Free parking is available for Premier level members and higher. The number of passes per year are based on the membership level. See more information about member benefits.

Free parking is not available to Standard level members.

Parking passes must be reserved ahead of your visit. Member parking is limited and “sells” out quickly.

Membership parking benefits do not apply to employees, vendors or contractors doing business with or operating near the Zoo.

Learn more about reserving a pass.

The number of parking passes included annually with your membership is based on your membership level.

• Standard: 0 parking passes
• Premier: 3 parking passes
• Premiere Plus: 3 parking passes
• Patron Circle: 4 parking passes
• Sponsor Circle: 4 parking passes
• Benefactor Circle: Unlimited parking passes

Please only reserve a pass if you are sure you plan to visit. Changing your visit date is subject to availability.

Member parking passes must be reserved prior to your visit. 

Reserve your parking passes here. 

After you reserve your free member parking passes, you will receive a confirmation email and an email containing your passes. They will also be available when you log into your account and go to the Access Your Passes tab in the top right-hand corner of the page. 

Note: Free Parking Passes are available for reservation and use immediately after becoming a new member or renewing membership. To access your free parking benefit, complete your membership transaction and then log in to reserve and use your parking passes. 

To return or exchange a parking pass please write ZooMembership@si.edu or call 202-633-2922 at least 24 hours before the date of your original reservation. The membership phone line and email account are monitored Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Please note that parking pass exchanges are subject to availability. 

Yes, your membership is active once your payment in processed! You will receive an email confirmation containing your membership ID (sometimes called your customer ID), which can be used as proof of membership until you receive your membership cards.

Your digital membership card will arrive within 24 hours of your membership purchase or renewal. 

Please allow several weeks for your physical membership cards to arrive in the mail.

Still haven't received your cards? Please contact us at ZooMembership@si.edu with "Membership Cards" in the subject line. 

Your email confirmation containing your membership ID can be used as proof of membership until your membership cards arrive in the mail.

Anyone over the age of 18 can be listed as a cardholder. 

Please note: Including guest, nanny, or other titles instead of an individual’s name will prevent them from using the membership. A membership card may not be loaned to an individual that is not one of the named individuals on your account.

Members can visit the Zoo without reserving a walk-in entry pass! When you arrive at the pedestrian entrance, you’ll need to show proof of your active membership (physical or digital member card).

Please note:

• Your membership allows for up to six people (including named cardholders and regardless of age) to enter without reserving a pass.
• Entry is based on park capacity, and you may need to wait for entry on busy days.
• Certain blackout dates may apply and will be communicated to members in advance.

Your membership allows for up to six people (including named cardholders and regardless of age) to enter without reserving a pass. With a larger group, Zoo staff recommend you reserve entry passes for the entire group ahead of your visit.

You can renew your membership any time online by logging in to your account here.

Please note: When you renew your membership early, your new membership begins the day after your current membership expires. There is no overlap between the two memberships, and no time is lost!

You may write ZooMembership@si.edu or call 202-633-2922 to connect with a staff person who will assist you. The membership phone line and email account are monitored Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

You can update your membership information by logging in to your account here. If you need help, please email us at ZooMembership@si.edu.

You may have multiple accounts that need to be merged by our membership team. 

Please write ZooMembership@si.edu or call 202-633-2922 to be connected to the appropriate person. The membership phone line and email account are monitored Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yes! Check the reciprocity list for participating zoos and aquariums.

Participants in the AZA Reciprocal Membership Program reserve the right to cancel or deny benefits at any time according to their needs. Be sure to call the zoo or aquarium that you are visiting ahead of time to confirm whether they are offering reciprocal membership benefits. Visit AZA.org for the most up-to-date information.

Standard Membership gifts are fully tax deductible.

For all other levels, the amount of your membership contribution minus the fair market value of your benefits is tax-deductible. 

Membership payments are donations to the Zoo. Therefore, they are nonrefundable. 

If you have any questions, please write ZooMembership@si.edu or call 202-633-2922. The membership phone line and email account are monitored Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If your question was not answered here and we may be of further assistance, please write ZooMembership@si.edu or call 202-633-2922 to be connected to the appropriate person. The membership phone line and email account are monitored Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.

Thank you for patience, and for your support of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.