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Privacy Information
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Give or renew the gift of membership to a friend!
Give the gift of FONZ membership! A FONZ membership will send your friends and family on a fun-filled journey with exclusive experiences, free parking, members-only celebrations, and discounts on shopping and event tickets. But the perks don't stop there! Your gift membership supports the Smithsonian's National Zoo's mission to save species. Gift memberships, offered at the Premier, Premier Plus, and Patron Circle levels, include a customizable certificate that can be shared with your gift recipient.
Gift Membership Options
Cost: $84.00
As a FONZ member at the Premier level, you get to enjoy all the exciting benefits from our lower levels, and many more. Plus, you’ll know that your membership contribution is supporting the Zoo's critical work here and around the globe!
Benefits
- Up to two named cardholders
- Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo
- 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
- Punch card valid for eight carousel, train or ZooTubes rides
- Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
- Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
- Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
- A subscription to the members-only quarterly magazine, Smithsonian Zoogoer
- Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
- Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
- Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
- Access to the Cyber Safari mobile scavenger hunt
- Discounts on stroller rentals
- Access to the FONZ Photo Club
FONZ Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child's birthday with an unforgettable day at the Smithsonian's National Zoo! FONZ birthday parties are available to members with children turning 2 to 8 years old. Book a party today!
Cost: $114.00
Membership at the Premier Plus level is one of the most popular and there's definitely a good reason. As a Premier Plus member, you get to enjoy all the great benefits from the Premier level, plus some exclusive extras. On top of that, you share in our passion and dedication to support the Zoo in their mission to save species.
Benefits
- Up to three named cardholders
- Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo
- 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
- Unlimited carousel, train and ZooTubes rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
- Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
- Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
- Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
- A subscription to the members-only quarterly magazine, Smithsonian Zoogoer
- Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
- Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
- Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
- Access to the Cyber Safari mobile scavenger hunt
- Discounts on stroller rentals
- Access to the FONZ Photo Club
FONZ Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child's birthday with an unforgettable day at the Smithsonian's National Zoo! FONZ birthday parties are available to members with children turning 2 to 8 years old. Book a party today!
Cost: $250.00
As a member at the Patron Circle level, you get to enjoy all the benefits from the Premier Plus level and many more. Highlights include:
Benefits
- One Guided Specialty Tour of your choice
- Opportunities to attend talks with animal experts
- Up to three named cardholders
- Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo
- 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
- Unlimited carousel, train and ZooTubes rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
- Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
- Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
- Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
- A subscription to the members-only quarterly magazine, Smithsonian Zoogoer
- Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
- Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
- Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
- Access to the Cyber Safari mobile scavenger hunt
- Discounts on stroller rentals
- Access to the FONZ Photo Club
Guided Specialty Tours
Patrons are invited to choose one Guided Specialty Tour: Endangered Species, Hidden Gems, Kiss and Tail, or Upper Zoo. Each tour provides fascinating glimpses into the cutting-edge science and conservation work that your support makes possible.
For more information on how to schedule your Guided Specialty Tour or Meet-A-Keeper Tour, please contact us.
Endangered Species Tour
Looking to learn more about the conservation efforts to save endangered species? This tour explores many of the species at the Smithsonian's National Zoo that are facing, or have faced, the danger of extinction. This tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the amazing ways these animals have adapted to their habitats, how they are being threatened in the wild, and what you can do to help.
Hidden Gems Tour
Do you think you know everything about the giant pandas, elephants, great cats, and the Zoo's other most famous animals? This tour takes you "off-the-beaten path" and introduces you to some of the Zoo's most interesting yet lesser-known animals, such as Andean bears, caracals, and elephant shrews. Who knows? You just may find your new favorite animal!
Kiss and Tail Tour
Looking for something a little more wild? Join this adults-only tour and learn about the fascinating world of animal dating and mating. This tour visits cheetahs, zebras, Przewalski's horses, giant pandas, Big Cats, Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, and Reptile Discovery Center.
Upper Zoo Tour
Want to spend more time learning about animals and less time walking? Join our Upper Zoo Tour. This two-hour tour allows you to really get to know the animals in the three exhibits at the upper part of the Zoo, including cheetahs, zebras, gazelles, Asian small-clawed otters, clouded leopards, sloth bears, and more.
Each tour group can have one to ten members. That size fosters the best possible learning environment for you and your guests.
