Up to 20% Savings
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Abilene Zoo Promo Codes & Coupons May 2026
Best Deal
2 days ago
37 Uses
15% off your Abilene stay
Since most people visiting from out of town need a place to crash, this Travelocity app code takes 15% off your first hotel booking. Saving $20 or $30 on the room is a smart way to offset the cost of lunch at the park or a few extra giraffe feedings
1 day ago
15 Uses
$5 off membership levels
Military members, first responders, and seniors (60+) get $5 off any annual membership. You don't need a specific alphanumeric code for this one; the discount is applied automatically when you log into the member portal or show your ID at the gate. If you plan to visit more than twice a year, this is the most practical way to save long-term
1 week ago
37 Uses
30% off general admission
This is the most reliable code for a straightforward discount on your tickets. Use it at the digital checkout to take 30% off the total. It is a better deal for military families than the standard $1 gate discount, but honestly, anyone can try it to see if it’s active for the current season
1 week ago
19 Uses
Extra savings on Groupon deals
Enter this code when you're looking at Abilene-area activities on Groupon to save up to 30% on the listed price. While the zoo doesn't always have a direct ticket deal on the site, you can use this for nearby hotels or restaurants to lower the overall cost of the trip
1 week ago
46 Uses
20% off for your birthday
The zoo sends a unique 20% discount code to newsletter subscribers during their birth month. It works for both admission and anything you buy at the gift shop. One thing to keep in mind is that you have the entire month to use it, so there's no rush to get there on your actual birthday
2 days ago
39 Uses
Savings on ride tokens
If the kids have their hearts set on multiple rides on the Safari Express or the carousel, this code is a lifesaver. It takes about 20% off the price of tokens when you buy them through the digital portal. It’s a much better way to handle the "extras" than paying full price at the window
Planning a Stress-Free Family Day
Finding a parking spot is actually one of the easiest parts of the trip here since the main lot is completely free. It’s a relief not to start the day by paying $20 just to leave your car. The gates open at 9:00 AM (last entry is at 4:00 PM), and most families find that two to three hours is plenty of time to see everything—from the lemurs to the rhinos—without feeling rushed. If you're visiting in the summer, the Texas heat gets brutal by noon, so arriving right at opening is the best way to catch the animals while they’re still active.
One of the best things about this zoo is that they actually let you bring your own food. Packing a cooler is the easiest way to cut costs—you can easily save $40 or more on concessions by eating at one of the picnic areas. There are just a few strict safety rules to keep in mind:
- No glass or alcohol: These are strictly prohibited anywhere on the grounds.
- Leave balloons and sports balls in the car: They are a hazard if they blow into the animal exhibits.
- No plastic straws: If your kids' juice boxes have them, the staff will swap them out for paper alternatives right at the gate.
Wagon rentals are available for $5 at the entrance. Even if your kids prefer to walk, renting one is absolutely worth it just for pulling a heavy ice chest around the paths.
If you want to do the extra attractions, tokens for the Safari Express train are $4, and the carousel is $3. They’re fun, but if you’re trying to keep your budget tight, the free walking paths are more than enough. One quick tip: if the kids really want to do the swan boats, they’re $4 for a 30-minute paddle on the lake, which is actually a great way to sit down and take a break from walking.
Scoring a Better Price at Checkout
Standard admission is pretty reasonable at $10 for adults and $7 for kids (ages 3 to 12), and toddlers under 2 are always free. However, if you know your family will want to do the extra attractions, look into the ZooMore pass. It costs $18.99 for adults and $15.99 for kids, bundling your admission, a train ride, the carousel, and giraffe feeding into one ticket. It is noticeably cheaper than paying for each activity separately at the kiosks.
If you're looking for extra ways to lower the cost, here are a few reliable strategies:
- Military, First Responder & Senior Rates: Bring a valid ID to the window for a steady discounted rate of $9. Also, keep an eye out for the "Zoolute" event in May, which often grants completely free admission for military families.
- Birthday Month Discounts: Check your email if you subscribe to the zoo's newsletter. They often send out a 20% off code during your birthday month that works for admission or at the gift shop.
- AZA Reciprocity: If you have an annual pass to another facility (like the Dallas or Fort Worth zoos), check your reciprocal benefits. You can often get 50% off your entry fee just by showing your home membership card.
- The Roundup Pass: If you’re hitting multiple sights in town, this pass covers six local spots (including the zoo) for a flat fee between $17 and $30.
Finally, if you live nearby and plan to visit more than twice a year, getting an annual membership is the smartest move. The family level is $100 and covers two adults and six kids. It pays for itself in just two visits, plus you get a 10% discount on snacks at the Watering Hole. Just remember to bring your photo ID, as they match it to the name on the card at the gate.
Extra 7 Percent Military Price Cut
Buffalo Zoo
$10 Off
Blank Park Zoo
Complimentary Limited Admission Pass
Central Park Zoo
15% Off
Oregon Zoo
Help center
FAQ about discounts
Straight answers — so you can grab the deal and go.
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How much does it cost for kids to get in?
Children 2 and under get in for free, while those ages 3 to 12 pay $7. Adult tickets for everyone 13 and older are $10. It is a very reasonable price point compared to bigger city zoos that often charge double for toddlers. If you are bringing the whole family, these lower rates help keep the starting cost of the day under $50.
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Is there a fee for parking?
Parking is free at the Abilene Zoo for all visitors. You won't have to deal with the stress of $20 lot fees or searching for a street spot blocks away. Just pull into the lot at 2070 Zoo Lane and walk right up to the gate. It’s a simple perk that makes the trip feel a lot more relaxed from the start.
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Can we bring our own food and coolers?
Yes, you can bring coolers and outside food into the park to avoid high concession prices. Most families save at least $40 by packing a lunch instead of buying burgers at the Watering Hole. There are just a few items you need to leave out for the safety of the animals:
- No glass containers or alcoholic drinks are allowed.
- Leave all plastic straws and balloons at home.
- Sports balls and skates aren't permitted inside the grounds.
If you forget and bring a plastic straw, the staff at the gate will usually give you an eco-friendly paper one to use instead.
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Do military members or seniors get a discount?
Military personnel, first responders, and seniors (60+) pay $9 for general admission. You’ll need to have a valid ID ready at the window to get this rate. While it is only a $1 saving per ticket, those dollars can go toward a train ride or a snack later. Also, look out for "Zoolute" days in May, when military families often get in for free.
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How much are the train and carousel rides?
Train tokens are $4 and carousel rides cost $3 per person. If the kids want to feed the giraffes, those tokens are $6. You can also rent a swan boat for a 30-minute paddle on the lake for $4. These extras are fun, but the walking paths and animal exhibits are included in your basic ticket if you want to keep things cheap.
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Is the ZooMore Pass a good deal for families?
The ZooMore Pass is a smart choice only if you know your kids will want to do the train, carousel, and giraffe feeding. It costs $18.99 for adults and $15.99 for children, which covers your admission plus all three of those activities. You’ll save a few dollars per person by bundling them rather than paying for each token separately. It helps you set a firm budget for the day before you even walk through the gates.
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Can I get a discount if I have a membership at another zoo?
Yes, members of other AZA-accredited zoos usually get 50% off their admission price here. This is part of a reciprocal program that many zoos across the country join to help families travel for less. Make sure you have your current membership card and a photo ID to show at the ticket counter. It’s always a good idea to call (325) 676-6085 first to confirm your specific zoo is on their current list.
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What are the rental prices for wagons and wheelchairs?
Wagons are $5 to rent and wheelchairs are $10 at the gift shop. You will need to leave a photo ID with the staff while you use them. If you are hauling a heavy cooler and a couple of toddlers, the $5 for a wagon is money well spent. It’s much easier than trying to carry all your gear through the 3-hour loop in the Texas heat.