Membership

Free parking is included for Premier-level members and above. 

Please note: 

• The number of Parking Passes included depends on your membership level. 
• Passes are valid for regular daytime visits only and cannot be used for special events such as ZooLights or Boo at the Zoo. 
• Member Parking Passes must be reserved in advance. Without a reservation, you will be required to purchase parking at the current day-of rate ($40). 
• Member Parking Passes may not be used by employees, vendors or contractors conducting business at or near the Zoo.

Member Parking Passes must be reserved in advance and are subject to availability. Because parking often sells out, we recommend reserving as early as possible. 

Reserve your parking here. 

Please only reserve parking if you plan to visit. Exchanges are subject to availability and not guaranteed and may only be made up to 48 hours before your reservation date.  

You can view your Member Parking Passes by logging into your account and selecting My Orders.  

After reserving parking, you'll receive: 

• A confirmation email 
• A separate email containing your Parking Pass QR code 

Contact the membership team at [email protected] or 202-633-2922 at least 48 hours before your reservation date. Exchanges are subject to availability and not guaranteed. 

Support is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Digital membership cards are emailed within 24 hours of joining or renewing. 

To use your membership benefits in-park, present: 

• Your digital card on your phone (or a printed copy), and 
• A valid ID matching the cardholder name. 

Yes! Membership benefits begin as soon as payment is processed. Your confirmation email includes your membership ID and may be used as proof of membership until your digital card arrives.  

Any adult (18+) may be listed as a cardholder. 

Each cardholder must be identified by their legal name. Generic labels such as "Guest" or "Nanny" are not permitted, and memberships may only be used by the named cardholders.    

Yes! Many Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions offer reciprocal benefits. 

Before visiting, check the current AZA reciprocity list and contact the institution directly to confirm participation and available discounts. Policies vary by location.  

Please note: the Maryland Zoo does not offer discounted admissions to members of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute due to close geographic proximity.   

After joining or renewing, log out and back into your account to activate your membership. 

If benefits still aren't visible, contact the membership team at [email protected] or 202-633-2922. Support is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Memberships are nonrefundable in accordance with the Zoo's Terms of Sale. 

Your tax-deductible amount equals your membership contribution minus the fair market value of any benefits received. 

Traditional IRA funds may be used to purchase a membership.  

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) cannot be used to purchase a membership, though they may be used to make unrestricted donations to the Zoo.