Is a Zoo Membership Really Worth It?
If you have young children and live within driving distance of a zoo, then chances are you’ve visited one, right? Zoo days are among our favorite ways to spend time together as a family. There are animals to see, places to explore & an infinite amount to learn. It’s a great place for kids (or adults) of any age. We started taking our kids to the zoo before they could even walk – and now, at 6 and 4 years old, it is one of their most requested places to visit. We frequent the zoo often & my kids learn something new every single time we go.
But is a zoo membership really worth it?
The short answer is quite simply, yes!
We’ve had a zoo membership from the very beginning, and I have to say it has been one of the best purchases we’ve made for our family.
We are lucky to have a pretty amazing zoo here in Columbia, SC – Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. In fact, it was ranked in USA Today’s Top 10 Best Zoos in North America. And having been to many zoos over the years, I have to say I would agree with that ranking! It is incredibly walk-able, beautifully landscaped, & has a ton for kids to do – even beyond animals!
Here are some of my top reasons why we love our zoo membership & why I think the cost is more than worth it!
1. It’s a great play date spot!
While we love spending weekends at the zoo as a family, we equally love meeting our friends there for a week day play date. It’s a great place to spend a few hours in the morning or afternoon – the kids are entertained and you get some much needed mom-talk. It’s a win, win! And don’t forget – if you have a membership you can go as often as you’d like. If it starts raining 30 minutes after you arrive or you barely get inside the gate before your 2 year old starts melting down – there’s not a ton of pressure to push through when you know you can easily visit any other day.
2. There is more to explore than “just” animals!
Many zoos, even small zoos, often have additional experiences & attractions for kids beyond the usual animal exhibits. For example, our local zoo, the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, boasts several rides for children, a splash pad, Dinosaur dig, a giant tree house, rock wall, & even a zipline tour. There are days when we don’t even visit the animals, but instead check out the other attractions our awesome zoo has to offer. Check your local zoo’s website to see all that it may offer.
3. Reciprocal Admission Privileges
Did you know that many zoo memberships include reciprocal admission privileges? Many zoos & aquariums all over the US participate in the program, which offer members free or discounted admission into partner zoos. If you have a current zoo membership and are hitting the road this summer, don’t forget to look up zoos along your route!
4. The proof is in the numbers
We’ve done the math! For our family of 4, we would only have to visit 3x before we would be “ahead” on our membership cost. That right there is more than enough reason for us to purchase a zoo membership. There are times that we go 4-5 times in a single month; therefore, a zoo membership offers our family considerable savings!
A few additional questions to ask yourself before purchasing your zoo membership.
Are guest passes included with your membership? Are there hands-on learning experiences for children? What about (discounted) summer camps for members? Do they host special events for their members throughout the year? These are all things to look into before purchasing a zoo membership – you want to be sure you get the most out of your membership, so it’s important to consider these “extras” and whether or not you think you’d utilize them.
Do you have a zoo membership? Do you use it & think it’s worth the cost?! I’d love to hear your thoughts and where your local zoo is at!
xo,
Sumer
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15 Comments
Jennifer
We bought a zoo membership for the first time this year and are so excited to spend lots of time there this summer. This is my first summer as a SAHM again, so it’ll help keep the kiddo entertained and break up the days a bit.
Sumer Schmitt
Oh definitely! I just know you’re going to love your membership! Enjoy your summer!
Tea
Love this idea. I’m putting this on my Christmas list for the grandparents!
Sumer Schmitt
Zoo memberships make great gifts from the grandparents!
ya
This zoo looks awesome! Our zoo here in STL is free that is one of the great things this city has to offer.
Sumer Schmitt
Oh that is seriously awesome!!
Jessica
I hate that our closest zoo is a few hours away. I wish we lived closer and could visit more often so I could get a zoo membership. The kids would love going more than just once or twice during the year.
Sumer Schmitt
Oh bummer!! At least it’s a good excuse for a road trip?!
Meredith
It’s now the gift we request from grandparents for Christmas because I love it so much. Having a membership makes me not feel guilty for only staying an hour!
Sumer Schmitt
My exact thought!! And how awesome that the grandparents gift your membership to you, that is wonderful!
Lenee' Gordon
OMG, so I live in Houston (and we have a membership and yes, it’s totally worth it) but my husband found out today that he was accepted to USC’s CRNA program so we are likely moving in December to Columbia, SC and I know NO ONE there! I need to pick your brain about the area, please!!
LeneeGordon@gmail.com
Would love to hear more about your area!
Sumer Schmitt
Oh my goodness, how exciting!! We LOVE it here in Columbia! I’d love to chat with you about the area, I’ll send you an email.
susan
Yes, I have to fully agree…..we LOVE LOVE LOVE our zoo membership…and even if you are in a busy season of life and only go a couple times a year, it still pays for itself!!! Love your site and colors too! Beautiful!
Sumer Schmitt
Exactly, so agree! And thank you so much for the sweet words!! 🙂
Kata
We got zoo membership for a year from relatives and we LOVED it! Actually, we loved it so much that since then we also gave membership passes for others. Everybody loved it so they really make good gifts – tested. 🙂