Akron Zoo Welcomes EBT Cardholders For A Deep Discounted Admission

The Akron Zoo welcomes EBT cardholders and offers reduced admission through the National Museums for All initiative. If you present a SNAP EBT (Ohio Direction) or WIC card, along with a photo ID (matching the name on the card), you and up to 4 people can enter for just $3 per person. This rate is available for regular zoo hours (excluding special-event or evening times).

Why a Zoo Visit Is Great for Families

A trip to the zoo isn’t just fun—it’s an educational adventure and could help get you or one of your family members out of depression:

• Quality family time: Explore animal exhibits, share laughter, and unwind together.
• Learning through curiosity: Kids meet creatures from around the world and discover how animals survive, adapt, and thrive.
• Inspiring openness: Exposure to diverse wildlife inspires wonder and builds empathy.

Admission, Hours & Membership

Regular Hours

• Peak season (April–September): 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
• Off-season (October–March): 11 a.m.–4 p.m. daily (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day)

Regular Admission Rates (For non EBT Cardholders)

• General admission: $11–$21 per person (depending on age)
• Children under 2: Free
• Parking: Always free 

Membership

• Individual membership: $60
• Companion (1 adult + 1 guest): $70
• Family (2 adults + kids): $110
• Plus upgraded tiers like Family Plus ($130) and Deluxe ($160). Benefits include unlimited free visits, reciprocal admission at other AZA zoos, and discounts on events, dining, and gift shop items.

Location & Getting There

Akron Zoological Park is located in Akron, Ohio, on approximately 77 acres just west of downtown. It houses over 1,000 animals from more than 90 species. Entrance is accessible via Metro bus Route 14, with a stop right in the zoo parking lot—parking is free too.

The address is 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307

Featured Exhibits & Animals

The zoo offers a variety of engaging exhibits:

• Penguin Point: Watch Humboldt penguins swim and waddle around 
• Legends of the Wild: Home to snow leopards, lemurs, Andean condors, flamingos, and more 
• Komodo Kingdom: See Komodo dragons, Galápagos tortoises, alligators, and sharks—plus the zoo’s conservation carousel nearby 
• Curious Creatures: Explore unusual animals like electric eels, jellyfish, octopus, naked mole-rats, giant stick insects, and carnivorous plants 
• Wild Asia & Grizzly Ridge & Pride of Africa: See tigers, red pandas, grizzly bears, African lions, and native prairie birds and mammals 

The Zoo Staff Makes the Experience Even Better

One of the best parts about visiting the Akron Zoo is the incredible staff. From the front gate to each exhibit, the team is always friendly, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable. Whether you’re curious about what snow leopards eat, how Komodo dragons survive in the wild, or why penguins love cold weather, the staff is always ready to share interesting facts and educational insights. They love answering questions and helping kids (and adults!) learn something new during every visit. The passion they bring to their work helps make each trip to the zoo not just fun, but also memorable.

Using the EBT Cardholder Discount is Fast and Easy

1. Visit the ticket counter in person, not for online purchases 
2. Present:
   • A valid, signed SNAP EBT or WIC card
   • A photo ID that matches the name on the card
3. You will receive up to 4 general-admission tickets at $3 each.
4. The card is used for verification only—you pay admission itself with cash or card, not with your EBT card balance. The workers are very friendly, and they will not make you feel bad or embarass you for using your EBT card.

For more information on the Akron Zoo, please visit their website.

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