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× EFFECTIVE MONDAY, NOV. 23: As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, all Smithsonian museums will temporarily close. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on our websites and social media.

Gift Memberships

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Give the gift of FONZ membership!

A FONZ membership will send your friends and family on a fun-filled journey with exclusive experiences that members near and far can enjoy. Benefits include access to free parking passes, invitations to special previews and discounts on shopping at the National Zoo, as well as special members-only digital education activities, curator and Zoo staff updates, and a weekly e-newsletter to stay in the know with animal news and all of the important happenings at the Zoo.

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 print-at-home customizable certificate that can be shared with your gift recipient.

Premier$84

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo – Parking reservation currently required*

Carousel, Train, and other seasonal attractions
Carousel and Train are currently closed due to COVID-19*

Cardholders
Up to two named adult cardholders

  • Up to two named adult cardholders
  • Access to free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and merchandise
  • Punch card valid for eight carousel, train or other seasonal attraction rides*
  • Priority registration and big discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings*
  • Discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets*
  • Weekly Zoo Friends members-only e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Discounts on stroller rentals*

Premier Plus$114

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo – Parking reservation currently required*

Carousel, Train, and other seasonal attractions
Carousel and Train are currently closed due to COVID-19*

Cardholders
Up to three named adult cardholders

  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Access to free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and merchandise
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration and big discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Priority registration and big discounts on popular Zoo event tickets
  • Invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings*
  • Weekly Zoo Friends members-only e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Discounts on stroller rentals*

Patron Circle$250

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

One Guided Specialty Tour of your choice
Tours are currently not available due to COVID-19

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 – Parking reservation currently required*

Cardholders
Up to three adult named cardholders

  • Opportunities to attend talks with animal experts*
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Access to free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and merchandise
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration and big discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings*
  • Weekly Zoo Friends members-only e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Discounts on stroller rentals*

*Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19. Free parking, carousel, train and other seasonal attractions 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.

New Parking Information

A quick parking update for members:

  • Please allow a day or two for your new or reactivated membership ID to be recognized in the online ticketing system.
  • Member free parking passes are extremely limited each day.
  • Members must reserve a Free Timed Pass or a Free or Paid Parking Pass ahead of their visit.
  • All ticket and pass reservations are first come, first served.
  • Members may reserve up to one free parking pass per week depending on availability.
  • To access member free parking, enter your member ID when reserving your parking pass.
  • If member free parking passes are no longer available, there may still be parking passes for purchase.

For more information about FONZ memberships, please visit the Membership FAQs page.