Membership

Membership Frequently Asked Questions

Is membership a value for me?

How long does it take to receive my card?

Is the term of my membership a calendar year or twelve months from purchase?

My card lists a GUEST, whom can I bring? Can my children or GUEST visit without me?

Does the membership allow admission to other zoos and aquariums?

Which membership type would best fit my situation?

Why do I have to list everyone by name on the card? Why am I asked to show ID along with my membership card?

What sort of specials or discounts does my membership include?

How can I give a gift membership?

What does a Nashville Zoo gift membership include?

How does the person I give the gift to actually redeem it, is there an expiration date?

How are the gift memberships structured?

I'm not sure which membership level to choose, are there extra fees for families with more than four members?


Is membership a value for me?

The average family need only visit a few times per year to fully recoup the membership fee versus regular admission fees. In addition to being able to visit the Zoo as often as desired, you no longer have the concern of staying for a certain time period to get your money's worth. Drop by for a morning walk or an afternoon of Jungle Gym play, and then bring everyone back for a weekend event. Check out upcoming happenings in the quarterly newsletter. Many of our superior education series classes (available for an additional fee) are completely filled by members before we can release them to the public.

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How long does it take to receive my card?

Membership processing takes approximately two weeks from purchase point to delivery. Memberships purchased at the gate or through the internet include a temporary card to allow entrance immediately. Internet purchases include a confirmation page to use for immediate membership privileges.

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Is the term of my membership a calendar year or twelve months from purchase?

All new memberships are valid for one or two full years from date of purchase. Renewed membership terms are added to the existing expiration date. Nashville Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

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My card lists a GUEST, whom can I bring? Can my children or GUEST visit without me?

The GUEST option applies to anyone over 3 years old and may be a different person with each visit. Anyone listed on the card may use it, provided they are able to produce some form of identification to link them to the membership. A driver's license, student ID or other photo ID may be used. A GUEST may only visit when escorted by an identifiable member.

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Does the membership allow admission to other zoos and aquariums?

Nashville Zoo was awarded membership in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. As an exciting part of the benefits associated with this membership, you, as one of our valued members, now have the opportunity to visit more than 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide and receive free or discounted admission.

Reciprocal Policies: The terms of admission extended may vary at each location from a slight admission discount to admission for everyone in your party, but is typically up to two adults and two children listed on your card, which you must have present. Additional benefits that you enjoy at Nashville Zoo such as free parking and in-park discounts are generally not extended during visits to other locations. Additionally, not all accredited facilities choose to participate in the reciprocal program.

The No Surprises Visit: To ensure that you are aware of the admission policy of the zoo/aquarium that you intend to visit AND to verify that Nashville Zoo is on their reciprocal list PLEASE CALL AHEAD BEFORE YOU VISIT. Should you discover during your inquiries that a listed facility is unaware of Nashville Zoo's AZA status, our membership department will be happy to try to rectify the situation by contacting the facility. Requests should be made during department business hours (M-F 8-5), 615-833-1534 ext 125 or ext 133 or membership@nashvillezoo.org.

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Which membership type would best fit my situation?

Nashville Zoo has a range of membership options designed to meet the needs of most of our visitors. Specific questions regarding which membership is the best fit should be addressed to the Membership Director at 615-833-1534 x 125 or membership@nashvillezoo.org.

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Why do I have to list everyone by name on the card? Why am I asked to show ID along with my membership card?

Nashville Zoo is a non-profit organization dependant on income sources such as gate and membership sales. Each membership is designed for a specific set of individuals, not an open-ended admission card. By naming each member and requiring ID we are better able to protect the integrity of the membership program and offer more benefits to our participating members. Additionally, our ticketing system limits admission to those actually listed.

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What sort of specials or discounts does my membership include?

Members enjoy discounts at the Zoofari Cafe, Zoofari Market, Zoofari Outpost, and Shamba Market, birthday party, camp and program discounts, Members Only Previews of new exhibits, Member Nights, Member Mornings and first notice of all programs, classes and events. As membership grows, an increasingly higher number of popular programs will be offered only to our members.

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How can I give a gift membership?

Complete our secure On-Line Form, call (833-1534 x 133), or stop by the Membership Office to complete a gift membership form for the recipient. You may choose to have the Gift Certificate sent directly to them OR to you for presentation, either way the certificate may be redeemed at their convenience to begin a year of zooper fun. To insure holiday delivery, please make sure you purchase your gift before December 15.

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What does a Nashville Zoo gift membership include?

One full year of unlimited admission and free parking for everyone included on the membership, reciprocal admission to over 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide, Gift Shop and Grill discounts, birthday party, camp and program discounts, Members Only Events and first notice of all programs, classes and events. Nashville Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

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How does the person I give the gift to actually redeem it, is there an expiration date?

The lucky recipient may redeem the Gift Certificate at their convenience, right away or wait awhile for warmer weather. The membership does not begin until redemption, which can be done in person, by mail or fax. The certificates do not expire and can not be replaced if lost. All of the details, like children's names, are completed by the recipient at the time that they redeem the certificate.

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How are the gift memberships structured?

The number of members on the membership is dependent upon the level that you choose to give ranging from INDIVIDUAL (a named member plus Guest), to GRANDPARENT (two named adults plus all grandchildren under 18), to FAMILY (two named adults, all children under 18 in the household plus Guest) and more, there is a perfect choice for everyone.

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I'm not sure which membership level to choose, are there extra fees for families with more than four members?

FAMILY and GRANDPARENT memberships are not limited to a specific number, but rather by household and age. Children/Grandchildren must be under 18, children listed on a Family membership must live within the same household. INDIVIDUAL memberships are recommended for couples and households where all children are under 3 years of age.

Have another question?

E-mail the membership department at membership@nashvillezoo.org.