Coupons for Zoos

Zoos have been around since the late 1800s. The first two zoos being the Philadelphia Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo. Almost all of the major cities have zoos now, offering exhibits of some of the rarest and most interesting animals. Today zoos are more than just animal attractions though. You’ll also find rides, petting zoos, children’s play areas, live shows and interaction, aquariums, 3D and 4D theaters, and more. Before you purchase your tickets for your next trip to the zoo, here are some tips for finding zoo coupons and discount tickets.
 
Visitors Center – Check with the local convention and visitors bureau or chamber of commerce. Their discounts are usually very competitive and you can usually print them out directly from your computer. Of course you can stop by the visitors center or chamber of commerce and pick up brochures with coupons for the zoo as well.
 
Coupon Book – For many of the cities that host zoos, you can find coupon books. The largest of the coupon books is the Entertainment Book. These coupon books are unique for each city and often have buy 1 get 1 free coupons for the zoo. You pay one small price (usually $5 or less) and you get coupons for the zoo as well as many other attractions in the area.
 
Discount Cards – Similar to the Entertainment Book are the available discount cards. The two biggest ones are the Go Cards and the CityPass cards. Again, for these you pay one set price and you get free admission to the zoo as well as free admission to many of the other attractions like theme parks, museums, aquariums, tours, etc.

Discount Days – Check the zoo calendar for discount admission days. Most offer discounts or even free admission on certain days throughout the year. Also, many zoos offer discounts for late afternoon visitors. For example you might be able to get in for half off if you visit the zoo after 4 pm.
 
AAA Discounts – Just about all of the zoos offer some sort of a AAA discount, whether it be a discount at the gate or a discount for purchasing your zoo tickets through AAA. Discounts are usually in the range of $2-$3 off admission. Always check ahead of time to see how you take advantage of the AAA discount for the zoo.
 
Association of Zoos & Aquariums – If are a member of the zoo or are a member of another zoo or aquarium be sure you find out if the zoo offers a Zoo Reciprocal Admissions Program. For zoos (and aquariums) that participate in this program, you can save 50% or more on admission if you have a membership to any zoo or aquarium that’s a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
 
Student Discounts – If you are a student, check to see if the zoo offers any discounts for students. Many zoos offer either discounts at the gate or discounts for certain days for students.
 
Public Transportation – If you are visiting a city that has public transportation, check to see what kind of discounts they offer. For many cities (like Dallas for example) the zoo offers a discount when you show your ticket stub for public transportation there. Other public transportation companies will offer you discounted tickets to the zoo if you purchase through them.
 
Vacation Packages – Check with the local hotels. Many of the hotels will offer free tickets or coupons for discounted tickets to the zoo with your stay. You usually have to stay at least 2 nights for these zoo packages. Some of the hotels to check are the Embassy Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western, and Days Inn. Of course there are plenty more. You can also check with the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention & Tourism Bureau.