Chattanooga Zoo Promo Codes & Coupons May 2026

The Chattanooga Zoo is located at 301 North Holtzclaw Ave, and honestly, the best way to start your day is by knowing that parking is free. It's a small win, but it saves you that extra $10 or $20 you'd pay at bigger city attractions. If you drive an electric vehicle, they have a ChargePoint station in the far right corner of the lot that costs $1.50 an hour. Just keep an eye on the clock because that rate jumps to $2.00 an hour after you've been plugged in for 8 hours.

One thing to keep in mind is the food policy. The zoo is pretty strict about not allowing outside food or drinks inside the gates. They even have a ban on straws to keep the animals safe. If you don't want to spend money at the Wild Burger concession stand, here is a practical workaround: pack a cooler and leave it in your car. The zoo allows re-entry as long as you keep your receipt. There are plenty of picnic tables at Warner Park right outside the entrance where you can eat for free before heading back in for the afternoon animal chats.

• Rentals: If the kids get tired, you can grab a single stroller for $10 or a double for $12 at the gift shop. Wheelchairs are also $12, while electric ones are $25 plus a $10 refundable deposit.
• Internal rides: The Zoo Choo train is $5 and the carousel is $3. These aren't included in standard admission, so if you're trying to stick to a budget, you might want to steer the kids toward the free petting zoo area instead.
• Timing: They're open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Getting there right when they open usually means shorter lines and cooler weather for the animals.

The first rule for saving here is simple: never buy your tickets at the gate. If you buy them online in advance, you'll save $3 per ticket. For a family of four, that's $12 back in your pocket for essentially two minutes of work on your phone. Most adult and child tickets drop to $10 when you book through their website. Children 2 and under are always free, so don't worry about a ticket for the littlest ones.

If you're looking for deeper discounts, the zoo has some of the best military rates I've seen. Active duty members and veterans get in for free. On top of that, they can get one half-price ticket for a spouse or dependent. Just remember that you'll need to show your military ID at the ticket booth to get this deal. Students with a valid high school or college ID can also get $2 off their admission, though that's another one you have to handle in person.

For frequent visitors, the membership is usually the way to go. A family membership is $110 for the year, which covers two adults and up to four kids. It pays for itself in just three visits. Plus, you get a 20% discount on that membership if you're military or a veteran. Before you check out online, it's always worth trying a few promo codes in the box.

• CHATT10: This code has been known to take up to 35% off admission during certain promotions.
• WELCOME: Often works for new visitors to give you 20% off your digital cart.
• MEMBER15: Usually active during February for 15% off any annual membership level.
• Museums for All: If you have a SNAP EBT card, show it at the booth to get tickets for just $2 to $5. It's limited to 4 people per card, but it's a massive help for the budget.

One last tip: if you're planning to visit the Tennessee Aquarium too, being a zoo member gets you a solid discount on those tickets ($34.95 for adults and $26.95 for kids). It's a nice way to bundle your weekend without paying full price for both spots.