than the cost of the membership. Only one day of admission may be used. Admission deductions limited to individuals covered on the membership purchased. Please stop by the Ticketing Windows or Welcome Center to purchase. Tickets purchased for Zoo events or through promotions/offers are not able to be applied toward a membership.

What else should I know about my membership?

Here are some important Membership Policy reminders:

If you do not see your question here, please call the membership office at (513) 559-7713 or e-mail us at [email protected].

How can I contact the Member Services Office?

The membership office is open daily. Call (513) 559-7713 or e-mail us at [email protected].

How do I become a Member at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden?

There are two ways to become a member:

Reciprocal Zoos - Can I use my membership for admission to other zoos?

Admission discounts for Reciprocal Zoo members, Military, and First Responders: Additional Discounts Please note: If you are a member of one of the following zoos and aquariums, you will receive 50% off general admission at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, regardless of your zoo or aquarium’s free/reduced admission policy (this offer cannot be combined with special events or promotions, i.e. Penguin Days). To receive the discount you can purchase your tickets in the “Additional Discounts” link above. Valid proof of membership and matching photo ID must be presented at the turnstiles when you arrive. When you present your Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden membership card, you will receive 50% off admission to the following zoos and aquariums (discount may not be available at all Zoos listed at this time.):

You can use your Cincinnati Zoo membership to receive FREE or discounted admission to over 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide (including 7 in Ohio). Some popular organizations that are NOT on that list, however, include San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, and Newport Aquarium. You can view the most current list below. We strongly recommend you contact the zoo or aquarium you want to visit prior to your trip as the reciprocal list is subject to change without notice. Due to current conditions, some reciprocal Zoos may not be honoring reciprocity at this time.

Reciprocal Zoos

This list is subject to change without notice. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is not responsible for admission fees paid at reciprocal zoos as a result of unexpected changes in reciprocity agreements or other restrictions. Some organizations offer reciprocity to a limited number of individuals per visit, regardless of how many are covered by your Cincinnati Zoo membership. Parking and guest privileges generally do not reciprocate. We recommend you contact the zoos on this list prior to your visit to confirm the current reciprocity status and any restrictions. Updated April 4, 2023

How can I find my expiration date and Member ID?

When do I receive my membership card and will you take my picture?

Members that renew their membership before its expiration date can receive 20% off the full-price membership!

For speedy processing, purchase your membership online! You can use your email confirmation as your membership card as soon as you receive it. If you join the Zoo or renew your membership, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with a temporary card that you can use immediately. You can also download your digital membership card through the Digital Membership Portal.

As part of our Zero Net Waste Initiative we are no longer printing membership cards and your membership will not be automatically sent through the mail. Re-prints of physical cards will incur a $7 fee.

We have added the capacity to take your photo at the Ticketing Windows if you would like to stop in and have that done. You will not need a photo ID on future visits once we have stored your photo. You will still need to provide your membership card for entry. We have limited resources on-site to take pictures at this time. If there is a line we ask you to accomplish this on your next visit.

Why do I have to show a photo ID each time I visit?

As a non-profit organization that relies heavily on membership and attendance for support, we must prevent misuse of our membership cards. We also want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen. We try hard to keep our membership prices affordable for as many families as possible. If families and neighbors shared memberships, our revenue would be severely reduced and we would have little choice but to raise our prices.

We have added the capacity to take your photo at the Ticketing Windows if you would like to stop in and have that done. You will not need a photo ID on future visits once we have stored your photo. You will still need to provide your membership card for entry. We have limited resources on-site to take pictures at this time. If there is a line we ask you to accomplish this on your next visit.

What if I don’t have my cards yet but want to visit the Zoo anyway?

No problem! You can access your digital membership cards via the Digital Membership Portal at www.cincinnatizoo.org/zoodigitalmembership. You can access from any smart phone or tablet. Don’t have a smart phone or tablet? Just stop at the ticket windows and we can issue you a Day Pass. You may then take your Day Pass and photo ID to the turnstile for entry. Please note, if you forget your membership card, we will issue a Day Pass one time as a courtesy; additional occurrences will require the purchase of replacement cards (see next question).

Sending your babysitter to the Zoo with your kids?

Fill out this form beforehand!

Nanny Agreement Form

zoo access for all

Special $50 membership is available and must be purchased in person. Requires valid ID and SNAP/EBT card. Learn more about our Zoo Access for All program.

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Please contact us for assistance. You may call (513) 559-7713 or e-mail us at [email protected].