Membership FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start using my membership?

Your adventures at the Akron Zoo can begin as soon as we receive payment. Please note the following information about processing and activation times:

• If you purchased your membership at the Akron Zoo ticket counter: Your membership is active right away. You should have received your membership card at the time of purchase – if you did not please contact us for a replacement.
• If you purchased your membership online: You can begin visiting the Akron Zoo as a member right away. Simply show your email confirmation/temporary membership card on your mobile device or print your email confirmation/temporary membership card and bring it with you when you visit. Your permanent membership card arrives in the mail within 21 days.
• If you purchased your membership through the mail: Your membership will be active within seven (7) working days of us receiving it in our office. If you would like to visit before your membership card arrives in the mail, call our office 330-275-2550 or email membership@akronzoo.org, Sunday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and you will be issued a day pass or confirmation email.
• If you purchased your membership by phone: Your membership will be active right away and will be mailed within seven (7) working days of us processing it. If you would like to visit before your membership card arrives in the mail, call our office 330-375-2550 or email membership@akronzoo.org, Sunday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and you will be issued a day pass or confirmation email.

How long is my membership good for?

Akron Zoo memberships are good for one year from the date of purchase until the end of the same month the following year. Example, a membership purchased on 7/1/2018 is good until 7/31/2019.

How many membership cards will I receive?

All Akron Zoo memberships come with one membership card. You may purchase an additional card at any time during your current membership for a $5 fee. Cards can be purchased at the ticket counter or by calling 330-375-2550.

What should I do if I’ve lost my membership card?

We encourage members to replace lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.  There is a $5 fee for a replacement card. Replacement cards can be purchased at the Akron Zoo ticket counter during regular operating hours or by calling the membership office at 330-375-2550.

Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?

No, membership cards and privileges are non-transferable and are only valid for the individuals listed on the card. Your membership has a tremendous value. To protect the rights of our members, we will ask to see your photo ID at the time of your visit.    

Why do I have to show my photo ID with my membership card?

As a non-profit organization, we rely greatly on membership and admission revenue for support, and therefore we must prevent misuse of memberships. Not only does requiring ID protect the value of all memberships, but also protects you if your card is ever lost or stolen.

Can I add an extra guest to my membership?

Up to one guest may be added to companion or family level memberships, the cost for adding one guest is $20. You may also opt to upgrade your membership to the Family Deluxe level membership, which includes two named or unnamed guests per visit. Upgrade fee will vary, the Family Deluxe level membership costs $130 for the year.

• A guest added to a membership can be an unnamed guest which allows a different adult or child to visit the zoo with the named members each visit. Unnamed guests cannot use the membership without one of the named adults on the card being present. 
• Or a guest can be named as an additional adult, which will allow them to be a card carrier and use the membership even if the other named adults on the membership are not present. Once an additional adult has been named this is the only other person who can use the membership – the membership will not be valid for unnamed guests.

Can I change the name of one of the adults on my membership/change the number of children on my membership?

Yes, this can be changed at any time during the membership by visiting our ticket counter or calling 330-375-2550. In order to make this change we will need your original membership card back and there will be $5 fee to re-process and print you a new card

• If a new card needs to be printed because we spelled a name wrong or did not put the correct number of children on a membership, the $5 fee may be waived.

How do I change the address information associated with my membership?

To change the address information associated with your membership, please contact our office at 330-375-2550 or email the updated contact info to us at membership@akronzoo.org. 

Can I include the kids I babysit/my nieces or nephews/my neighbor’s children on my Family membership?

No, a family membership is for your dependent children or grandchildren only. You can add a “plus” to your membership which allows you bring up to one guest per visit, this can be an adult or child.

My child is under the age of 2, do I need to include them on my membership?

No, children under the age of 2 (23 months and younger) receive free admission at the Akron Zoo so you do not have to add them to your membership. You may still want to include them on your membership in case a reciprocal zoo location you’d like to visit does not have the same “under 2” age rule for admission.

Can I purchase an Akron Zoo membership to give as a gift?

• If you know the contact information for the gift recipient we can process and print a membership card for you today (membership activates immediately). 
• If you do not know the contact information, a gift letter to present to the gift recipient will be issued (can issue a gift letter even if they do know the contact information.). Membership gift letters allow the gift recipient to activate the membership at their convenience. Gift letters may be purchased by phone or in person at the Akron Zoo ticket counter only.

How does the Akron Zoo reciprocal program work?

As an Akron Zoo member, you receive discounted membership to over 140 zoos and aquariums throughout the country. Please be aware that this list is subject to change as zoos and aquariums sometimes change their participation during the year. Please remember to carry your Akron Zoo membership card with you when visiting reciprocal locations.

Condensed list of area zoos and aquariums participating in the reciprocal program is available on the card carrier sheet. Full list of participating zoos and aquariums participating in the reciprocal program available here.