Kansas City Zoo Tickets, Discounts and FREE Days

The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is one of the metro’s most popular destinations for family-friendly fun. If you are planning a trip to the zoo we’ve got everything you’ll need to find the Kansas City Zoo’s tickets, discounts, and free days.

There are some Kansas City Zoo discounts available year-round, and the zoo also offers several special days where admission is discounted or even FREE. Friend of the Zoo memberships are a great way to save money if you plan to go several times through the year.

We haven’t found any readily available Kansas City Zoo coupons, but you can save money on Kansas City Zoo admission if you buy tickets in advance online. Read below for other ways to save in 2024 and take advantage of all that you can.

The best way to find out about ways to save at the Kansas City Zoo is to sign up for email updates from Kansas City on the Cheap and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be sure to let you know about any new deals we find.

Kansas City Zoo Hours

The zoo is open nearly every day of the year with varying hours depending upon the month. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

November – February, the zoo is open from 9:30 AM – 4 PM.

March – October, the zoo is open Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4 PM, and Saturday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 5 PM.

Kansas City Zoo Admission

Tickets can be purchased in person at the zoo and are available online.

You can save up to $5 on each ticket if you plan ahead and buy your tickets online at least three days in advance. Tickets purchased online are good for 60 days from the selected ticket date. 

• $19-$22 – adults ages 12 and older 
• FREE admission for children ages 2 and under

Kansas City Zoo Discounts for Jackson & Clay County Residents

Residents of Jackson and Clay Counties can get up to 50% off daily admission if tickets are purchased online. You get your biggest savings if you purchase tickets up to 3 days in advance. 

You’ll need to verify your zip code online when ordering. 

Kansas City Zoo Military Discounts

In addition to special appreciation days (read below), the zoo offers veterans and active duty or retired military service members 50% off general admission 4 times per year.

Friends of the Zoo Membership

The zoo is open year-round so if you plan to go several times during the year, getting a Friends of the Zoo membership could give you a lot of savings and enjoyment.

There are different membership levels to choose from for individuals and families. In addition to FREE admission for every visit to the zoo, you’ll get guest passes, discounts on concessions and special zoo experiences, and reciprocal membership to more than 150 participating zoos and aquariums.

Jackson and Clay County residents also get a discount on memberships– as much as $85 off.

Memberships expire a year from the purchase date, on the last day of the month they were purchased in. So, a membership purchased on Sept. 10, 2023 would expire on Sept. 31, 2024.

Sobela Ocean Aquarium

The Kansas City Zoo’s state-of-the-art aquarium is now open to the public and FREE with admission to the zoo, but timed entry reservations are currently required. So, make your plans in advance.

Daily Activities and Zoo Rides

A variety of daily activities take place regularly at the zoo that will add adventure to your trip. These include zookeeper talks, animal performances, and stingray feedings. Some are FREE or have a small fee, so you can make them part of your visit without having your budget go wild.

A tram, train, boat, sky safari, and carousel will transport you throughout the zoo as you move from one attraction to the next. You can pay as you go or opt for one of the wristband options that save you a few dollars.

Kansas City Zoo Discount or FREE Days and Special Events

There are some days throughout the year when FREE or discounted admission is offered at the zoo. 

The Kansas City Zoo also hosts a variety of experiences with animals and special events. 

Some events are FREE and included as part of your admission. Others have a cost. Check the links for details.

March 18: Cub Scouts and BSA Day

April 1: Girl Scout Day at the Zoo

April 22: Zoo Manoo Compost Sale. Zoo animal manure is sold as fertilizer and compost purposes for $35 for every two skid-steer loads.

The Kansas City Zoo hosts several annual events. We’ll add more as schedules and details are available. 

Food and Drink Options

Restaurants and concession stands are available throughout the zoo, so you can purchase BBQ, ice cream, chicken strips, and a whole list of other goodies.

Save yourself some money by bringing your own food and drink. You’re allowed to bring a small cooler or insulated bag into the zoo so you can tote along your favorite beverages.

The zoo has an outdoor area where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Just be sure to save your receipt or get your hand stamped at the main entrance if you leave to eat and want to return to the zoo on the same day. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed.

Making Your Zoo Visit Enjoyable

Here are a few tips for making sure you have a great day at the Kansas City Zoo:

• Consider the weather and make sure you dress accordingly, as a lot of your time will be spent outside. Bring sunscreen and bottled water if it’s hot and sunny.
• Wear comfortable shoes. There are some riding options, but there’s also a lot of walking.
• The zoo covers a lot of ground, so you may not get through it all in one day. Look at the zoo map and schedule of activities to help plan your visit.
• Bring a camera.

Kansas City Zoo Parking and Location

The Kansas City Zoo is in Swope Park with easy access from I-435 and 71 highways at 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO.

Parking is always FREE at the Kansas City Zoo. There is a drop-off zone located directly in front of the Zoo’s admission area. 

The #18 Indiana bus stops at the front entrance of the Zoo seven days a week during normal hours of operation. Find more information about bus schedules on the RideKC.org website.