Gift Memberships

  1. Home
  2. Membership
  3. Gift Memberships
Share this page:

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.

elephant illustration

Premier$84

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Carousel, Train, and ZooTubes rides
Punch card for eight rides

Cardholders
Up to two named cardholders

  • 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
giant panda illustration

Premier Plus$114

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Unlimited Carousel, Train, and ZooTubes rides
With your member card during regular, daytime visits*

Cardholders
Up to three named cardholders

  • 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
sea lion illustration

Patron Circle$250

One Guided Specialty Tour of your choice

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, 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.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Cardholders
Up to three named cardholders

  • 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

*Free parking, carousel, train and ZooTubes rides are only available during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo and not during special events. New benefits only apply to members who joined or renewed on or after January 1, 2018. Unlimited free rides available for up to 4 riders per visit.

Your privacy is important to us.