#4 Top Budget Stretchers

Check back everyday this week because I am giving away my Top 5 Budget Stretching Ideas for traveling families!

#4 Zoo Pass
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums offers an annual pass that gives free or discounted admission to over 100 zoos, aquariums, animal parks, and aviaries.  I love this pass because it is a great "add on" to vacations your family is already planning.  Going to Disney World?  Take a break and head for the Tampa Aquarium.  Spending the weekend in San Francisco?  Check out the koalas at the San Francisco Zoo.  Headed to Graceland? Stop by the Memphis Zoo, one of the few that features pandas.


Pass prices vary depending on where you purchase your pass.  Although many people just grab their pass at the local zoo, it can pay to shop around.  In addition, benefits vary from pass to pass depending on the zoo's agreement with AZA.  For instance, I can purchase a family pass at Utah's Hogle Zoo (www.hoglezoo.org) for only $79, but I only get a 50% discount at other zoos.  But for $71, a pass from the Toledo Zoo (www.toledozoo.org) gets my family in free to those same zoos.  Most passes can be purchased online or through the mail, so you never have to actually visit the zoo where you get your pass.


Save even more by keeping an eye out for membership sales.  Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo (www.omahazoo.org) has discounted their membership rates now through September 30th.  Family passes are down 30%- just $69.

Keep in mind these tips when using your zoo pass at reciprocal locations:

• Call ahead to verify the zoo you are visiting still participates with your zoo.
• Always bring a photo ID.
• Make sure your pass clearly marks how many family members you have. Some zoos limit the number of children on a pass, so call ahead make sure that they will accommodate your entire clan.
• Most zoos don't honor "add-on" passes, such as a free guest or nanny.
• Zoos and aquariums "within close geographic proximity" of the establishment where you purchased your pass aren't subject to reciprocity.  However, some may offer another type of discount to pass holders.  
• Reciprocity only applies to regular exhibits during regular hours.  Special events and exhibits are not included.

For a current list of participating institutions or to locate one near you see: 
http://www.aza.org/uploadedFiles/Education/Kids_and_Families/Special_Admissions_Program/Reciprocity%20Chart%202011%281%29.pdf