Memphis Zoo Promo Codes & Coupons May 2026

Making your Memphis Zoo visit a bit more affordable

If you're planning a day at 2000 Prentiss Place, showing up early is about more than just seeing the animals when they're active. The main parking lot usually hits capacity by 10:30 AM on weekends. If you miss that window, you'll end up in the overflow grass lots, which means a much longer walk with the kids. Parking is $10 for most of us, though it's free if you decide to go with a membership. Also, keep in mind the zoo is cashless now, so make sure your cards or mobile pay are ready before you hit the gate.

The food policy is where things get a little tricky. Officially, the zoo doesn't allow outside food or coolers. Honestly, the staff generally doesn't mind small snacks tucked away in a diaper bag or at the bottom of a stroller, but they will turn away a full-sized ice chest. The good news is that you can get a hand stamp for re-entry. Many families keep a cooler in the car and walk over to the picnic tables at Overton Park for lunch. It saves a fortune compared to the $4 bottled waters and typical concession stand prices inside.

  • Hydration is key. Don't pay for bottled water. Bring your own reusable bottles and use the refill stations found in the Northwest Passage lodge and the Farm Expo building. Just make sure the bottles aren't glass.
  • Mobility rentals. If you don't want to haul your own gear, single strollers go for $12 and doubles are $14. If you need an electric wheelchair, those are $32 and they're first-come, first-served, so you'll want to grab one right at 9:00 AM.
  • The Tram. It costs $4 for an all-day pass. It's a lifesaver if you're trying to get all the way back to the polar bears without everyone's legs giving out by noon.
  • Tennessee Tuesdays. If you're a state resident, admission is free on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Just bring your ID. It does get crowded, so be prepared for a busier experience.

Navigating the checkout and finding valid promo codes

Buying your tickets online is the first and easiest way to save. The zoo adds a $2 service fee to every ticket bought at the window, so even if you're standing in the parking lot, it's worth taking two minutes to buy them on your phone. Most tickets for adults stay in the $21 to $25 range depending on the day, while kids aged 2-11 are usually $16 to $20. If you have a little one under 2, they get in free.

Finding a working promo code can be hit or miss, but a few have some staying power. The code 10OFF is a reliable one that often takes 20% off general admission. Another smart move is signing up for the zoo newsletter at least a week before your birthday. They usually send out a 20% discount code that works for the entire month of your birthday. If you're a student, while there isn't a dedicated daily ticket discount, you can grab a student membership for just $50 as long as you have a school email and ID.

  • Military savings. Active duty and veterans get special rates. You'll need to verify your status through the ID.me portal on the zoo website to get a unique code, or you can just show your military ID at the gate.
  • The membership math. A family membership costs $175. If you have two adults and two kids, you're looking at roughly $80 to $90 per visit plus $10 for parking. If you think you'll go at least twice in a year, the membership pays for itself immediately.
  • AAA and AZA perks. AAA members can often find 15% off tickets through their local branch website. Also, if you have a membership at another AZA-accredited zoo, check the reciprocity list. You might get in for 50% off or even free.
  • Check for "Roar & Pour" or Lantern Festival dates. These special events often close the zoo early, around 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM. Always check the calendar before you buy so you don't accidentally pay full price for a half-day visit.

Our Transparency Promise

A quick note on why codes sometimes fail

It’s a letdown when a discount won't go through at checkout. Honestly, the zoo often limits how many times a code can be used in a day, or they might end a promotion early if it's a busy weekend. We work hard to keep our list updated, but their system changes fast. The good news? Even if a code doesn't work, buying online still saves you that $2 service fee they charge at the gate.

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FAQ about discounts

Straight answers — so you can grab the deal and go.

  • Adult tickets range from $21 to $25 and kids aged 2 to 11 cost between $16 and $20. These prices vary depending on whether you visit on a weekday or a weekend. Kids under 2 are free, which is a nice help for the family budget. Buying your tickets online is the smartest move to avoid waiting in long lines at the gate.

  • Parking is $10 per vehicle for general visitors. If you decide to get a zoo membership, this fee is waived every time you visit. On busy weekends, the main lot often fills up by 10:30 AM. If that happens, you'll be directed to overflow grass lots or street parking in Overton Park, so arriving by 9:00 AM is a good idea.

  • No, the official policy doesn't allow outside food, drinks, or coolers in the zoo. One thing to keep in mind is that staff usually don't mind small toddler snacks like crackers or fruit pouches if they're in a diaper bag. For a full lunch, most families leave a cooler in their car and get a hand stamp for re-entry. You can use the free picnic tables in Overton Park right next door to save money on concession prices.

  • Yes, the zoo offers special reduced rates for active duty members and veterans. You’ll need to use the ID.me portal on their website to verify your status and get a unique discount code. While you can show your ID at the front window, verifying online ahead of time lets you skip the ticket line. This discount is a great way to keep your day trip affordable.

  • Tennessee residents get free admission every Tuesday starting at 9:00 AM. You must reserve these tickets online in advance because they are limited and tend to go fast. Everyone in your party aged 17 or older will need to show a valid Tennessee photo ID at the entrance. These days are very popular, so expect larger crowds and a busier atmosphere.

  • Single strollers are $12, doubles are $14, and manual wheelchairs cost $12. If you need an electric wheelchair, those are $32 for the day. These are all available on a first-come, first-served basis at the gift shop near the entrance. They can't be reserved in advance, so plan to grab what you need as soon as you arrive.

  • A family membership costs $175 and typically pays for itself in just two visits. For a family of four, a single day with parking can easily run over $90. Membership also includes free parking and 10% to 15% discounts at the gift shops and food stands. It's a practical choice if you live nearby and want a reliable place for the kids to burn off some energy.

  • Buy your tickets on the zoo website to avoid the $2 service fee they charge for every ticket sold at the window. Even if you're already standing in the parking lot, just use your phone to make the purchase. This saves you a few dollars and lets you walk straight to the turnstiles. It's a simple way to keep a little more money in your pocket for snacks or the $4 tram rides.