Zoos are a fun way to spend a sunny summer day while learning about animals and spending quality family time together. But admission fees can be costly.
So we've put together a list of zoos around the country that offer military discounts year-round. Several zoos also offer special deals on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July so check back during those holidays.
Most zoo discounts aren't available online, so be prepared to ask for the military discount at the ticket window. Don't forget to bring your military ID!
The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage offers a $5 military discount on admission for active-duty military, veterans and dependents.
Active-duty military, veterans, reservists and dependents get a $3 military discount on general admission to the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: Alabama]
The Bronx Zoo in New York offers military discounts six days a week year-round. (The discount is not valid on Wednesdays.) Active-duty service members get free Total Experience or General Admission tickets and half off for up to three family members. Veterans receive a 20% discount on their tickets.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers a military discount of $3 off to all active-duty personnel and veterans throughout the year.
At the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Ohio, military personnel and their families receive $3 off on adult tickets and $2 off on children's tickets.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio offers a $2 military discount on up to six admission tickets.
Get a $2 military discount on admission at the Dallas Zoo in Texas for up to two adults and two children. This discount isn't available with the special pricing in January and February.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: Texas]
The military discount at the Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii includes $11 off adult admission and $7 off child admission. Children ages two and under get in free.
The Houston Zoo in Texas offers a military discount on general admission for up to two adults and three children's tickets per day. Active-duty service members can also receive 15% off any Houston Zoo membership.
At the Indianapolis Zoo in Indiana, all current and former members of the military get a $2 discount on the purchase of up to four tickets per visit.
The Los Angeles Zoo in California offers a discount of $3 off adult admission and $2 off child admission to active and retired military personnel and their immediate family.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: California]
Active-duty service members receive free general admission to the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. Dependents and retired military personnel receive 10% off general admission.
The Montgomery Zoo in Alabama offers a $1 military discount on admission. The zoo also holds an annual Military Appreciation Day, when military personnel and their family members receive free admission. This year, its Military Appreciation Day is set for June 20.
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina, offers a $2 military discount at the gate for up to six guests.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: North Carolina]
The Oklahoma City Zoo in Oklahoma offers a 50% military discount on general admission. This discount does not apply to dependents.
The military discount at the Omaha Zoo in Nebraska is $1 off daily admission for adults and children.
Veterans and active-duty service members receive a $2 discount at the Oregon Zoo in Portland. The discount does not apply to dependents or friends.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: Oregon]
Palm Beach Zoo in Florida offers active, reservist, and retired members of the military free admission, as well as 50% off admission for up to three members of their group.
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, offers a military discount on admission at the gate.
At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, get a $2 military discount off general admission.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: South Carolina]
Active-duty service members get complimentary admission at the San Diego Zoo in California.
Military spouses and dependents receive a 10% discount off the One-Day Pass. And while the zoo doesn't have a discount for veterans, Morale, Welfare and Recreation offices at local bases may be able to help with deals.
The San Francisco Zoo in California offers retired and active military personnel the San Francisco resident rate, which is $3 off adult admission.
The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia, offers $2 off general admission for active-duty troops, retirees and dependents. The zoo also typically holds an annual Military Appreciation Day when admission is free for military families.
[RELATED: Military Officer Magazine Live and Play: Virginia]
Active-duty military, reservists and veterans receive free admission to Zoo Atlanta in Georgia. Family members and guests must pay regular admission rates.
Active-duty and retired military members get $5 off memberships at Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee. Memberships include unlimited visits to the zoo and free parking for a year.
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