How To Get Indianapolis Zoo Discounts For Low Income Families

A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo can be an incredible experience for families, offering the opportunity to see exotic animals, enjoy interactive exhibits, and create lasting memories. However, for low-income families, admission and membership prices can seem unaffordable. Fortunately, there are several ways families in Indianapolis can enjoy the zoo at a lower cost.

What is the cost of visiting the Indianapolis Zoo?

You should know that visiting the Indianapolis Zoo with your family won’t be cheap, so discounts could be helpful. First, find out the actual prices at the Indianapolis Zoo so you’re aware. If you buy tickets through other platforms, you’ll be able to tell if you’re being offered a discount or simply scammed. Check out the Indianapolis Zoo prices below:

• Free for children under 2.

• $17.75 online and $34.75 at the door for children ages 2-12.
• $21.75 online and $31.75 at the door for children ages 2-12.
• $20.75 online and $32.75 at the door for those 62 and older.

Therefore, if you plan to purchase a ticket in advance through the Indianapolis Zoo’s online portal, you can save 50%. Ticket prices are quite high, so it’s best to book online in advance. If you’re looking for an upgraded experience, you’ll need to purchase the Explorer Pass for $17 online, which gives you unlimited rides and up to five animal feedings. However, if you purchase the pass at the gate, it will cost $19. If you bring your own vehicle, parking fees at the Indianapolis Zoo are…

Prices are subject to change, so we recommend visiting the official Indianapolis Zoo website for more information.

How To Get Indianapolis Zoo Discounts For Low Income

The Indianapolis Zoo understands the difficulties faced by low-income families and understands that everyone should have access to tourist attractions, regardless of their economic situation. The Indianapolis Zoo’s primary goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy and have access to wildlife and educational experiences.

There are discounts that help reduce entrance fees and also special discounts on the purchase of membership cards. Read the article to learn about available initiatives that could help you with Indianapolis Zoo discounts for low-income individuals

1. Access Pass Program

The Indianapolis Zoo participates in the Indiana Access Pass Program, which facilitates access to cultural attractions for families receiving government assistance.

Cost: $2 per person, per visit

Eligibility: Families receiving SNAP, TANF, Hoosier Healthwise Health Insurance, or other forms of state assistance.

How to apply: When registering for the Access Pass, you’ll need to show your EBT card, Hoosier Healthwise card, or other proof of eligibility, along with a valid photo ID.

This program is one of the best ways for low-income families to access the zoo at significant discounts.

2. Discounted Memberships Through the Access Pass

In addition to single-day tickets, Access Pass participants can also purchase discounted annual zoo memberships. This can save families money in the long run if they plan to visit multiple times throughout the year.

3. Zoo Specials

The Indianapolis Zoo sometimes offers seasonal discounts or free admission days. Families should keep an eye on the zoo’s official website or social media for upcoming offers. For example:

Winter discounts when visitors are lower

Special family days or holiday events with reduced prices

4. Programs for Groups and Schools

Some schools, churches, and community organizations organize group trips to the zoo. These often include discounted admission, and sometimes local nonprofits even cover the cost for low-income families.

5. Library Programs and Passes

Check with your local Indianapolis public library. Some branches offer community passes or discounts to cultural attractions, including the zoo. Availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to ask your library if these programs are currently being offered.

6. Volunteer Opportunities

For families with older children or teenagers, volunteering at the zoo can be another way to enjoy the experience free of charge. Volunteers often have access to zoo events, training, and behind-the-scenes opportunities.

7. Buy Your Tickets Online in Advance

If you buy your Indianapolis Zoo tickets online in advance, you’ll get discounts of up to 50%. If you buy them at the door, prices are significantly higher compared to online prices. Buying tickets online in advance results in lower prices. You can try buying them during seasonal promotions or sales, where you might get more discounts than on regular days.

8. AAA Discounts

If you’re a AAA member, you’re entitled to a $2 discount on admission to the Indianapolis Zoo. Discounts apply to up to four tickets, and to receive them, you must present your valid AAA membership card when purchasing tickets. Additionally, AAA members also receive special discounts when purchasing tickets online, but we recommend visiting your local AAA office to learn about available discounts.

9. Military Discounts

Active, retired, and veteran military personnel may qualify for the Military Discount. Discounts of $2 are offered on admission, valid for up to four tickets per visit. However, at the box office, you must show your current military ID. However, you must pay for parking and other services. The discount only applies to admission to the Indianapolis Zoo. Discounts may be available on food and other services, but they depend entirely on the time of year. There are seasonal discounts and other promotions; however, this depends on the time of year you visit the zoo.

10. Corporate and Credit Union Discounts

Corporate and credit union discounts generally vary from organization to organization. Many local businesses and credit unions may offer discounted zoo admission to their employees or members. Therefore, if you work for a corporation, you can ask your manager if they have discount coupons for the Indianapolis Zoo. Indiana Members Credit Union also offers discount coupons to its members. Therefore, we recommend checking with your organization if they offer coupons that might offer you a discount on your visit to the Indianapolis Zoo.

11. Look for coupons on websites

Another way to get discounts at the Indianapolis Zoo for low-income people is to try coupon websites. Coupon websites like Coupons.com, WorthEPenny, RetailMeNot, and many more can offer significant discounts of up to 35%. However, it’s important to be aware that many shady websites could request your personal information and steal your data. Therefore, you should only visit websites with good and genuine reviews. To search for coupons, simply Google “Indianapolis Zoo coupons” and you’ll get some results.

What is the price of discounted Indianapolis Zoo tickets with EBT?

The Indianapolis Zoo already participates in the Indiana Access Pass Program, which offers discounted tickets for eligible families. Families enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or other assistance programs can visit the Indianapolis Zoo at a reduced rate.

Standard Access Pass admission typically offers a $2 discount per family member. However, rules may change occasionally, so we recommend checking the website for current information.

How to save money at the Indianapolis Zoo?

There are also several ways to save money at the Indianapolis Zoo. We’ve listed some ways you can follow to save some extra money.

Bring Your Own Food

You’ll undoubtedly find plenty of food options at the Indianapolis Zoo, but you’ll likely be charged more. If you’re on a tight budget and looking to save money, we recommend bringing your own food, including snacks or drinks. Inside the Indianapolis Zoo, you’ll find picnic areas where you can enjoy them. Bringing food home is a much cheaper and healthier option than what’s offered at the concession stands.

Use Public Transportation

The Indianapolis Zoo charges for parking, which costs around $10. If you visit by public transportation, you can easily avoid the parking fee. However, if you live far away, you may need your own vehicle if local transportation isn’t available. Just calculate the cheapest option and use the one that fits your budget. If you live near the Indianapolis Zoo, you can walk to save money. It’s important to plan your transportation carefully to save extra money.

Avoid Unnecessary Purchases

Once you enter the Indianapolis Zoo with your family, you may find food stands and gift shops. If you can avoid them, you’ll surely save a considerable amount, and your expenses won’t exceed your budget. Everything inside the zoo is quite expensive compared to the outside market; however, it likely will be. Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead to bring your own food and simply avoid unnecessary purchases.

Conclusion

The Indianapolis Zoo strives to make its attractions accessible to all families, regardless of income. Whether through the Access Pass, special promotions, or community programs, there are multiple ways to enjoy the zoo without paying full price.

If your family is a low-income resident in Indianapolis, the first step should be to apply for the Access Pass, as it offers the largest and most consistent savings.