Membership FAQ
Everything You Need to Know
I’m a member. Do I need an online ticket?
No. Members do not need online tickets for regular daytime Zoo visits. You can check-in at our front gate with your Membership Card (digital copy/photo on phone is accepted) and/or photo identification. This includes admission for named adults as well as covered dependents/grandchildren and guests arriving with you.
View current zoo hours.
Do member guests need online tickets?
Members and their guests do not need online tickets. Named members can check in guests covered under their membership, and/or purchase discounted tickets for guests arriving with them who are not covered under the membership.
BUYING OR RENEWING
How do I purchase or renew a membership?
New memberships can be purchased online, or you can renew your membership online. You can also purchase or renew at our front gate when you arrive for your visit.
Can I apply my paid Zoo admission ticket toward an annual membership on the day of my visit?
Yes, you may apply the admission fees — for those who would’ve been covered under the membership — toward a membership purchase on the day of your visit. Please bring your ticket, and order number or receipt to a front gate staff member or call 253-404-3635.
Are there any discounts for purchasing memberships? *
Military discount: Members of the military receive a 10 percent discount on membership purchases. You must show a valid military identification and buy your membership at our front gate to receive the discount.
Apply admission discount: Paid admission fees can be applied toward a membership purchase. (Valid on the day of visit/receipt and valid only for the admission paid for those who would be covered under the membership.)
Membership renewals: Renewing members will receive special limited-time promotional codes for discounts on the renewal of memberships.
Wild Access discount: We offer discounted memberships to individuals and families who live in Washington and either qualify for state income assistance programs or participate in state foster/kinship care. You must show current documentation and photo identification at our front gate to purchase this pass. Learn more about Wild Access.
*Only 1 discount per membership purchase is allowed. Discounts are not valid on prior purchases.
I purchased my membership online. When will I receive my membership card?
We do not mail membership cards. You should have received an email confirmation with an attached PDF of your temporary membership card. Bring this confirmation, plus your photo identification, to our front gate to receive your printed membership cards on your next visit. The PDF of your temporary member identification card can be used until you pick up your printed membership cards.
Who should I name as the second named adult on my membership?
The primary named adult is non-transferable. The second named adult can be anyone you choose.
I have a nanny. What’s the best membership for me?
The Household or Deluxe Household membership can work for you. However, the nanny must be a named adult on your membership to receive free admission when bringing the children to the Zoo without you. You can list the nanny as the second named adult on the membership or you can purchase an additional named adult for only $40 (not valid on Individual or One plus One Membership levels).
Do I need to include children under the age of 3 on my membership?
Children ages 2 and younger receive free admission to the Zoo. Therefore, you do not need to include children ages 2 and younger on your membership. If your child turns 3 years old before your membership expires, you may add your child to your membership (or upgrade, if you currently have an Individual or a One Plus One membership).
GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP
Can I purchase a membership as a gift?
Yes. You can purchase a new or renewal membership online as a gift. If you aren’t sure whether the gift recipient already has a membership, please email us at membership@pdza.org or call 253-404-3635 to verify.
We also offer a Gift Membership ticket that can be purchased by phone and emailed to the purchaser. Call 253-404-3635 for information and to purchase.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When does my membership expire?
The expiration date is printed on the back of your membership card. We also include this information in our membership e-newsletter emails. Memberships expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase. If you are renewing a current membership, it will expire one year from the current expiration date.
How can I change my address?
To change your mailing address or other contact information, please email us at membership@pdza.org.
Can I change the name on my membership?
Zoo memberships are non-transferable. You can change the name when you renew your membership. Other changes throughout the year are limited and subject to a $10 fee. The primary named adult must initiate any changes.
Do members receive free guest passes?
All members receive discounted tickets for guests arriving with them for a Zoo visit. Only the Deluxe Membership levels receive free guests on each visit. Please check your membership card for details and membership level.
Do members receive free and/or discounted tickets to Zoolights?
Members receive discounted Zoolights tickets — 50 percent off the general admission price — for the individuals covered under their memberships. Discounted member tickets for Zoolights may be reserved and purchased online.
I have a Wild Access membership? Am I able to buy discounted Zoolights tickets?Yes, your Wild Access membership allows you to buy timed online Zoolights tickets at the Zoo member price.
How do I replace a lost membership card?
There is a $10 processing fee for a replacement membership card. You can request a replacement card at our front gate on your next visit, or by calling us at 253-404-3800.
Can my nanny or guest bring my children to the Zoo without me?
Yes. Legal dependents in your household ages 18 and younger will be admitted to the Zoo under your membership (excluding 1+1 memberships).* However, if the nanny or guest is not listed as a named adult on your membership, they will be charged a general admission fee. Guest passes are valid only when at least one named adult on the membership is present.
*Memberships may not be used for admission during school field trips.
Can I use my membership at other zoos and aquariums?
You can use your membership for discounted admission at other reciprocal zoos and aquariums across the country. Remember, each participating zoo has its own policies and your membership privileges may not work the same way at each zoo. Please contact the zoo you are visiting prior to arrival for details and to ensure there have been no changes. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium memberships are NOT reciprocal with Woodland Park Zoo or Seattle Aquarium.
I have a membership with a reciprocal zoo. Do I need to reserve tickets to visit?
Reciprocal members cannot receive their discount online for regular daytime Zoo visits. You can check in at our front gate with your photo identification and proof of membership/membership card (digital copy/photo on phone is accepted) to receive your discount. Reciprocal benefits are valid only for the named adults and children covered under the membership. We do not honor guest passes for reciprocal zoo memberships.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium provides services in exchange for membership dues. So membership dues do not qualify as charitable contributions and are not tax-deductible. However, charitable donations to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or The Zoo Society are tax-deductible, including Vision Keeper Club donations, Adopt an Animal purchases, and gifts that support our conservation projects.