Sep 16, 2026 - News
Phoenix Zoo raises membership prices and changes benefits
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Jeremy Duda/Axios
It's now more expensive to become a member of the Phoenix Zoo.
State of play: As of the start of September, the zoo implemented a "modest increase" and new membership benefits, per Rebecca Zandarski, director of donor and member relations.
- $149 for an individual membership, up from $129
- $189 for a two-person membership, up from $169
- $329 for a membership covering two people and up to four children, up from $289
- $449 for a membership covering three people and up to six children, up from $389
Friction point: The zoo eliminated the option to have a flexible guest pass in place of one of the named members.
- Some Reddit users railed against the new policy, saying the flexible guest option was a valuable benefit that allowed members to bring a friend, grandparent or whoever was available at any particular time without having to buy a separate ticket.
- Zandarski tells Axios that one reason for the new policy is that it "helps us know and engage with" people who visit the zoo, which allows them to communicate more directly and "create benefits and experiences that are more relevant to them."
Zoom in: Members can now get unlimited guest passes for 50% off.
- They also get free admission to the zoo's Stingray Bay Exhibit and carousel and discounted ZooLights tickets on Member Mondays.
1 big exhibit: The zoo's Dinosaurs in the Desert exhibit, which it generally features only every few years, is back for the first time since 2023, starting Sept. 26.