Membership Frequently Asked Questions Is a Membership good for one year from the date of purchase or for one calendar year? Membership is good for one year from the date of purchase. Can I purchase a Membership online? Yes, click here. Can I purchase a Membership as a gift for a friend or family member? Yes, when you purchase a Membership, you have the option to designate it as a gift and enter the recipient information. What are the Membership benefits and costs? Click here for Membership Categories. All Members receive free Zoo admission every day of the year, free guest passes and ride passes, a subscription to Zoo Views magazine, 10% discount at all Zoo shops and cafés, invitations to special Zoo events, discounts on classes, camps and activities for kids and adults, and free or discounted admission to more than 120 zoos and aquariums nationwide. Are you open on Christmas? New Year’s Day? The 4th of July? Thanksgiving? Easter? Yes, we are open 365 days a year, including all holidays. Are you open when it rains? Our hours are subject to change based serious weather conditions. Please check our home page or call (415) 753-7080 before your visit on stormy days. Can anyone use my Membership cards? Only the adults named on the cards and their accompanying children or grandchildren under the age of 18 can use your Membership cards. Members are asked to show a valid photo ID when entering the Zoo. Are children admitted with a Senior, Student or Individual Membership? No, those Membership levels are for adults only. If you have children, you should purchase a Family or higher level Membership. What are the free passes for that come with a Membership? They are for use by guests or friends of Members. Each pass is for one-time use. Members are admitted for free 365 days a year with their current Membership card. Does Membership include unlimited free rides on the Dentzel Carousel and Little Puffer Steam Train? No, Members receive a certain number of passes for free rides with their Membership (the number of passes is based on their Membership level), but when those are gone Members must purchase tickets for Zoo rides. Each pass is good for one ride. Is there a fee for parking? The Zoo parking lot is $8 for all-day parking. Street parking is free. Membership packages include a limited number of free parking passes. Do Members receive a discount in the Zoo shops or restaurants? Yes, there is a 10% discount for Members. What happens if I lose my Membership card? There is a $5 replacement fee for lost cards. You can come to the Zoo and fill out a replacement card form or you can call the Membership Office at (415) 753-7172. What happens if I come to the Zoo without my Membership card? The Membership representative will ask to see a valid photo ID and will then confirm your Membership status. Please note that admission to the Zoo is slowed down when you do not have your Membership cards with you. To which zoos and aquariums can I get a discount with my San Francisco Zoo Membership card? View our list of reciprocal institutions. What happens if I go to a reciprocal zoo without my current San Francisco Zoo Membership card? You must have your San Francisco Zoo Membership card with you in order to receive the discounted admission. If you do not have your card with you, you will have to pay the regular admission fee at that zoo or aquarium. I just joined but don’t have my cards yet. Can I still use my Membership? Once your Membership is processed, bring your printed receipt or temporary Membership cards for admission to the Zoo until your permanent cards arrive in the mail. We purchased admission tickets a week ago, can we still apply it towards a Membership? You have two weeks from the date you purchased the admission tickets to apply up to $25 towards a Family level or higher Membership. You cannot apply ride or parking passes towards Membership. Can I get a refund on my Membership or transfer it to a friend if I move or no longer want to use it? No, Memberships are not transferable or refundable. Is my Membership tax deductible? The value of your Membership is based on your Membership category. The amount paid in addition is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. How do I get a donation for my organization/school's auction or fundraiser? Please see the donation request information here. How do I receive the Zoo's monthly electronic Newsletter? Members who provide us with their e-mail address will automatically receive the newsletter, or you can subscribe here. Join, Renew, or Give a Gift Membership Now! Membership Contact Information:
(415) 753-7097 membership@sfzoo.org | 
