Up to 20% Savings
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Promo Codes & Coupons May 2026
Best Deal
1 day ago
29 Uses
$10 Off
Grab an instant discount of up to ten dollars on your entrance fee when you visit the zoo this weekend.
2 days ago
49 Uses
20% Off
Unlock an amazing twenty percent discount on your annual zoo membership and experience incredible animal adventures throughout the entire year.
2 days ago
38 Uses
Kids Free
Purchase one standard adult ticket right now and receive a complimentary child admission pass for an unforgettable zoo trip today.
4 weeks ago
48 Uses
$2 Off
Save up to two dollars on your next zoo visit by applying this quick promotional deal at the checkout counter.
2 days ago
26 Uses
$5 Off
Claim a completely free five dollar gift card during your exciting zoo visit to spend on fun souvenirs or snacks.
Planning Your Day at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
The good news is parking won't cost you a dime. That alone is a nice change of pace. Aim to pull into the lot at 3411 Sherman Boulevard around 8:40 AM. The gates open at 9:00 AM for the regular season, and those 20 minutes make all the difference. Finding a spot near the front is easy early in the day, but lots fill up fast on weekends. Those driving an electric vehicle will find a few free Level 2 charging stations near the overflow lot. Bring a J1772 adapter if you drive a Tesla, and cross your fingers they are open.
Once inside, pacing the day means keeping everyone fed and comfortable.
- You can actually bring your own coolers, food, and drinks right through the gates. Packing sandwiches easily keeps $60 to $100 in your pocket. Just remember that glass containers and alcohol aren't allowed, and you can't bring snacks into the animal exhibits.
- When it's time to eat, there are plenty of shaded picnic tables over by the Peacock Cafe or the Bamboo Forest snack station.
- Don't buy bottled water. Bring refillable bottles and fill them at the drinking fountains near the restrooms to save roughly $4.50 a pop.
- A wagon rental goes for $16 and offers way more flexibility than a standard $12 single stroller. Wagons hold kids and coolers easily, but they're handed out on a first-come, first-served basis right past the main gates.
- If you want to ride the Sky Safari or the Z.O.&O. Railroad, grab a 10-ride pass for $25 instead of buying single digital tickets. Kids wanting to ride the carousel all day can use a $10 unlimited wristband.
Checking Out and Finding the Best Discounts
Booking tickets for the zoo requires a little bit of planning ahead. Standard admission runs $25 for adults and $23 for kids ages 2 to 12. Babies 1 year old and under get in free. Buying tickets online in advance is the normal routine, but don't rush the process. The zoo doesn't offer refunds on standard daily tickets. Honestly, checking the local weather forecast before paying is the smartest thing you can do.
Before paying full price, see if you qualify for any of these price breaks.
- The AZA reciprocity program is a huge money saver. Anyone holding a membership to a participating facility like the Toledo Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, or Shedd Aquarium gets a 50% discount at the gate.
- Buying a zoo membership makes sense if you plan to visit a few times this season. The $175 family membership pays for itself by your third trip and covers two named adults along with their kids.
- Service members get treated very well here. Active duty personnel and veterans receive a $20 price drop when buying or renewing a membership. They also run a special Military Appreciation Day around June 14, granting free entry to military members, their spouses, and children under 18.
- Check your AAA account before buying. Purchasing through the AAA portal can cut up to 30% off your total, which easily beats the tiny $2 discount offered at the physical ticket window.
- If you happen to be visiting with a giant crowd, group rates start kicking in for parties of 25 or more. Booking a week ahead drops ticket prices by $2 to $5 depending on the group size.
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Help center
FAQ about discounts
Straight answers — so you can grab the deal and go.
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Can we bring our own food into the zoo?
Yes, you can pack coolers, snacks, and drinks right through the main gates. Bringing your own lunch easily saves an average family between $60 and $100 per trip. Just remember a few simple ground rules:
- Glass containers and alcohol are strictly banned.
- You cannot take food into the animal exhibit pavilions, mostly just to keep the wildlife safe.
- There are plenty of shaded picnic tables near spots like the Peacock Café.
Tossing some reusable water bottles into your bag is a smart move too, letting you skip the $4.50 bottled water at the concession stands.
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How much does parking cost, and where should we go?
$0, because parking is always free in the main lots. The catch is that these spots fill up fast on weekends, usually maxing out by 11:00 AM. Try to pull in around 8:40 AM so you can grab a close spot at Franke Park or the Sherman Boulevard lot. If you drive an electric vehicle, there are a few free Level 2 charging stations in the overflow lot. You have to be early to snag one of those chargers.
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Do we have to pay extra for the rides and attractions?
Yes, rides require separate digital tickets that cost about $2 each. If your kids want to do everything, there are better ways to pay than buying single tickets all day.
- Grab the unlimited ride wristband for $10 to save the most cash.
- You can buy a 10-ride pass for $25 and share it among the whole family.
- Major attractions include the Sky Safari chairlift, the miniature railroad, and the Crocodile Creek ride.
Keep in mind that the Sky Safari has a 350-pound weight limit per chair, so plan your seating arrangements before you get in line.
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Is it better to bring a stroller or rent one there?
A wagon rental is $16, while a double stroller runs $15 for the day. You can definitely bring your own gear to keep that money in your pocket. If you do plan to rent, everything is first-come, first-served at the kiosk right inside the main gates. They do not take reservations. Early arrivals simply get the best pick of the equipment.
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Are there any reliable ways to get a discount on single-day tickets?
Yes, AAA members can save up to 30% by purchasing through their online portal. Buying at the ticket window only gets you a small $2 break, so definitely do the online route. You can also look into a few other steady savings options:
- If you belong to another zoo, check if they are in the AZA reciprocity program to get a 50% discount on your entry here.
- Active military members get regular discounts on passes.
- They offer free entry for military families on their Military Appreciation Day.
Checking these programs before you buy is the easiest way to keep your trip on budget.
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At what point does an annual family membership actually save money?
The breakeven point is your third visit. A standard Family Membership costs $175 and covers two adults plus kids or grandkids for the whole 2026 season. Paying out of pocket for a family of four usually hits about $96 just for one day. The pass also gives you a 10% discount in the gift shop and halves your entry fees at over 150 other zoos.
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What time should we actually show up?
8:45 AM is the sweet spot. The gates open at 9:00 AM during the regular season, and showing up early means you beat the major crowds. Animals are way more active in the cooler morning temperatures anyway. You also guarantee yourself a spot in the primary parking lot without stressing.
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Do we need to buy our admission tickets before we arrive?
Yes, buying online ahead of time is the best way to guarantee you get in on busy days. Standard tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for kids ages 2 to 12. Babies 1 and under are always free. Just check the weather forecast before you hit the purchase button, because these digital tickets are non-refundable once bought.