How to Find Free (or Almost Free) Tickets to Zoo Atlanta

Looking for free Atlanta Zoo tickets or big discounts on a visit to Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park? There are several Atlanta-specific programs, library passes, and local deals that can get you in for little or no cost—especially if you plan ahead.

Below is a clear guide to the most common ways Atlanta residents, families, and visitors can save, plus how each option works in practice.

Quick Overview: Main Ways to Get Free or Discounted Zoo Atlanta Tickets

Details change from time to time. Always verify current terms with Zoo Atlanta or the specific program before you go.

1. Zoo Atlanta Library Pass: The Most Popular “Free Ticket” Option

For many Atlanta-area residents, the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass is the easiest way to get free tickets.

How the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass Works

Most public libraries in metro Atlanta—especially those in the Fulton County, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, and other Georgia systems—offer a Zoo Atlanta library pass program.

The typical setup:

1. Get a Georgia public library card

   • Available to residents at no cost at most public libraries.
   • Example in Atlanta:
     • Central Library (Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System)
       1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303
       Phone: (404) 730-1700

2. Borrow the Zoo Atlanta program materials
   The pass is often tied to a short educational resource (such as a video or online module).

   • You check out or access the Zoo Atlanta learning resource through your library.
   • Once completed (or once you check it out), the system issues or unlocks a Zoo Atlanta Family Pass.

3. Receive your free admission pass
   The pass typically grants:

   • Free admission for up to 2 adults, plus
   • Free admission for children in the same household (exact age rules can vary; check current details).

4. Use the pass on an eligible day

   • Passes usually have a limited validity window and may have blackout dates.
   • Reservations or timed tickets may be required, especially during busy seasons, so check with Zoo Atlanta before visiting.

Where to Ask About the Library Pass in Atlanta

If you live, work, or stay in Atlanta, start with the system that covers your neighborhood:

• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
  Main line: (404) 730-1700
• DeKalb County Public Library
  Main line: (404) 508-7190
• Cobb County Public Library System
  Main line: (770) 528-2320
• Gwinnett County Public Library
  Main line: (770) 978-5154

Ask a librarian about the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass or Zoo Atlanta Library Pass. Staff are used to questions about this program and can walk you through any online steps.

2. Going with a Member: Guest Passes and Membership Perks

If you know someone who lives in Atlanta and visits Zoo Atlanta often, they might already have a membership. Memberships typically include free admission for the member all year and sometimes:

• Guest passes for friends and family
• Occasional “bring-a-friend” days at no extra cost
• Discounted tickets for additional guests

This is not exactly a public “free ticket” program, but in practice:

• If a member invites you as a guest, you may get in free using their guest passes or special member perks.
• Families in Atlanta sometimes use this to bring grandparents, relatives visiting from out-of-town, or friends with kids.

If you are the one who goes often, it may be cheaper in the long run to buy a membership rather than hunting for individual discounts every time.

3. Employer, School, and Organization Discounts

Many larger employers in the Atlanta area participate in corporate discount programs that include Zoo Atlanta.

Common Ways This Works

• Corporate discount portals
  Some companies provide access to an online employee discount site where you can buy reduced-price Zoo Atlanta tickets.

• HR or employee benefits departments
  You may find information on your employer’s intranet or by asking HR whether Zoo Atlanta is part of their local attractions benefits.

• University or college affiliations
  Students, faculty, and staff at local institutions (like Georgia State University downtown or Georgia Tech in Midtown) sometimes receive reduced admission offers to Atlanta attractions, including Zoo Atlanta, during special periods.

These options usually provide discounted rather than completely free tickets, but if you are buying for a family, the savings can be substantial.

4. Group Visits: Schools, Camps, and Community Organizations

If you are organizing a visit for students, a youth group, or a camp, you may qualify for group pricing that significantly reduces the per-person ticket cost.

Who Commonly Uses This

• Atlanta Public Schools classes and field trips
• Private schools in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, or Southwest Atlanta
• Daycares and preschools around metro Atlanta
• Summer camps and after-school programs
• Community centers and youth organizations

How to Pursue Group Discounts

• Plan ahead and contact Zoo Atlanta’s group reservations office.
• Ask specifically about:
  • School field trip rates
  • Nonprofit or youth organization rates
  • Any scholarship or outreach programs for low-income groups or Title I schools

While not technically “free tickets,” certain educational or outreach initiatives may significantly lower costs for Atlanta-area schools or qualifying programs.

5. Seasonal Promotions and Special Events

Zoo Atlanta occasionally partners with local media, corporations, or citywide events to offer special discounts or limited-time opportunities.

What to Watch For in Atlanta

• Local radio and TV promotions
  Stations based in Atlanta sometimes run limited-time codes or ticket giveaways.

• Holiday or off-peak specials
  Cold-weather months or weekdays during the school year can sometimes bring lower prices or online-only deals.

• Community days or neighborhood promotions
  Occasionally, partners may sponsor reduced admission days for certain groups or neighborhoods, though fully free general-admission days are rare and usually highly publicized when they happen.

To keep up, many Atlanta residents check:

• Zoo Atlanta’s posted info before peak seasons (spring break, summer, and holidays).
• Local news outlets and city event calendars that highlight attraction deals.

6. Membership as a “Free Ticket” Strategy for Frequent Visitors

If you live in Atlanta and plan to visit Zoo Atlanta more than once or twice a year, a membership is often the most economical path.

While not free up front, membership can effectively turn all future visits into “free ticket days” once you have paid for the membership.

Why This Matters for Atlanta Residents

• Zoo Atlanta is close to Grant Park, making it a popular spot for:
  • Weekend outings
  • Summer break activities
  • Playdates and family visits

If you are within easy driving or MARTA distance (for example, from Midtown, Downtown, East Atlanta, or West End), a membership can quickly pay for itself.

Membership often includes:

• Unlimited free daytime admission for the named adults and children on the membership.
• Discounts on parking, food, and events, depending on the level.
• Priority or discounted access to some special programs.

This is less about one-time free tickets and more about long-term savings.

7. Tips to Make the Most of Your Free or Discounted Visit

Once you secure free or reduced-price admission, a few local-specific tips can help you avoid surprises:

Check Requirements Before You Go

• Reservations: At busy times, Zoo Atlanta may require timed reservations, even for passes or discounts.
• ID and proof of eligibility:
  • Library passes often require the person whose name is on the pass to be present.
  • Corporate or school discounts may require proof of employment or enrollment.

Plan Your Transportation

Zoo Atlanta is located in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta:

• Address:
  Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE
  Atlanta, GA 30315

• Driving:

  • Parking is available in and around Grant Park, usually for a fee.
  • On busy weekends, parking lots can fill up; arriving earlier in the day can save time.

• Transit:

  • Many visitors take MARTA to the King Memorial or Georgia State stations and then use a rideshare or bus for the short remaining distance.
  • Check current bus routes and schedules serving the Grant Park area.

Keep Other Costs in Mind

Even with free tickets, some expenses can still add up:

• Food and drinks: Bringing allowed items from home (as permitted) can keep the day affordable.
• Souvenirs and extras: Factor in any spending limits if you are bringing kids.
• Rides or special attractions: Some experiences inside the zoo may have separate fees.

8. How Visitors (Non-Residents) Can Still Save

If you are visiting Atlanta from out of town, you may not have easy access to the Georgia library card system, but you still have options:

• Travel with an Atlanta-based friend or relative who can use their Zoo Atlanta Library Pass or membership guest passes.
• Check your hotel or convention benefits for local attraction discounts, which sometimes include Zoo Atlanta.
• Look into multi-attraction discount cards for Atlanta that bundle the zoo with other sites for a lower combined price.

9. How to Start: Simple Step-by-Step Paths

Here are straightforward next steps based on where you are starting from:

If You Live in Atlanta and Want Completely Free Tickets

1. Get a library card at your closest branch (if you do not already have one).
2. Ask specifically about the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass program.
3. Follow the instructions to access the required video or resource.
4. Receive your pass and immediately check:
   • Expiration date
   • Any blackout dates or reservation needs
5. Reserve a time slot at Zoo Atlanta, if required, and go.

If You Are Organizing a School or Group Visit

1. Confirm your group size and preferred dates.
2. Contact Zoo Atlanta’s group reservations or education department.
3. Ask about:
   • School field trip pricing
   • Any scholarship or special assistance options for qualifying groups
4. Lock in your reservation and communicate all rules to chaperones and families.

If You Visit Often or Live Nearby

1. Take your expected number of visits per year and compare it with membership costs.
2. If the math works out, consider a membership so every additional visit feels like a free ticket day.
3. Use any guest passes or member days to bring friends or relatives at little or no cost.

By combining the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass, member guest passes, group rates, and local discounts, many Atlanta residents manage to visit the zoo for free or at a significantly reduced price. A short call to your local library or a quick check of your employer benefits is often all it takes to unlock those savings.