A Metro Toronto Zoo membership can get you and your family into the zoo 364 days a year (the zoo is closed December 25th). If a trip to the zoo is something you do once every few years, membership might not be for you. But if you've ever left the zoo feeling there was still more to see and do, membership might be just the ticket.
The Toronto Zoo also has two-year memberships available, but for this article we'll just be considering the shorter term.
When Adults Start Saving on Admission
For all adults who visit the zoo without children the third zoo visit is the sweet spot where you break even or start saving. Here's how it breaks down:
- An individual pays $20 for a day or $60 for the year, breaking even on visit number three.
- Two adults pay $40 for a day or $110 for the year, and are up $10 on visit number three.
- A single senior (65+) pays $14 for a day or $40 for a year, having saved $2 on visit number three.
- Two seniors will pay $28 for a day or $75 for the year, having saved $9 on visit number three.
Families with Children
Figuring out when you'll save money on these plans is a lot more complicated and is based on your specific family. Use the links below to determine where your own situation falls. Take note that teens between the ages of 13 and 15 can be counted as children on a membership plan but pay full price for a one-day admission.
The two extreme examples are a single adult bringing one child 12 or under and two adults bringing four 13-15 year olds. The first family will pay $32 for one day and $100 for a year-long membership while the second would spend $120 for the day but only $10 more to get in for a year.
Special Note for High School and University Students
Are you 16 or older but still a student with I.D.? Then you've got a great deal going on the membership plan. Although you would pay the full $20 adult admission to go to the zoo for one day, it only costs you $40 to get a full-year membership instead of the $60 it'll cost when you're done school. So after only two visits you've broken even on admission costs, and still get all the other benefits listed below.
Of course the other way for you to get inside the zoo is as a Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteer. Recruiting takes place every fall.
Remaining Costs
Anyone who's been to the zoo knows the entrance gate isn't the only place you're likely to get out your wallet. There's $8 parking or transit to pay for, plus the options of attraction-priced food (unless you bring your own picnic lunch), rides and the gift shops.
Zoo Membership does get you onto the Zoomobile for free and 10% off at the gift shops. "Occasional" coupons for food and parking are mentioned, but no other details are given. You can purchase a $45 parking pass with your membership, but that only saves you money after your sixth visit.
Other Benefits of Membership
The zoo may have other expenses, but membership has other benefits. Consider if any of these perks would be of interest to you or any member of your family:
- Subscription to the Toronto Zoo's magazine and newsletter
- Special event invitations
- Discounts on programs and camps
- Discounts (usually half-price) on admission to a number of other zoos and aquariums in the United States
Beyond the official benefits, there are the zoo grounds themselves. Connected by what the zoo refers to as "over 10km of walking trails", just having access to the area can be a pleasure for avid walkers and slacking hikers.
Benefits for the Toronto Zoo
Signing up for membership supports the zoo and its conservation efforts. Of course you can support the zoo through direct donations or programs like "Adopt an Animal" and "The Wild Walk" as well.
Questions to Consider
If you're intrigued by the notion of a zoo membership but still aren't sure if it's right for you or your family, here are some questions to think about:
- How many times a year do you usually visit the zoo?
- How often would you like to visit?
- How easy is it for you to get to the zoo?
- How much do the other benefits mean to you?
- Would you prefer to volunteer at the zoo?
- Do you have other interests that would benefit from a membership, like photography, art, or birdwatching?
- Can you afford a zoo membership?
- Do you know someone who would appreciate a zoo membership as a gift?
Final Notes
The Toronto Zoo is very large, and it would be a real effort to see all the animals in a single visit. Add in Splash Island, the Waterside Theatre shows, special exhibits and all of the "Meet the Zookeeper" sessions and it would be easy to fill three visits.
Nonetheless, memberships and multiple visits a year aren't for everyone. If you explore the Toronto Zoo website ahead of time, you have a great chance of seeing all the things that are most important to you in whatever time you have available to spend at the Metro Toronto Zoo.
