You need to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom! Trust the occasion, this can be an enriching experience, but the cost of admission can sometimes be a barrier for many families. Therefore, numerous zoos across the United States have implemented programs to make zoo access cheaper. One such is the EBT affiliation. So, in this post, you will find out about the top zoo discounts with EBT card.
You can get zoo discounts with EBT card in any of the affiliated zoos. This offering is often in collaboration with Museums for All and other similar programs. You will provide discounted or even free admission to individuals and families receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other assistance programs.
Zoo Discounts with EBT Card
With your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, along with a matching photo ID, you can qualify for these zoo discounts. Of course, this will take you on a journey through the animal kingdom. Below are top zoos that give you discounts if you have EBT card.
1. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
A Museums for All Discount is offered by Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. This allows guests who receive food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to gain $3 general daytime Zoo admission per person by presenting both their participating Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and matching photo ID.
This discount is available for groups of up to 4 people, and it does not apply to any special programming or events at the Zoo. The program accepts EBT cards from all 50 states.
Visit Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium’s
2. Phoenix Zoo
If you have a valid Arizona state-issued EBT card and a photo ID, you can think of The Phoenix Zoo. This zoo offers discounts, allowing them to obtain up to four Phoenix Zoo tickets for $10 each, but this offer is available on Tuesdays and Sundays only.
This discount applies to daytime admission only and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Visit Phoenix Zoo’s official website for more information
3. Louisville Zoo
Families who are enrolled in the SNAP program should consider visiting the Louisville Zoo because it offers a special Community Access Membership for them.
Eligible families can get a discounted Family-level membership for $50. This membership must be purchased in person at the Zoo with a valid SNAP or WIC card and matching photo ID.
EBT cards are not an accepted form of payment for purchases at the Louisville Zoo. The primary named adult on the membership must match the name on the SNAP card and photo ID.
Discount with Louisville Zoo with EBT card
4. Air zoo
A Community Access Membership (CAM) program, is initiated by The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center, as a part of their Community Access Programming.
This program, launched on June 1, 2022, is an extension of the Air Zoo’s current Museums For All admission program. It aims to offer access to history, aerospace, and STEAM-based, hands-on educational opportunities.
The program will assist families receiving EBT and WIC assistance in Southwest Michigan, ensuring that they can explore and learn through the various resources provided by the Air Zoo. It reflects the Air Zoo’s commitment to increasing the accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources to all, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Get discounts with EBT card at Air Zoo’s
5. Houston Zoo
All Texans, currently enrolled in the Lone Star program are free to visit the Houston Zoo as they are offered deeply discounted admission tickets. For just $9 per ticket, guests who currently receive Lone Star benefits may purchase up to two adult and three child tickets at the Lone Star discount rate.
Tickets must be reserved online, and guests must present their Lone Star card or phone app at the gate for verification. This benefit includes only daytime admission to the Zoo and does not apply to other purchases such as stroller/wheelchair/scooter rental, food or drink, or gift shop purchases.
Apply for a Discounted Houston Zoo ticket
6. Oregon Zoo
Oregon and Washington individuals and families who qualify for a variety of income assistance programs and looking forward to visiting a zoo should think of the Oregon Zoo. Oregon Zoo offers discounts with EBT card.
If you have an Oregon or Washington photo ID and documentation showing participation in an eligible program, you qualify to buy up to four tickets for $12 each for you and your immediate family members.
Eligible programs include the Oregon Trail card, Washington Quest card, Medicaid/CHIP, WIC – eWIC card, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
Get Oregon Zoo’s Discounted Ticket!
7. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
The Wild Access program, offered by the Point Defiance Zoo provides discounted admission tickets and memberships for Washington individuals and families who qualify for EBT/Washington Quest, P-EBT (Pandemic EBT), participate in the WIC nutrition program, or are involved in Foster parenting & kinship care.
Participants can buy up to 6 daytime tickets per visit for themselves and their legal dependents (aged 3-18). These discounted tickets can only be purchased in person at the front gate by providing current documentation and Washington photo identification.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium discounts with EBT card
8. Roger Williams Park Zoo
One such zoo that offers a Rhode Island Zoo Access Program, which is limited to Rhode Island state residents who have an RI state-issued EBT verification card is the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
You need to take advantage of this offer. All you have to do is fill out a form, and the Membership Team will be in contact within 1-2 business days to take payment and process the membership. This discount can’t be applied to previous membership purchases or combined with any other offer.
Get Roger Williams Park Zoo’s zoo discounts with EBT card
9. Reid Park Zoo
The Community Access programs provided by Reid Park Zoo are dedicated to making the Zoo and its programs more accessible. So, low-income and/or underserved children and families will get access to zoo discounts with EBT card at Reid Park.
Offers a discount for EBT Card Holders (SNAP/WIC), which allows guests participating in the Arizona SNAP/WIC programs to receive $4 off daytime admission tickets. These discounted tickets must be purchased in person at the front admission gate. You need to present a valid EBT card and identification. This offer is valid for up to seven daytime admission tickets. Note that the EBT card cannot be used to purchase discounted daytime admission tickets.
Get zoo discounts with EBT card at Reid Park Zoo
10. Woodland Park Zoo
The Explorer Pass, a deeply discounted membership for Washington residents who are foster and kinship families or recipients of EBT/Washington Quest, P-EBT, or WIC assistance is offered by Woodland Park Zoo.
This membership, which must be purchased in person at the zoo, covers 2 named adults and up to 6 children ages 3-18 for $35 and includes unlimited admission for the year, among other benefits.
Additionally, the zoo offers a $5 Discover Ticket for the same eligible individuals, valid for daytime admission. Valid verification and photo IDs that match the verification document must be provided along with tickets prior to entry.
Zoo discounts with EBT card – Woodland
11. North Carolina Zoo
Persons in North Carolina, wanting to visit the zoo should consider The North Carolina Zoo. This zoo offers a special discount for individuals and families enrolled in North Carolina Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).
Eligible guests can receive up to six $5.00 general admissions by presenting an NC EBT card and matching photo ID. This discount is only available for in-person, same-day purchases and is not valid for group visits, attractions, or any Zoo special events. Pandemic-EBT cards are not accepted.
NorthCarolina Zoo discounts with EBT card
12. Akron Zoo
Another participant in the Museum for All program is The Akron Zoo. It is committed to providing enriching experiences, aiming to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the zoo.
They offer a special, reduced admission rate to SNAP EBT/Ohio Direction cardholders. By presenting a valid, non-expired SNAP EBT/Ohio Direction card and a valid photo ID, cardholders can receive a special admission price of $3.00 per person for up to 4 people.
This special pricing is available during regular zoo hours, excluding special event days and evening hours. A parking fee of $5.00 is charged per vehicle, and the zoo is accessible by Metro Bus.
Admission can be paid with cash, debit card, or credit card, but the SNAP EBT/Ohio Direction card cannot be used for payment.
Akron Zoo discounts with EBT card
13. Buttonwood Park Zoo
Another program that offers discounts with EBT cards is the Buttonwood Park Zoo. They also offer discounts on WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders. EBT cardholders can use code EBT50 when purchasing tickets online to receive a discount, WIC cardholders can use code WIC50, and ConnectorCare cardholders can use code CARE50.
This discount applies for up to four people per card and is not valid with any other offers or discounts. Please be ready to present your card at the Admissions booth upon arrival. The zoo does not process EBT transactions; other payments must be provided for admission.
Buttonwood Park Zoo EBT discount
14. Seneca Park Zoo
One proud participant of the Museums for All program is the Seneca Park Zoo, which ensures that the educational and recreational benefits offered by the zoo are accessible to all, regardless of income.
Individuals who participate in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can purchase up to four discounted general admission tickets per single-day visit. The tickets are available for purchase online or at the Zoo entrance. Eligibility will be verified at the time of purchase and use by requesting to view the participant’s Electronic Benefits Transfer card and a valid government identification card.
Reduced-priced admission is not valid for special or separately ticketed events, field trips, or group visits. Guests must provide the EBT card at the gate for discount pricing to be honored.
Apply here to purchase ticket for SenecaPark Zoo
15. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is currently accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for a reduced admission of $10/person for up to 6 people on that card.
The recipient will need to show their current EBT card and a valid photo ID to receive the discount. EBT cardholders and library pass users must purchase their tickets in person at any ticketing window at the Zoo’s Front Gate. The zoo does not process EBT transactions; other payments must be provided for admission.
Apply for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo discount EBT card
16. Birmingham Zoo
All Alabama residents who are currently receiving SNAP benefits should consider visiting the Birmingham Zoo as it offers special discounts to Alabama residents.
By showing a valid, unexpired, signed EBT card in the beneficiary’s name, eligible individuals can purchase up to four daytime general admission tickets per day at a discounted rate of $10 for adults and $7 for children (ages 2 to 12).
This discount is available for any day the Birmingham Zoo is open. Please note that these discounted tickets must be purchased onsite, and the EBT card cannot be used as a form of payment.
Birmingham Zoo EBT card discount
17. Greenville Zoo
Guests who participate in the South Carolina EBT program should check out the Greenville Zoo. Participants may purchase up to six tickets (two adults and four children) for $5 each. To avail of this discount, a South Carolina EBT card and a South Carolina photo ID must be physically present. These discounted tickets must be purchased at the ticket booth as online purchase is not available for these tickets.
18. Nashville Zoo
A variety of discounts, including a special discount for SNAP, WIC, and TANF participants is offered by the Nashville Zoo. Eligible people can qualify for this discount by presenting the required valid documentation. However, the exact details or amount of the discount are not explicitly mentioned on the provided webpage.
Nashville Zoo discounts with EBT card
19. John Ball Zoo
The JUMP program, which aims to provide free admission to qualified individuals across the state of Michigan, breaking down barriers to outdoor, nature-based education is offered by the John Ball Zoo.
The program was initiated to make the zoo accessible to families regardless of income, promoting enriching, educational, and cultural experiences. The JUMP program, since its inception in 1998, has welcomed hundreds of thousands of families to the zoo. However, it’s important to note that JUMP benefits are not included on specific event days such as WGVU Kids Day and Zoo Goes Boo, among others.
John Ball Zoo’s zoo discounts with EBT card
20. San Francisco Zoo & Garden
Another participant of the Museums for All cooperative is the San Francisco Zoo & Garden. You will get affordable access programs, including a special discount for SNAP EBT and WIC cardholders. If eligible, you will get $3 Admission tickets every day of the year. Just present a valid driver’s license or identification card along with a valid SNAP EBT or WIC card at the ticket windows.
You must be present for purchase, and this offer is not valid for special events and cannot be combined with any other offer. The tickets are only valid on the day of purchase and must be purchased in person as they are not available online. P-EBT cards and Medi-Cal are not accepted.
San Francisco Zoo & Garden Zoo discounts with EBT card
21 Tulsa Zoo
Museums for All program offered by the Tulsa Zoo is one that provides special discounts for recipients of SNAP and WIC benefits.
Eligible individuals can purchase up to six regular gate admission tickets for $3 per ticket in a single transaction by showing proof of eligibility, which includes an EBT or WIC card and a photo ID. P-EBT cards are not applicable.
Additionally, a Family-level membership can be purchased for $60 with proof of eligibility, which includes basic benefits for two named adults and four children under the age of 18.
These discounts are only available for in-person admission purchases at the gate and are valid through December 31, 2024. They do not apply to special events.
Tulsa Zoo discounts with EBT card
22. The Living Desert Zoo/garden
Consider visiting the Living Desert Zoo/garden because it is committed to providing enriching experiences that connect and engage guests with wildlife, believing that everyone should have the opportunity to learn about the natural world.
They offer a special, reduced rate to SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders. By showing a valid SNAP/EBT card and a valid form of photo ID at the ticket counter, cardholders can receive a special zoo admission price of $3.00 per person, for up to 4 people.
The EBT cardholder must be present at the time of purchase to receive the discount. This pricing is available during regular zoo hours, excluding all special event days, special events, and evening hours. You can register for any educational program during the 2024/2025 season at 10% of the listed price.
The Living Desert Zoo and Garden Discounts
23. Minnesota Zoo
The Free to Explore program provided by the Minnesota Zoo is one that invites everyone to explore the natural wonders of the zoo, ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to visits.
To qualify for Free to Explore, an individual must be currently enrolled in one of the approved programs such as TANF, SNAP EBT, or MFIP, and show the approved documentation, photo ID, and proof of Minnesota residency.
Family members are welcome to join if the adults can provide a photo ID that shows they live at the same address or their own qualifying document. Free to Explore does not cover Zoo parking ($8) or fees for any special programs, events, or exhibits.
Note that EBT cards are not accepted as payment for parking fees, at the Minnesota Zoo.
Minnesota Zoo ticket discounts with EBT
24. Columbus Zoo
Columbus Zoo offers a Family Access Membership, a discounted membership for Ohio residents who qualify for eligible programs including Medicaid or the Ohio Direction EBT card.
It admits up to two primary named adult members in the same household, plus either dependent children OR grandchildren up to age 21 to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
The cost of this membership is $49.99, and a $3 conservation fee per membership will be added at the time of purchase to support local and global conservation efforts.
To sign up, you will need to upload documents proving Ohio residency and your Ohio Direction EBT or Medicaid card. Instructions for purchasing your Family Access Membership online will be emailed to you within 48 hours of receiving valid documents.
Purchase your membership for ColumbusZoo
Conclusion
Numerous zoos across the United States offer substantial discounts to EBT cardholders. Therefore, more families can explore and learn about wildlife and nature. Some zoos also provide discounted memberships, special programs, and additional benefits to EBT cardholders, fostering inclusivity and lifelong learning.
If you are interested, make sure to check the eligibility criteria and availability of zoo discounts with EBT card at your preferred zoos. You need to be aware that these discounts usually apply to admission only and not to other purchases or special events within the zoo.
