The Cincinnati Zoo takes $5 off admission for first responders, and 10% off any membership level. The zoo’s discounts page asks for a valid fire or police ID (it names military IDs too) and says a photo ID has to go with it. There was also a free first responders weekend this year, and it has ended.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an accredited member of the AZA, and its discounts page lists first responder offers alongside military and other community discounts. The standing $5 is the one you can use on an ordinary day off.
How To Get The Cincinnati Zoo First Responder Discount
- Bring your first responder employee ID or badge to the zoo. The page says EMT, fire and police badges and identification cards are accepted only if you also show a photo ID.
- Show both at a ticketing window and ask for the first responder rate. The page says tickets can be purchased online too, but it doesn’t spell out how the discount is applied in the online cart, so ask at the window if the price doesn’t change.
- Check the ID rule before you leave home. The page says the ID has to reference specific fire or police duty, and that government-only IDs won’t be accepted.
- If you want a membership, ask for the 10% at a ticketing window, where the page says to bring your ID to redeem it.
The page says the offer can’t be combined with any other offer, deal or discount, so pick the best one for your visit instead of stacking.
Which IDs Work
This is the part that catches people. A badge by itself isn’t enough: the zoo says badges and identification cards are accepted only with a photo ID, and the ID has to reference specific fire or police duty. A government-only ID won’t work. If your credential comes from a different kind of agency, call the zoo before you drive, because the page doesn’t list other occupations for the everyday $5.
The Free Weekend That Already Ran
The zoo’s First Responders Days page offered free admission to all active fire, police and safety personnel on 9/11 through 9/13 this year. The list of who qualified was broad: firefighters, EMTs, uniformed police officers and state troopers, plus 911 dispatchers and correction officers among others. Fire and police personnel could also buy tickets at 50% off for up to six family members.
That weekend is over, and the page gives this year’s dates only. Until the zoo posts another one, the everyday $5 and the membership discount are what’s on offer.
Q&A
Q: How much is the Cincinnati Zoo first responder discount?
A: $5 off admission, plus 10% off any membership level, according to the zoo’s discounts page.
Q: What ID do I need?
A: A valid fire or police ID (or EMT badge) together with a photo ID. Government-only IDs aren’t accepted.
Q: Can I use it with another discount?
A: No. The page says it can’t be combined with any other offer, deal or discount.
Q: Is the free admission weekend still on?
A: No. It ran 9/11 through 9/13 this year and has ended.
Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: The page says tickets can be purchased online. It doesn’t explain how the discount shows up in the online cart, so check the price or ask at a ticketing window.
Q: Is there another zoo with a first responder discount?
A: Zoo Miami has a discount for police officers and firefighters. See our Zoo Miami first responder discount page.
More Information:
Zoo offers change, so confirm the discount and the ID rules on the zoo’s page before you go. You can also see it alongside other options in The Best First Responder Discounts for Family Entertainment and Attractions. For more ideas for a day out, browse our entertainment discounts.
