What is Plan-Ahead Pricing?

Plan-ahead pricing is a pricing structure that allows you to choose a visit date that meets your schedule and budget. Buying tickets online in advance allows you to save money. The earlier you buy, the more you save!

Prices are adjusted at the start of each day and are based on many factors, including attendance patterns, event popularity, holidays, and weather. Lower-priced days will generally see smaller crowds or have fewer activities available. Higher-priced days are usually the more popular, busier days and may have more activities available. 

What tickets will be part of Plan-Ahead Pricing?

General admission, Boo at the Zoo and Wild Lights will all have plan-ahead pricing available.

How far in advance do I need to purchase a ticket?

Tickets will be available the day of your visit, at the gate and online, but you will not receive any of the plan-ahead pricing savings. Tickets will go on sale 60 days in advance for general admission and the special events listed as part of plan-ahead pricing.

Tickets will be at the highest prices the day of your visit. Prices are lowest as soon as the tickets go on sale, 60 days prior. They will increase the closer you get to your visit date and may adjust at any time.  To save money, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
 

Could the prices go down after I purchase my ticket?

No. The price you see is the best rate that is available for that date. They will not decrease, so the sooner you purchase, the better your price!

Are tickets date-specific? What if I purchase tickets and can no longer visit on that day?

Yes, tickets are date-specific and are only valid on that date. Tickets are non-refundable, but we may be able to reschedule or help you repurchase your tickets. Please call the zoo at 330-375-2550 to speak to someone about your options. Ticket rescheduling, if available, may be subject to a $5 ticket change fee.

Will this affect my free general admission as part of my membership?

No. Akron Zoo members will still receive free general admission for those covered under their membership. Akron Zoo members will continue to receive member pricing for special events, but prices will be subject to the plan-ahead pricing structure.

What if I don’t have access to the internet?

We want everyone to be able to visit the zoo. Please call the zoo at 330-375-2550, and we can help you secure tickets over the phone.

Can I use my existing online account?

Unfortunately, no. All users will need to create a new account, but we are confident that you will have a better ticketing experience. Akron Zoo members will want to make sure to create an account to receive your member pricing for events. This new ticketing system offers many new features previously not available, such as account information, order history and the ability to access purchased tickets!

How does this impact Museums for All program?

It doesn’t! Museums for All remains in place for Ohio EBT cardholders. Bring your valid SNAP EBT/ Ohio Direction card and valid form of photo ID to the ticket counter the day of your visit to receive a special admission price of $3.00 per person for up to 4 people.

How do I receive special discounts, like AZA reciprocal or military discounts?

To receive special discounts, you must purchase tickets at the ticket counter. A valid photo ID and reciprocal zoo membership card is required to receive the reciprocal zoo discount, and a valid military ID is required for the military discount.