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× Entry passes are now required to visit the Zoo. Please review the new COVID-19 safety policies and exhibit closures before booking your trip. Please note that Asia Trial/Giant Pandas is currently closed to the public.
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Join FONZ

Your FONZ membership is vital to ensuring the Zoo can continue its commitment to be the best in animal care, conservation, education and sustainability.

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

New Parking Information

A quick parking update for members:

  • 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.
  • Please allow a day or two for your new or reactivated membership ID to be recognized in the online ticketing system.
  • 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.

Standard$64

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

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

15% Discount
On food and merchandise, and discounts on events

Cardholder
One named adult cardholder

Note: this level does not include free parking benefits

  • One named adult cardholder
  • 15% discount on food and merchandise
  • Punch card valid for eight carousel, train or other seasonal attraction rides*
  • Invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings*
  • Discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Weekly Zoo Friends members-only e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Discounts on stroller rentals*
JoinRenew

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*
JoinRenewGift

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*
JoinRenewGift

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*
JoinRenewGift

Sponsor Circle$500

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

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

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

Cardholders
Up to three named adult cardholders

  • Invitations to VIP exhibit openings*
  • Members' Breakfast with the Curators*
  • 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
  • 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*
JoinRenew

Benefactor Circle$1,000

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

One exclusive Meet-a-Keeper Tour
Tours are currently not available due to COVID-19

This tour offers you the opportunity to find out more about an exhibit directly from an animal care expert.

For more information on how to schedule your Guided Specialty Tours and/or Meet-A-Keeper Tour, please contact us.

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

Invitation to an Annual Breakfast
Our Members' Breakfast with the Curators*

  • Invitations to VIP exhibit openings*
  • Members' Breakfast with the Curators*
  • 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*
JoinRenew

Director Council$2,500

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

Exclusive Director Tour

Lions, tigers and bears…and lemurs, snakes and tenrecs, oh my! The Director Tour brings you and your private group of up to four people behind the scenes at one of the animal exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The Panda House is not available for the Director Tour. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information on Council Membership levels, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Invitations to Council-Level Events
Including private receptions, annual programs and exclusive events sponsored by Smithsonian Institution including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend.

Insider Group Van Tour of SCBI
In Front Royal, Virginia

  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Access to free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 20% discount in Zoo stores and a 15% discount on food
  • 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
  • Discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Invitation to an Annual Donor Dinner
  • Name recognition in Smithsonian Institution annual report and Zoo Visitor Center lobby
  • Quarterly Donor Impact email update
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew

Explorer Council$5,000

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

Exclusive Explorer Tour

Ever wonder how the Zoo's animal families start their day?  Want to see for yourself?  The Explorer Tour brings you and your private group of up to six people behind the scenes at one of the animal exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The Panda House is not available for the Explorer Tour. 

Or, would you prefer a tour at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute instead? Choose a Highlights Tour of SCBI. The Highlights Tour is a 2-hour driving tour of the 3,200-acre facility that showcases the endangered species research and breeding center in Front Royal, Virginia. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Invitation to Special Members' Roundtable
A discussion with senior staff

Invitations to Council-Level Events
Including private receptions, annual programs and exclusive events sponsored by Smithsonian Institution including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend.

  • Insider Group Van Tour at SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia
  • Two single-use, reserved parking passes (with advance registration)
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Access to free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 20% discount in Zoo stores and a 15% discount on food
  • 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
  • Discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Invitation to an Annual Donor Dinner
  • Name recognition in Smithsonian Institution annual report and Zoo Visitor Center lobby
  • Quarterly Donor Impact email update
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew

Ambassador Council$10,000

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

Exclusive Ambassador Tour

Want to get up close to big cats, giant pandas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, or reptiles? The Ambassador Tour brings you and your private group of up to six people behind the scenes at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Members may choose one tour destination from any of the animal exhibits, including the Giant Panda House. OR, choose the In-depth Tour of the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The In-depth Tour of the 3,200-acre SCBI campus showcases the endangered species research and breeding center in Front Royal, Virginia. On this tour you'll have the opportunity to meet expert staff. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Private, In-Depth Tour of SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia

In-depth Tour of the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The In-depth Tour of the 3,200-acre SCBI campus showcases the endangered species research and breeding center in Front Royal, Virginia. On this tour you'll have the opportunity to meet expert staff. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Adopt-an-Animal-Trail
Special name-recognition opportunity at select Zoo sites for one year

  • Insider Group Van Tour at SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia
  • Two single-use, reserved parking passes (with advance registration)
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Access to free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 20% discount in Zoo stores and a 15% discount on food
  • 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
  • Discounts on Zoo education programs
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Invitation to an Annual Donor Dinner
  • Name recognition in Smithsonian Institution annual report and Zoo Visitor Center lobby
  • Quarterly Donor Impact email update
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew

Over 62? FONZ offers senior discounts at the Standard, Premier and Premier Plus levels.

* 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. Unlimited free rides, when back in operation, are available for up to 4 riders per visit. All benefits are subject to change and based on availability.

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