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?
Do you offer any rate adjustments?
What if I just want a "seasonal" pass, like just the summer?
Can I have a caregiver or grandparent bring my child on our membership (applicable only to membership levels which include a guest)?
What if I want to upgrade to a higher level during my membership term?
What about refunds or transferring membership?
Do I need a parking permit to park free as a member?
How do I change a name on my membership?
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.
How long does it take to receive my card?
Depending on order volume, membership cards may be received as soon a two weeks and up to six weeks from purchase. The yellow copy of the membership form (gate) or e-confirmation (Internet) allows for immediate use of the membership. Reciprocal facilities may not accept these, please call ahead to verify.
Is the term of my membership a calendar year or twelve months from purchase?
All new and lapsed 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.
My card lists a GUEST, whom can I bring? Can my children or GUEST visit without me?
The GUEST option applies to anyone ages 2 and older 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. For small children, we also accept a birth certificate copy or social security card. A GUEST may only visit when escorted by an identifiable member.
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 .
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 .
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.
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 and first notice of all programs, classes and events and free parking. As membership grows, an increasingly higher number of popular programs will be offered only to our members.
How can I give a gift membership?
Complete our secure Online Form, stop by the Ticket Booth or call 615-833-1534 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.
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.
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.
How are the gift memberships structured?
The number of members on the membership is dependent upon the level that you choose to give. Check the descriptions for each level to determine the best fit.
I'm not sure which membership level to choose, are there extra fees for families with more than four members?
The number of applicable children or grandchildren on a membership level is not limited. The following restrictions do apply:
a) Any child listed must be under 18, any that turn 18 during the membership will cease to be covered.
b) Children must all reside in the same household.
c) The Primary Member must be the grandparent of all grandchildren listed.
d) Either children OR grandchildren may be listed, not both.
Do you offer any rate adjustments?
Educators, military and seniors (65+) may qualify for a $10 discount. Proof of status [for someone listed on the membership] is required at the time of purchase, one discount per order. Eligible admission and parking fees [for persons listed on the membership] for visits within the past two weeks may also apply. Not available on gift orders.
What if I just want a "seasonal" pass, like just the summer?
Nashville Zoo memberships are valid for one year from purchase. Since the fee is based on recouping the cost within 2-3 visits, and Nashville Zoo is open year-round, it is assumed that every member will have visited at least that often, regardless of the time period in which they choose to accomplish their visits.
Can I have a caregiver or grandparent bring my child on our membership (applicable only to membership levels which include a guest)?
Anyone presenting the card must be both named on the card and have ID (for children this may be a birth certificate copy, social security card or school ID). We offer two options for someone other than the primary adults to be able to bring a member child listed on the card: 1.) A third named adult may be listed on the card in place of a guest. 2.) For those prefering to retain the guest option, an unnamed adult may visit as the guest of the child if the child is able to present ID as listed above.
What if I want to upgrade to a higher level during my membership term?
Memberships may be upgraded at any time during the membership term by paying the difference between the current level and the higher level. Because this difference is equal to or less than the two visit admission value for the additional person(s) covered it is assumed that the difference will be recouped before the end of the membership term, no pro-rating is available. Members who wish to upgrade within 1-2 months of expiration may also choose to simply renew at the higher level.
What about refunds or transferring membership?
Memberships are not transferrable and in most cases no refund may be issued. It is assumed that every member will have visited often enough to recoup the cost (2 visits) regardless of how recently the membership was purchased.
Do I need a parking permit to park free as a member?
No, a parking ticket will be issued as you drive in. Take the ticket to the Ticket Booth to have it validated as a Member. Present the validated ticket on the drive out.
How do I change a name on my membership?
Child names may be added (as they turn 2) or removed (at 18) by contacting us at . with the information. To change the second adult name to a different name/guest requires that all issued cards be returned and a request submitted.
Have another question?
E-mail the membership department at .
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