Families receiving food assistance in Georgia now have a wallet-friendly way to enjoy Zoo Atlanta, as the zoo launches a no-frills, no-blackout-date ticket offer aimed squarely at making nature more inclusive.
Starting immediately, Georgia SNAP recipients can purchase general admission tickets for just $6 per person—covering up to six guests. That’s not all: Zoo Atlanta is also offering a $50 Family Membership with year-round perks and no digital hoops to jump through.
This move not only boosts access but quietly signals a larger shift in how institutions across the state are adapting public offerings for communities that need them most.
Deep Discount, No Strings Attached
No catch. No fine print. Just a straight-up deal.
Zoo Atlanta’s new offer is valid exclusively for Georgia residents who receive SNAP or WIC benefits. The reduced admission of $6 (plus tax) applies to up to six guests per visit. Children under 3? They’re in for free, as always.
And the offer is refreshingly simple. No blackout dates, no off-season-only limitations.
To claim the discount, visitors just need to show up in person with:
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A valid Georgia-issued SNAP/EBT or WIC card
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A matching photo ID
Online redemptions aren’t an option. So, you’ve gotta head to the Zoo Atlanta Admissions window or the Member Services Office.
One sentence here to give it a pause.
The program underscores a deeper mission statement: to offer enriching, educational experiences regardless of income level.
Memberships for the Long Haul
The one-off ticket discount is just part of the deal.
Zoo Atlanta has also slashed the cost of its Family Membership to just $50 per year. That’s an annual pass granting unlimited daytime admission for two adults and up to four children.
Usually priced much higher, this discounted membership includes in-park savings at food and gift locations and invites to members-only events.
Unlike the general admission offer, these memberships must be bought in person—again, no online option.
For families that plan to visit more than once or live nearby, it’s a major cost-saver.
Memberships also give a sense of belonging—something that really matters for kids who might otherwise feel priced out of these spaces.
Saying Goodbye to the Library Pass
With one door opening, another one is closing.
Zoo Atlanta is phasing out its Library Pass partnership. For years, this program allowed families to check out free admission passes from public libraries across the state.
Those passes will still be available for checkout through May 31, 2025, and any already distributed vouchers will be honored through June 30. After that, they’re gone.
This pivot toward a SNAP/WIC-focused model means the zoo is prioritizing direct access for low-income families—rather than relying on libraries as middlemen.
The Library Pass program had fans, but it also had friction. You had to time it right, get lucky at your local branch, and juggle availability. The new model is more equitable—and way less complicated.
Community Response and Social Pulse
Zoo Atlanta didn’t roll this out quietly. They made a statement—literally.
“Expanding access to the enriching experiences Zoo Atlanta offers is central to the Zoo’s mission,” the institution said. “It allows the Zoo to connect directly with the communities that benefit most from greater support in accessing these opportunities.”
There’s a realness to that. And online, the response has been largely positive.
One parent on Facebook called the new program a “blessing for big families.” Others praised the zoo for cutting through red tape and making the offer straightforward.
Meanwhile, some library loyalists expressed disappointment over the end of the long-running pass program. A few librarians mentioned they’ll miss seeing families excitedly picking up passes—but acknowledged this new model might serve more people in the long run.
Bigger Picture: Institutions Rethinking Access
Zoo Atlanta’s move is part of a broader trend sweeping across the country. Museums, aquariums, and cultural sites are revisiting who they serve—and how.
The big idea? Don’t just open your doors—make sure people can afford to walk through them.
Programs like this SNAP discount are gaining traction. From the Georgia Aquarium to Fernbank Museum, several major attractions now offer similar low-cost options for benefit recipients.
The timing makes sense. With food costs still weighing on families and inflation pressing hard, leisure spending is the first thing to get axed from tight budgets.
But places like Zoo Atlanta are proving that fun, education, and family time don’t have to be luxuries. They can be part of daily life. And maybe, just maybe, they should be.
