If your family loves visiting animal exhibits while traveling, the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Reciprocal Admissions Program is an incredibly valuable membership perk. By purchasing an annual membership at a participating accredited zoo or aquarium, you gain discounted or free admission to over 150 other wildlife facilities across North America.

Unlike the ASTC science center program, which grants completely free entry, the AZA program operates on an “in-kind” reciprocity system.

• The 50% Tier: The vast majority of participating zoos and aquariums offer a 50% discount on general admission.
• The 100% Tier: A smaller selection of facilities offer completely free entry, but this usually only applies if your “home” zoo also gives free entry to reciprocal members.
• The Chart: The AZA publishes a massive, color-coded reciprocity chart every year. You must check this list to see exactly what percentage discount your destination offers before you travel.

The biggest thing local families need to know is that the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) does not participate in the AZA reciprocal program. That means you cannot use a reciprocal membership to get into the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, or the New York Aquarium.

However, many other fantastic regional facilities do participate. If you have a participating membership, you can get discounts at the Staten Island Zoo (NY), Turtle Back Zoo (NJ), Cape May County Park & Zoo (NJ), and Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (CT).

• General Admission Only: The discount applies strictly to basic entry tickets. It will not cover parking, tram rides, animal feeding encounters, or special seasonal events.
• Family Limits: Each destination sets its own rules on how many family members are covered by the discount (e.g., two adults and two children). Any additional guests must pay full price.

Chol Hamoed Pro-Tips

• Always Call Ahead: Reciprocity lists change yearly, and individual zoo policies can shift. Always call the destination’s membership desk to confirm their current AZA reciprocal status and family admittance limits.
• Pack the Physical Card & ID: You must present a valid, unexpired physical membership card from your home zoo that bears the AZA logo, along with a matching photo ID. Venues will not honor the discount if you forget your card.
• Geographic Restrictions: While not as strict as the ASTC program, some zoos do enforce geographic limits (for example, denying reciprocity to members of other zoos located within a 50-mile radius).