Membership FAQs
We’ve tried to make sure to answer all your questions within the pages of our site, but some questions are asked so frequently, we thought we would gather them together here for easy viewing. Thank you for being a Zoo member!
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 & AquariumsHow do I use my reciprocal benefits at participating Zoos & Aquariums?
RWPZ Member
More Questions
In an effort to go green, we are no longer using physical membership cards.
The Zoo is excited to announce we now have digital membership cards! An email link to your digital card will automatically be sent after purchasing or renewing your membership. Easily add your digital membership card to your smartphone digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Play).
Start using your card right away! (Please allow up to 4 hours after purchase for the system to update with your information.) Questions? Contact our Membership Team at membership @rwpzoo.org.
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:
- Sign into your member account at the top-right of the screen.
- 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.
- 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.
If you have entered the wrong password too many times, the system will lock you out. Please wait 15 minutes before attempting again.
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.
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.
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.
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 your digital card.
PLEASE NOTE: A valid digital membership card is required to receive discounted admission when visiting AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program.
Name changes are not permitted until the time of renewal.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, we are unable to place temporary freezes or holds on memberships.
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.
Memberships are non-transferable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!