Membership & Discounts
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Backpacks
Guests are welcome to bring a backpack into our Parks.
What types of membership are available?
Please click here to see the benefits of membership!
Are there discounts for members of other zoos?
The San Diego Zoo is a not-for-profit conservation organization that raises funds to maintain its parks, provide state-of-the-art animal care for endangered species, and pursues conservation efforts around the world. Most of our funds are raised through admission and on-grounds sales at our parks. Unlike most zoos in the United States, we are not largely supported by municipal, state, or federal funds. In the interest of supporting our conservation mission, we do not offer complimentary or discount admission to members of other zoos.
Do you offer a military discount?
At both parks all active-duty U.S. and foreign military personnel with valid military identification are given a free 1-Day Pass at the ticket windows. Dependent family members receive a discount of 10% off our 1-Day Pass. Discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Additionally, we also work with local military bases to offer discount packages for families. Discount tickets can be purchased through base MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) or Ticket and Tour offices at military base locations in the United States. Please contact your base ticket office for ID requirements to purchase these tickets.
Do you offer a senior discount?
Seniors age 60 and older receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass. Discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Senior discount cannot be applied online as guests will need to present their photo IDs in person.
Do you offer a discount for travel agents?
Travel Agents, wholesalers, and tour operators presenting an IATA or IATAN card with picture ID receive a 50% discount off the 1-Day Pass at the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park ticket windows. One accompanying guest will also receive the 50% discount. All other accompanying guests will pay the full ticket package price at any ticket booth at the same time the airline/travel agent ticket is processed. Discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer.
Are there discounts for zoo or aquarium employees?
Zoo and Aquarium Employees from accredited zoological organizations presenting an employee identification card with their picture receive a complimentary 1-Day Pass at the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park ticket windows. All other accompanying guests will pay the regular 1-Day Pass price at any ticket booth at the same time the employee is processed. Members of AZA, docents, volunteers, or membership at other zoos and aquariums do not qualify. Discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer.
Do you offer a AAA discount?
AAA members who show their valid AAA membership cards at ticket windows located at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park will receive 10% off a 1-Day Pass. Valid for up to 6 people. Discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. AAA discount cannot be applied online as guests will need to present their AAA cards in person.
Do you offer a discount for airline and cruiseline employees?
Airline and cruiseline employees presenting a company-picture identification badge or CLIA card at the ticket windows receive a 50% discount off the 1-Day Pass.
Do you offer corporate discounts such as Click n’ Go Wild?
Discount tickets for both the Zoo and Wild Animal Park are available to your employees via advanced online ticket purchase. Please e-mail us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Is there still an admission-free day called Founder’s Day?
The Zoo and Wild Animal Park no longer offer a single free admission day (traditionally called Founder’s Day). Unfortunately, the popularity of the Founder’s Day created an annual event by which park services were over-taxed and visiting families were pressured by crowds and unsupervised teenagers. The month of October is “Kids’ Free Days” with a free 1-Day Pass (park entrance only) offered to children 11 years and younger at both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. Please see Kids’ Free Days.
What group discounts do you offer?
Guests who visit our parks in groups of 15 or more will receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass. We also offer Meal Vouchers, accepted at participating restaurants. Our parks are committed to providing a wide selection of high-quality, delicious all-American or international fare, snacks, and healthy alternatives at restaurants throughout both parks. Meal vouchers are $11 per person.
Group reservations and Meal Vouchers can be arranged through our Reservation Sales Department at 619-718-3000 or 800-407-9534, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
What and when are “Kids’ Free Days”?
Each year, from October 1–31, in honor of our Parks’ founding, children ages 3–11 are admitted free to the Zoo and Wild Animal Park when accompanied by an adult.
The Zoo’s Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari Aerial Tram are not included with Kids’ Free 1-Day Pass and must be purchased separately at the Zoo.
The Wild Animal Park’s Journey into Africa tram tour and the Conservation Carousel are not included with Kids Free 1-Day Pass and must be purchased separately at the Park.
How do I use promotion codes?
To apply a discount promotion code for online purchase, please go to our homepage and click on “Tickets & Hotels.” Next, please select either “San Diego Zoo Buy Tickets & Hotels Online” or “Wild Animal Park Buy Tickets & Hotels Online.” Next, click on “Buy” next to “1-Day Pass.” Once you have entered the quantity of 1-Day Pass tickets for Adults and/or Children, please click “Add to Cart.” The next display will show the quantity of tickets selected and the retail prices. At the lower left you will see: “Enter your discount or promotional code.” Please enter the promotion code and click “Apply.” The next display will show the recalculated amount per ticket and the new total. Below the total will be the amount saved: “A total of $X was applied as a discount.”
