Membership Frequently Asked Questions
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 the front gate with your Membership Card (digital copy/photo on phone is accepted) and/or photo ID. This includes admission for named adults as well as covered children and guests arriving with you.
Do members receive free guest passes?
All members receive a discount of $4–$6 per ticket on general admission at the front gate when bringing guests with them for their visit (Discount determined by ticket type).
Only the Friends & Family Plus or Deluxe Membership levels receive three free guests on each visit. Please check your membership card for details and membership level.
Named members can check-in guests covered under their membership, and/or purchase the discounted tickets at the front gate for guests arriving with them who are not covered under the membership.
Can my nanny or guest bring my children to the Zoo without me?
Under the Friends & Family or Wild Access levels – No, only the named adults on the membership can check-in the children or guests covered under the membership.
*Under remaining active Household or Grandparent level memberships – Yes, legal dependents/grandchildren covered on your membership, aged 3-18, 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 only valid when at least one named adult on the membership is present at check-in.
*Memberships may not be used for admission during school field trips
BUYING OR RENEWING A MEMBERSHIP
How do I purchase or renew a membership?
New memberships can be purchased online here, or you can renew your membership here. You can also purchase or renew at the front gate when you arrive for your visit.
Can I apply my paid Zoo admission ticket toward an annual membership?
Yes, on the day of your visit you may apply the admission tickets purchased, for those that would have been covered under the membership, toward your membership purchase. Please bring your ticket, order number, or receipt to a front gate staff member or call 253-404-3635.
*Upgraded Experience or special event tickets cannot be applied towards Membership purchase.
Are there any discounts for purchasing memberships? *
U.S. Military members receive a 10% discount on membership purchases at the front gate. You must show proof of military service (military or veteran ID card, discharge papers, DD 214, or any other proof of service).
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 that would have been covered under the membership.)
Membership renewals: Renewing members will receive special limited-time promotional codes via email for discounts on the renewal of memberships.
Wild Access: We offer discounted membership for Washington State individuals and families who are currently participating in EBT/Washington Quest or WIC nutrition assistance programs or participate in foster/kinship care. You must show current documentation and photo ID at the front gate to purchase this pass – Learn more about Wild Access requirements HERE.
*Only 1 discount per membership purchase. 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 emailed confirmation with an attached PDF of your temporary membership card. Bring this, plus your photo ID, to the Zoo’s front gate to have your membership cards printed on your next visit. The PDF of your temporary member ID card can be used until you pick up your 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 Friends & Family or Friends & Family Plus membership levels can work for you. However, the nanny must be a named adult on your membership to bring the children to the Zoo and receive free admission without you. You can list the nanny as the second named adult on the membership, or you can purchase one additional named adult for only $75 (not valid on Individual or One plus One membership levels).
How many children are covered under a Friends & Family membership level?
The Friends & Family or Friends & Family Plus membership levels cover 5 children aged 3-17 each visit. The children must be checked in with at least one of the named adults on the 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, or you need their membership information to renew, please email us at [email protected] or call 253-404-3635 to verify.
We also offer a Gift Membership Ticket that can be purchased and emailed to the purchaser. The Gift Membership Ticket does not activate the membership until it is redeemed. A great option for a gift or donating to an auction. Call our office or purchase online here.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When does my membership expire?
The expiration date is printed on your membership card. We also include this information in our membership e-newsletter emails that are sent to the email provided on the membership record.
Memberships expire at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase. If you are renewing an active membership, it will expire one year from the current expiration date.
How can I change my address?
To update your mailing address or other contact information, please email us at [email protected].
Can I change the name on my membership?
The primary named adults name cannot be changed; however, the primary named adult can initiate changes to any other named adult on their membership. Name changes during the membership term are limited and are charged a $25 name change fee.
*You can make changes to the 2nd or additional adult named when you renew your membership for no added cost.
*Zoo memberships are non-transferable. Please contact us if a name correction is needed.
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.
Do members receive free and/or discounted tickets to Zoolights?
Members receive 50% off the Zoolights general admission price — for the named adults and children covered under the membership, plus the three guests on the Friends & Family Plus or Deluxe membership levels.
Discounted member tickets for Zoolights must be reserved and purchased online.
I have a Wild Access membership. Am I able to buy discounted Zoolights tickets?
Yes, Wild Access level memberships receive all member benefits, including the option to buy timed online Zoolights tickets at the Zoo member price, for the individuals covered under the membership. (see above)
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.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium memberships are NOT reciprocal with Northwest Trek, Seattle Aquarium or Woodland Park Zoo.
**Please see the reciprocal list linked above for added information and participating locations
I have a membership with a reciprocal zoo. Do I need to reserve tickets to visit?
No, reciprocal members can check-in at our front gate with your photo ID 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.
- Reciprocal discounts are available for general daytime admission only and cannot be applied to Premier Experiences or special events.
- Reciprocal members cannot receive their discounts online.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium provides services in exchange for membership dues. 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.