16 Zoos with Military Discounts Across the US
Military Discounts on Zoos Across the United States
Going to the zoo can be such a fun thing to do as a family. Did you know that many zoos across the country have military discounts? Some offer free tickets, and others just a few dollars off. Here is a list of 18 zoos and the military discounts they offer.
The Montgomery Zoo
The Montgomery Zoo started as a local park in the 1920s. They have a giraffe encounter, a parakeet cover, a petting zoo, and more. At the Montgomery Zoo, you can find a military discount for adults and children. The amount of the discount is subject to change, see the box officer for the most recent details. The Montgomery Zoo also honors Veteran Appreciation Week. During this week they offer free admission for military personnel and veterans, as well as their family members, to both Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has the largest collection of exotic and endangered mammals, birds, and reptiles in the world. The zoo was founded in 1916, in San Diego’s Balboa Park. They offer military discounts for everyday visits when showing a valid military ID.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
You can discover more than 30 species of endangered animals, feed giraffes, and ride the mountain sky ride at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The zoo was founded in 1926 after Spence Penrose started moving animals from his ranch and the Broadmoor Hotel to the present site of the zoo. Active duty, veterans, and retired military personnel can receive a military discount of $3.00 off the normal rates. Show your military ID, DD214, or other ID proving your military status. You can also receive $25 off of the zoo membership.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened in 1914 with a red deer fawn. While at the zoo you can visit the Play Park and Splash Ground, the Plains of East Africa, The Land of the Tiger, and more. They offer a 10% military discount on regular admission tickets only for those with active military IDs.
The Atlanta Zoo
The Atlanta Zoo opened in 1889 after a businessman purchased a collection of animals from a stalled traveling show and relocated them to Grant Park. At the zoo, you can check out amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and more. They offer free admission to the zoo to the military.
The Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo was opened in 1969. While at the zoo, you can explore animals from Africa, Australia, South America, and more. They offer active duty military discounted admission when you present a military ID.
Zoo New England
Zoo New England manages both the Franklin Park Zoo which was founded in 1912 and the Stone Zoo which was founded in 1905. You can visit the petting zoo at the Franklin Park Zoo, and check out the alligator feeding at Stone Zoo. Zoo New England offers up to 50% off on general daytime admission through ID.me.
The Bronx Zoo
The New York Zoological Society (WCS) opened in 1895, and the Bronx Zoo opened in 1899. The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States and was one of the first US zoos to move away from cages and exhibit animals in their natural habitats. They offer a military discount up to 50% off.
The Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 with a small collection of animals. While there, you can check out the different sections of the zoo based on locations of the world. They offer a $2.00 military discount to active and non-active duty military on up to six tickets with a military ID.
The Oklahoma City Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo began in 1902 when a single deer was donated to a neighborhood park. While at the zoo you can check out the Elephant Express tram, feed giraffes, watch the sea lions, and more. The Oklahoma City Zoo offers a 50% military discount.
The Roger Williams Zoo and Carousel Village
The Roger Williams Zoo is the country’s third oldest zoo and opened its doors to the public in 1872 with a collection of small animal exhibits. While visiting, check out the Komodo dragon, red pandas, snow leopards, and more. All active duty and retired military veterans can receive 50% off of regular daytime admission. This discount can also be applied to your spouse and children, up to four people in your party. Spouses of deployed service members also qualify for this discount.
The Knoxville Zoo
The Knoxville Zoo has been around since 1923 with a newspaper initiative to start a park for poor children. While there you can enjoy an animal encounter, check out the butterflies, stay for a night safari, and more. They offer free admission for veterans and military members.
The Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo opened in 1991 and grew from a small private operation. You can check out the meerkats, the new bear exhibit, see the tigers, and more at the Nashville Zoo. They offer a $10 discount for military members.
The Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo started in 1888 with two deer and two mountain lions in City Park. You can visit the Gorilla Trail, a children’s zoo, the Endangered Tiger Habitat, and more at this zoo. They offer $2.00 off general admission for up to two adults and two children with valid military ID. This discount is not valid with their special $8 tickets in January and February.
The San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo began in 1914 when a leading citizen placed bison, deer, monkeys, African lions, and bears on land he had deeded to the city. You can check out the Bear Corner, the Cat Grotto, and more when you are visiting the zoo. In November, they honor active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, national guard, and reserves with free admission. Show your military ID at the front gate for the month of November only.
The Milwaukee County Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo was opened in 1892 as a miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee’s Washington Park. You can visit the aquatic and reptile center, the penguins, and the primates of the world as well as many other exhibits. At this zoo, they have a Military and Veteran’s Family Day in June. Service members and veterans living in Wisconsin, as well as their families may qualify for free admission.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
