Skip to Content

Reciprocal Benefits

One of the benefits of becoming a member of Roger Williams Park Zoo is discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program.

DON’T FORGET! Be sure to contact the zoo or aquarium you plan to visit before your trip to make sure they are still honoring the reciprocal discount – participation may change without notice. Discounted admission is only valid for daytime admission and does NOT include special events.

List of Participating Zoos & Aquariums

How do I use my reciprocal benefits at participating Zoos & Aquariums?

RWPZ Member

More Questions

Where do I get my membership card?

In an effort to go green, we are no longer using physical membership cards.

Download your digital eMembership Card today to your smartphone or other mobile device!

Go to the App Store or Play Store and download the eMembership Card app. Under institutions, select Roger Williams Park Zoo. Click “Find My Membership Cards,” then enter your last name and phone number. Start using your card right away! (Please allow up to 4 hours after purchase for the system to update with your information.) See below for our step-by-step instructional videos on how to download your digital membership card.

Watch our Digital Membership Card Instructional Video (English) >

Watch our Digital Membership Card Instructional Video (Español)  >

How do I receive my RWPZoo Member Discount on select programs and events?

Active RWPZ Members receive discounts on select seasonal events and programs. Be sure to log into your member account before buying to receive the member discount:

  1. Sign into your member account at the top-right of the screen.
  2. If creating a new member account, enter the information EXACTLY as it appears on your zoo member record. If information differs, your account won’t sync to receive your discount.
  3. Proceed with the transaction.

If the discount doesn’t apply, please contact Membership@rwpzoo.org as that means the information you entered doesn’t match the information on file.

Note: the Membership Department is only open Monday-Friday 9 AM – 3 PM, so please plan your purchases accordingly as other departments will not be able to help sync your account.

See below for our step-by-step instructional videos on how to register online to receive your membership discount.

Watch our Member Onboarding Instructional Video (English) >

Watch our Member Onboarding Instructional Video (Español) >

Help! I’m locked out of my account.

If you have entered the wrong password too many times, the system will lock you out. Please wait 15 minutes before attempting again.

I sent my payment through the mail, when can I use my membership?

If you sent your payment through the mail, your membership will be active on the app within 7-10 business days of receiving your payment.

Is everything outdoors?

No. The World of Adaptations and the Zoo’s Faces of the Rainforest exhibit have indoor areas, as well as the greenhouse next to Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard. We also have indoor concessions and gift shops.

Note: The Faces of the Rainforest Building currently closes daily at 3:30 pm. Guests must be in line for the exhibit by 3:00 pm to be ensured entry. The World of Adaptations building is currently open Saturdays and Sundays only.

When can I start using my membership?

Your adventure starts as soon as we receive your application and payment! Please read the following for processing and activation times. If you purchased your membership…

  • On Zoo grounds: Your membership is active right away.
  • On the phone or online: Your membership will be active right away.
  • Through the mail: Your membership will be active within seven to ten working days of receiving your payment.
Can I visit the Zoo without my card?

Yes. If you are having trouble downloading your digital membership card, you can always show a photo ID at any admission booth.  But for faster service at the Admissions Gate, we recommend downloading the eMembership card.

PLEASE NOTE: A valid eMembership card is required to receive discounted admission when visiting AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program.

What happens if I want to change the second name on the membership?

Name changes are not permitted until the time of renewal.

Why do I have to show a photo ID with my membership card?

All named adults present must show photo ID upon entering the Zoo and at all rides and attractions to prevent misuse of memberships. As a nonprofit organization, we rely greatly on membership and admission revenue for support. If memberships were shared by families and friends, we would not be able to support your Zoo as effectively. Not only does requiring an ID protect the value of all memberships, but it also protects you if your card is ever lost or stolen.

The other named adult on my membership card is unable to come with me. May I bring a guest in their place?

Only those adults named on your membership may use the membership card. The Family Plus, Friends & Family, or Friends & Family Plus levels include extra guests with each visit, so upgrading may be right for you.

A Zoo membership makes a great gift any time of year for friends or family who wish to come to the Zoo with you!

What if the expiration date on the card is incorrect?

It may take up to two weeks for any promotional offers to be adjusted to your membership. You will never lose time when you renew early, your expiration date will be extended for another full year.

What if my nanny/caregiver is going to bring my children?

For members with a Family Plus level or higher membership, a nanny/caregiver can bring the covered children to the Zoo along with a note from the member.

I want to go to another zoo or aquarium. Can they look up our membership?

We do not share your information with any other institution and therefore, they cannot look you up in their system. If you are planning a trip to another institution, please download your digital membership card.  If you have any issues, please call us ahead of time (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm) or email us at membership@rwpzoo.org and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Please note that email requests after 3:30 pm will be handled on the next business day. Please note that we cannot call another institution on your behalf.

Where can I use my RWPZoo membership locally?

Your RWPZoo membership can be used for discounted admission at the Boston Museum of Science, Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in MA, and Beardsley Zoo in CT.  We do not have a reciprocal agreement with Capron Park or Buttonwoods Zoo. Click here for a complete list of reciprocal organizations and their specific policies.

I just purchased a membership but found a discount. Can I get credit?

Discounts must be applied at the time of purchase. Discounts will not be retroactively applied to a purchase. However, you can utilize discounts for a renewal if you wish to add another discounted year to your current membership term.

If I decide to join after my visit, can I apply my general admission to a membership?

Absolutely! If you plan to apply your day’s Zoo admission to a membership you must do so within 2 weeks of your visit. Please send an email to membership@rwpzoo.org with your order number and a phone number where to reach you and we’ll be happy to credit the price of applicable tickets to the membership level of your choice. Only general daytime admission fees may be applied toward a membership; special event admission, attraction and other tickets purchased are not applicable.

I purchased my membership a few months ago and haven’t used it. Can I get an extension for the time it wasn’t used?

We do not assign credit for time the membership wasn’t used. Even if you have not yet downloaded your card, you are always able to visit the Zoo when you bring a photo ID.

I am planning on leaving town for an extended period of time. Can I put my membership on hold?

Unfortunately, we are unable to place temporary freezes or holds on memberships.

I am moving or no longer want my membership. Can I get a refund?

Funds raised by the Zoo’s membership program directly support our animal care, education programs, daily operations, and conservation work. Memberships are non-refundable. If you are moving, be sure to check with the local zoo or aquarium in your new area for reciprocal benefits for the remainder of your Roger Williams Park Zoo membership.

I need to update my contact information. How do I update my membership?

Please send an email to membership@rwpzoo.org with your full name, membership ID number and new contact information or call (401) 785-3510 ext. 375.

Are library pass memberships available?

Library pass memberships allow library patrons special access to exclusive discounts, redeemable online. Unlike most discounts, our Library Pass discount is valid during peak periods, including weekends, holidays, and school vacations.

For questions, please contact the Group Sales office at (401) 467-0150 or GSales@rwpzoo.org.

Click HERE to learn more >

I recently renewed my membership but I'm still getting renewal notices.

If you have recently renewed your RWPZoo membership, please disregard any further renewal notices. Although we work to process renewals quickly, it’s possible that your payment and our notice crossed in the mail.

How can I save money on membership?

As a non-profit, we are grateful for your admission because it funds our animal care and conservation efforts. Even so, we do have a few limited ways to save:

United States Military Membership Discount

  • The military discount also lets you save on memberships! Save $20 off a yearly Zoo membership; Save $20 on a Family level membership or higher. You can purchase your discounted membership on-site or by contacting the Zoo’s Membership Department (membership@rwpzoo.org or 401-785-3510 ext. 375).

 NOTE: Military discount applies to active and retired military, including spouses. A valid military ID is required. Because we have to verify your eligibility in-person, this discount is not available online and can only be redeemed onsite. This discount cannot be combined with other offers.

Rhode Island Zoo Access Program

  • Roger Williams Park Zoo is offering a discounted membership to community members who participate in Rhode Island’s EBT program. Get a $169 Family membership for just $45! If you are an adult EBT cardholder and currently reside in Rhode Island, you may be eligible to receive a discounted Family membership. The Family level membership includes 2 adults in the same household and up to 4 children or grandchildren. Memberships are intended for one household, and are non-refundable and non-transferrable, and cannot be combined with any other discount.

To take advantage of this offer, please fill out this form and we’ll contact you shortly.

*Please note: This program is limited to Rhode Island state residents, who have RI state issued EBT verification card. This discount can’t be applied to previous membership purchases or combined with any other offer.

Become a Member

Join now and visit all year long—for free!

By joining Roger Williams Park Zoo, you are becoming a member of one of the country’s most outstanding Zoos. Whether you are a grandparent, parent, couple or individual, there is something for everyone. So don’t hesitate —join the Zoo—where it is Always an Adventure!

Moon bear eating bamboo
Back to top