The Cincinnati Zoo is widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the nation, thanks in part to its long-standing breeding programs conducted through the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW). More than 1.7 million people visit the Zoo each year to view its 400 animal and 3,000 plant species.
When it comes to finding deals on your entrance fee, buying discount Cincinnati Zoo tickets through authorized sellers is easy. Through my position as an authorized aRes seller, I can point you to the best and most reliable ways to save money, so you don’t waste time searching the internet for coupons and promo codes that ultimately don’t work or for obscure special offers.
Cincinnati Zoo Ticket Prices
Cincinnati Zoo tickets are available in General Admission or Admission + Rides and Attractions.
Single-Day General Admission Only
Select this ticket option if you are interested in exploring the Zoo and gardens. Prices vary by day, online prices are always lower than prices at the Zoo’s ticket window, and the Zoo advertises savings of up to $10 per ticket for buying online in advance. Standard rates run up to the following:
- Adult (ages 13–61): up to $27.00
- Child (ages 2–12): up to $21.00
- Senior (ages 62+): up to $21.00
Zoo Rides and Attractions
Platinum and Gold Memberships include admission and unlimited rides on the zoo train (between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and the carousel (between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.) ticket. However, you can also add these attractions to your general admission ticket. Prices vary by the selected day. Below is a list of prices for rides and attractions.
- Safari Train – $5 per person (included with Platinum and Gold Membership)
- Carousel – $4 per person (included with Platinum and Gold Membership)
- Giraffe Feeding – $5 per person
- ScooterPals – $5 to start +.35 cents/minute
- Face Painting – Prices range from $14 to $20. Membership discount available.
Ticket Add-Ons
Wild Encounters attractions require an additional ticket. Most additional attractions cannot accommodate strollers, babies in arms, or wheelchairs, so guests in these categories should not purchase an additional attraction ticket. Most tickets are per-person and non-refundable. These attractions include the following and have the same price for adults, children, and seniors:
- Elephant Bath: Currently sold out. This private experience allows groups of 2-5 to enter the historic elephant house and participate in an educational and interactive bathing session with the world’s largest land mammal, supporting various elephant conservation efforts. The cost ranges from $200 for two people, $100 for each additional guest, and $500 for a group of five.
- Little Blue Penguin Experience: Guests can go behind the scenes to meet these creatures. Ages 10+ / Price: $50/person.
- African Penguin Feeding: It’s a feeding-only experience where guests toss breakfast treats to African Penguins and Cormorants. Ages 5+ / Price: $20/person.
- The Tremendous Tour-toise: A one-on-one experience with a Reptile team member, with the opportunity to feed tortoises and touch their feet and legs. Ages 8+ / Price: $50/person.
Reservations Are No Longer Necessary
While you no longer have to reserve your entry time if you are a Cincinnati Zoo member, you’ll continue to save if you reserve your tickets in advance.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Discount Ticket Promos
The most reliable ways to buy discounted Cincinnati Zoo tickets are listed below.
The Zoo is also currently running a 4 for $54 offer: four general admission tickets for $54, valid through September 30, 2026.
1. Discount 1-Day Tickets + Combo Packages
We offer discounted tickets through aRes Travel, a San Diego-based authorized ticket seller for major attractions such as theme parks and zoos across the United States. I partner with them to help readers save big on sightseeing.
Most Cincinnati Zoo visitors only spend a single day at the facility when on vacation. If you’re not a Zoo Member, this discount is the cheapest way to purchase a general admission ticket.
aRes also sells discounted PNC Festival of Lights admission each winter, when you can enjoy the Zoo by day and stay for the magic at night, with millions of twinkling lights, festive displays, and seasonal treats throughout the park. The 2025 season ran November 20, 2025 through January 4, 2026, at $22 for ages 13+ and $15 for ages 2–12, plus the same $2 per-ticket service fee. The 2026 festival runs November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and discounted tickets typically appear closer to the season.
2. Cincinnati Zoo Vacation Package
Make a day and an evening of it, or spend several evenings exploring the surrounding area with an exclusive package. Each deal includes admission to the zoo and botanical garden, as well as lodging.
Select how many tickets you need and your dates to find deals. Choose from dozens of hotels in the area and select as many nights as you want, allowing you to create the leisurely vacation of your dreams in Southwestern Ohio.
Prices will differ depending on the hotel you choose and your length of stay.
3. Half-Price Tickets for Members
Cincinnati Zoo members receive several perks, including half-price tickets for single-day admission. The price of these tickets is based on the full-price ticket for your selected date.
4. Military and First Responders Discounts
All military members and first responders receive $5 off adult and child admission. A valid military, law enforcement, or fire department ID and a matching photo ID are required, and discounted tickets can be purchased online through the Zoo.
All military members (active and veterans) and first responders receive a 10% discount on all Zoo membership levels. All that is needed is a military or veteran ID to bring to the ticketing window to redeem this discount.
B105 Military Days at the Zoo occur on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans’ Day. All active and retired military members receive free admission and may purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for their immediate family members.
Military personnel who qualify for this offer include active-duty members of all branches, National Guard members, veterans with an honorable or medical discharge, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members with government-issued ID. The Zoo must verify your military ID in person.
5. AAA Discount for Cincinnati Zoo
AAA offers discounted tickets to its club members through local AAA clubs; the Zoo notes these discounts are not available at its ticketing windows. Discounts vary, so AAA members should check with their local club for current promotions.
6. Group Discounts
Group discounts are available online only for parties of 15 or more. Discounts depend on the number of tickets needed and the day of admission. You can expect the following price ranges for general admission group discounts:
- Adult (13-61): $17.00 – $31.00
- Child (3-12): $11.00 – $25.00
- Senior (ages 62+) – $11.00 – $25.00
Organization representatives must enter their company’s unique code on the website to receive the discount. Cincinnati Zoo also has group discounts that vary with each organization. These include discounts for:
- Groups of 50 or more
- Non-profit groups
- School groups
- Tour groups
For non-profit groups and parties of 50 and more guests, you should contact the zoo’s large group discount team to negotiate rates for everyone in your group. Call 513-559-7767 for more details.
School groups also have special discounted rates. Rates depend on whether the school group wants educational experiences or needs a day out. For more information, contact the zoo’s Education Department at 513-559-7767.
Tours are also available for tour groups. Contact the zoo’s special events department for more information on what you can create for your tour.
7. Corporate Discounts
For those planning a company outing, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a corporate experience with a unique discount code exclusive to your company.
Contact Group Ticketing to determine your company’s discount. Through this discount, you can order valid, any-day tickets. You can also offer employee discounts through the Zoo’s online ticket store. The corporate discount has a minimum of 15 tickets.
8. Cincinnati Zoo Memberships and Donor Clubs
If you plan to visit frequently, a membership is usually the most cost-effective option. You can join as a family, dual, or individual member at three different levels: standard, gold, or platinum. You can also participate as a virtual member, which is one level and includes access to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Live Hippo Cove Web Cam, as well as other exclusive videos, insider news, and additional perks.
All members receive unlimited admission, free parking, early entry into the Zoo, four half-price guest tickets per day, select retail and food discounts, discounted admission to reciprocal zoos, and more. Some restrictions apply.
9. Reciprocal Membership Discounts
If you are a member of certain reciprocal zoos and aquariums in the United States, you can receive 50% off general admission. This offer cannot be combined with any special events or promotions.
You must present a valid Reciprocal Zoo Membership and photo ID at the ticketing windows to receive the discount. You must go to the zoo ticket windows to receive this discount. When you present your reciprocal membership card, you’ll get 50% off admission. Check the list of reciprocal zoos before you go.
General Cincinnati Zoo Information
As the second oldest zoo in the United States, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden has long been a proponent of saving endangered species. The Zoo was designated a Historic Landmark in 1987 because of its unique architecture in several buildings like the Elephant House, the Reptile House, and the Passenger Pigeon Memorial. The Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in the country, dating from the facility’s opening in 1875.
Since 1975, the Cincinnati Zoo has been part of the city’s public school system with the Zoo Academy, a four-year college preparatory school. The Zoo is also the most prominent non-formal science educator in the Cincinnati metro area, serving more than 300,000 students annually through its education programs.
The busiest times at the Zoo are on weekends and holidays, especially when the weather is nice. Zoo officials suggest that visitors arrive before 10:30 am or after 2:30 pm on Heavy traffic days to avoid parking the admission delays. During the PNC Festival of Lights, the best time to arrive is before 4:30 pm or after 7:30 pm.
Home to a Famous Hippo
Move over Moo Deng, Fiona the hippo lives at Cincinnati Zoo. She was born six weeks premature on January 24, 2017. Zoo staff named her Fiona because her ears made them think of the Shrek character of the same name. Fiona the hippo became a social media star thanks to some viral videos. You can see her story on YouTube.
Safety Measures
Prohibited items include glass, outside alcohol, laser pointers, balloons, bicycles, rollerblades, skates, and projectile toys. The information above is subject to change, so it’s best to review these policies before you go.
Cincinnati Zoo Tickets & More FAQ
Do you have questions about visiting the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? We’ll attempt to answer them here.
What are the benefits of having a Cincinnati Zoo membership
Cincinnati Zoo members get many different benefits for their annual fee including:
- 9 am early entry from early March through mid-November
- Four half-price guest tickets on each visit that cannot be combined with other discounts
- Food and merchandise discounts
- Reciprocal membership at over 100 zoos and aquariums throughout the United States
- Admission to PNC Festival of Lights
- Exclusive content and a subscription to the Zoo’s bi-monthly newsletter
Do you have to make reservations to visit the Cincinnati Zoo, or can you buy tickets at the gate?
Members can buy daily admission at the Zoo ticket windows and do not need reservations. Some types of discounted tickets purchased through other sources may require reservations, so read your confirmation email carefully.
How can I get a ticket to the Cincinnati Zoo festival of lights?
The Festival of Lights is included with your admission. The 2026 festival runs November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027 (closed November 26, December 24, and December 25), with festival activities beginning at 4 p.m. If you are coming to the facility only for this event, make sure you arrive before 8:30 pm as no guest will be admitted after that time.
Does the Cincinnati Zoo offer an EBT discount?
The Cincinnati Zoo offers a SNAP/EBT program. As a part of its Zoo Access for All program, the Cincinnati Zoo offers discounted tickets or a Membership to those with a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food assistance card. Through the program, admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children and seniors, parking is $1, an unlimited rides package is $4, and a family membership is $50. You must have a valid SNAP card and photo ID to purchase tickets or apply for membership.
What is the UC Health Cincinnati Zoo discount?
The UC Health Cincinnati Zoo discount, also known as UC at the Zoo, was a discount to the Cincinnati Zoo offered through the University of Cincinnati (UC). The mission behind this discount was to make the zoo experience affordable for all. While this discount is not currently being offered, check back in closer to your visit for any updated discounts or deals.
Can you still get the Kroger Cincinnati Zoo discount?
The Cincinnati Zoo is still a Kroger Community Rewards program recipient. This program allows customers to register their Kroger Plus Card and start earning money for organizations. To participate in the program and support the zoo you can register online.
Learn about other discounts:
- San Francisco Zoo tickets
- Phoenix Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- SeaWorld San Antonio tickets
- SeaWorld San Diego tickets
- SeaWorld Orlando tickets
- Disneyland tickets
- Walt Disney World tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- Universal Orlando tickets
- Kings Island tickets
- Cedar Point tickets
Hello!
Can you tell me if the tickets for the zoo are electronic or need to be printed? Thank you!
They are mobile-friendly tickets! You can pull up the QR code at the gate for the attendant to scan. Or you can print the tickets – up to you!