One of the best zoos in the entire nation is right here in San Antonio! The San Antonio Zoo was ranked by Parents Magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Zoos for Kids- and families, too. That’s why we rank it among the best things to do in San Antonio with kids.

The zoo is open all year long, rain or shine, and offers multiple attractions in addition to the permanent exhibits. Whether you’re into butterflies or giraffe feedings, there are so many things to see and do, you could easily spend all day there- and everything in your wallet! Ticket prices and animal encounters can add up so we’ve gathered a list of ways to save.

Read more below on the best San Antonio Zoo coupons and discount tickets.

 

San Antonio Zoo to Reopen Soon under Phase Two

It’s been a long wait, but it’s almost here! Zoos are allowed to open on May 29th under phase two of the Texas reopening plan. The San Antonio Zoo is officially reopened May 29th.

There will be a few changes, including a 25% capacity limit, certain indoor areas like the bird house and aquarium closed, and increased cleaning products.

“Our staff is beyond appreciative of the outpouring of support and thrilled to see families once again enjoying the zoo. We are very much looking forward to a return to some sense of normalcy here at the zoo with our visitors, staff and volunteers back,” Tim Morrow, the zoo’s president and CEO said.

“It is critical for us to start the reopening process. Unlike most zoos in the country, we depend 100 percent on ticket sales, donations and grants to operate. It costs nearly $500,000 a week to operate the zoo, and without visitors we have no income to cover this expense, leading to a shortfall of millions of dollars for our non-profit to operate.”

You must reserve your time online to attend.

 

San Antonio Zoo Drive Thru Experience

Due to the current pandemic, the San Antonio Zoo is only open for their special San Antonio Zoo Drive Thru Experience. Tickets are $60 per car. However, members can get in for nearly half that price, at $32 per car. Please note that no cash will be accepted, and you must wear a mask if you need to exit the vehicle for restrooms.

Tickets are available here. Note, they’re selling out fast as new dates are announced.

 

San Antonio Zoo Discounts When Things Return to Normal

1. GROUPON

Right now, Groupon is running a deal where you can get Standard Admission to the San Antonio Zoo discount tickets for just 18% off per person on select dates. Please note that deals may change at any time, so make sure to check Groupon for their current San Antonio Zoo coupons and offers.

2. SAN ANTONIO GO CITY EXPLORER PASS

One of the best ways to experience the San Antonio Zoo on the cheap is getting to see the other amazing attractions San Antonio has to offer! With the San Antonio Go City Explorer Pass, you get to choose three, four, or five attractions for one low price! Purchase Go City once and you have 30 days to visit the attractions of your choice. Read our San Antonio Go City Explorer Pass review for more info.

Here are some of the highlights:

3. FUN DAY TICKETS

Standard admission to the San Antonio Zoo is $17.50 for adults and $14.25 for kids aged 3- 11 (under 3 are free!). This price does not include any of the experiences or other attractions like the Zoo Train or Animal Encounters. However, you can purchase Fun Day Tickets which includes Standard Admission, a train ride, a carousel ride, plus entry to the Butterfly Exhibit. Admission to each of those adds up to an additional $9. Fun Day Tickets are just $24.99 each for adults or $21.99 for kids.

4. ZOO MEMBERSHIP

One of the best ways to save is by signing up for a Zoo Membership. Memberships start at just $38 per person for one year. Benefits include year-round admission, skip- the- line entry, Bring- A- Friend Days, early entry during the summer, 10% off at zoo gift shops and restaurants, invitations to members-only events, and free entry to zoo events like Zoo Boo! and Zoo Lights. Pay just once and enjoy benefits all year long!

5. GET TICKETS ONLINE

You can purchase all San Antonio Zoo tickets and memberships online and save at least $2 each! Fun Day Tickets are $23.99 per person when you purchase them in person but if you purchase online, you save another $2- bringing your total savings to $11 per person! Standard tickets start at $14.99 when you buy here.

6. SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

There are San Antonio Zoo discount tickets for seniors and service members of $1 off per person with ID when you purchase tickets at the gate. Military members with ID can also purchase Zoo Memberships for themselves and direct dependents with 20$ off at the gate. This offer can not be combined with any other discounts, however, the Zoo offers other events to honor the military, such as Zoo Salutes with its own special pricing and discounts.

7. LOCALS DAY

Special savings days can be found throughout the year such as the upcoming Local Day. The San Antonio Zoo offers a discounted admission of just $8 per person on Sunday, June 24th. Bring your ID and locals can purchase their discounted tickets at the gate.

8. GROUP DISCOUNTS

Large families and groups of 10 or more can enjoy $2 off per person when tickets are purchased online. For groups of 50 people or more, contact the zoo ahead of time to negotiate a rate. It’s a great way to save for families, church groups, daycares, and more!

9. SANANTONIOATTRACTIONS.COM

SanAntonioAttractions.com is currently offering Zoo Fun Day Tickets at 15% off when you print out their coupon. You can use their San Antonio Zoo coupon in person or online. It cannot be combined with any other offers and the deal is only running through January 1, 2019- so get there soon!

10. FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK

Stay up to date on San Antonio Zoo discounts and special events by following them on Facebook. You can also follow the Unofficial San Antonio Zoo Fan Page for Zoo Lovers and keep up with their specials and deals!

 

Are you an animal lover? A huge fan of the San Antonio Zoo? What are your favorite ways to save on the cost of admission? Let us know in the comments below:

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