Worth Every Penny: Why We Joined the Jacksonville Zoo
We just bought an annual membership to the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and after three visits already, it’s practically paid for itself — and then some! You get unlimited general admission for 12 months for everyone on your membership, and after only a couple of visits, we already saved more than we spent. That’s real family value.
Zoo Membership Pricing (2026)
The Zoo uses a flexible “Build Your Own” membership structure:
Primary Adult (18+) – $75/year
Named Adult – $75/year
Named Child (ages 3–17) – $60/year
There are also Heart of the Zoo Society levels (higher giving tiers starting at ~$500) that include even more perks like extra Total Experience tickets and guest passes — great if your family visits often or you want VIP perks.
Pro tip: You can apply the cost of a day ticket toward a membership if you decide to join during a visit!
What the Membership Includes
With your annual membership, you get:
Unlimited general admission for 12 months — come as often as you want.
Discounted tickets for guests on days you bring friends or family.
10% off at gift shops and restaurants.
Discounts on camps and special events.
Invitations to members-only events and previews.
Digital quarterly magazine & monthly e-newsletter with the latest updates.
Free or discounted admission at other zoos and aquariums across the country via AZA reciprocity.
What isn’t included: Train rides, animal feedings, the carousel, the 4D theater, and other extras aren’t part of basic membership but are available with a Total Experience upgrade on the day of your visit — and it’s only about $11 per person for members. This upgrade unlocks all the fun extras like unlimited train & carousel rides, animal feedings, Nature Agent adventures, and the 4D theater.
The New Manatee River Exhibit
One of the biggest reasons we’re excited to visit again and again is the Zoo’s brand-new Manatee River habitat, which opened March 6, 2026. This stunning new exhibit — part of the Zoo’s major ReZoovenation transformation — highlights Florida’s beloved manatees and expands the Zoo’s Manatee Critical Care Center. The goal is both rehabilitation and education, offering guests a chance to see these gentle marine mammals up close while learning about their conservation.
This exhibit isn’t just a viewing area — it cements the Zoo’s role in wildlife care and showcases one of Florida’s most iconic species in a beautiful, immersive setting.
For our family, the Zoo isn’t just a place to go — it’s our place to grow. Between the gardens, the animals, the special experiences, and now the manatees, The Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens has become a year-round adventure that’s already worth every penny.