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 your application and payment!  Please read the following for processing and activation times.  If you purchased your membership...

On Zoo grounds: Your membership is active right away.
On the phone or online: Your membership will be active right away
Through the mail: Your membership will be active within seven to ten working days of receiving your payment.

Download your digital eMembership Card today!

Go to the App Store or Play Store and download the eMembership Card app. Under institutions, select Akron Zoo. Click "Find my Membership Cards." then enter your membership id # and last name.  Start using your card right away! (Please allow up to 4 hours after purchase for the system to update with your information.)

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 1/1/2020 will be valid until 1/31/2021.

How many membership cards will I receive?

In an effort to go green, we are no longer using physical membership cards. 

Download your digital eMembership Card today!

Go to the App Store or Play Store and download the eMembership Card app. Under institutions, select Akron Zoo. Click "Find my Membership Cards." then enter your membership id # and last name.  Start using your card right away! (Please allow up to 4 hours after purchase for the system to update with your information.)

Can I visit the zoo without my card? 

Download your digital eMembership Card today!

Go to the App Store or Play Store and download the eMembership Card app. Under institutions, select Akron Zoo. Click "Find my Membership Cards." then enter your membership id # and last name.  Start using your card right away! (Please allow up to 4 hours after purchase for the system to update with your information.)

If you are having trouble downloading your eMembership Card, you can always show a photo ID at the ticket counter or ticket taker station. 

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. There will be $5 fee to re-process your membership

• If we spelled a name wrong or did not put the correct number of children on a membership, the $5 fee will 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 activate the membership for you today (membership activates immediately.) 
• If you do not know the contact information or don’t want the membership to activate immediately, a gift letter to present to the gift recipient will be issued.  Membership gift letters allow the gift recipient to activate the membership at their convenience.  Gift letters are available for purchase in person at the Akron Zoo ticket counter or by calling (330) 375-2550.

How does the Akron Zoo reciprocal program work?

As an Akron Zoo member, you receive discounted admission 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 be prepared to present your Akron Zoo membership card and photo ID when visiting reciprocal locations.

Full list of zoos and aquariums participating in the reciprocal program available here.
 

If I decide to join during my visit, can I apply my general admission to a membership purchase?

Absolutely! To apply your admission tickets, stop by the ticket counter with your receipt within 14 days of your visit and we’ll be happy to credit the price of applicable tickets to the membership level of your choice. Please have your admission tickets or receipt handy. Only general daytime admission fees may be applied toward a membership; special event admission, attraction and other tickets purchased are not applicable. 
 

I purchased my membership a few months ago and haven’t used it.  Can I get an extension for the time it wasn’t used?

We do not assign credit for time the membership was not used.  Even if you have not yet downloaded your card, you are always able to visit the Zoo when you bring a photo ID.
 

I am moving or no longer want my membership. Can I get a refund?

Funds raised by the Zoo’s membership program directly support the nonprofit Akron Zoo’s daily operations and conservation work. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are moving, be sure to check with the local zoo or aquarium in your new area for reciprocal benefits for the remainder of your Akron Zoo membership.

I don’t have a smart phone - can I get a physical card?

With the launch of our digital card solution, physical cards are being phased out. In lieu of using the digital card solution, we can always look you up at the ticket taker station using a photo ID to authorize for admission. If you’re planning to visit a reciprocal zoo location, we can notify them ahead of your visit or verify your membership details by phone once you’re there.

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