Become a Member

When does my membership expire? / Has my membership been processed?

Memberships are valid for 12 months from the purchase month, for a one-year membership; and for 24 months from the purchase month, for a two-year membership. Memberships expire at the posted Zoo closing time on the last day of the month of expiration. In order to efficiently and thoroughly answer questions about your personal membership expiration date, we request that you call the Membership Department line at (708) 688-8341. We answer the phones every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I want to renew my membership. How do I do that?

You can renew your membership online, at the Zoo, over the phone, or by mail.

If you are renewing your membership early, the new membership year will start after your old membership expires. Memberships that are renewed early do not overlap to ensure you enjoy the full length of each of membership year. You may renew your membership as early as six months prior to the expiration of your membership.

If you are planning to visit soon and would like access to your member benefits immediately, we recommend that you renew at the Zoo or purchase through our website. Membership purchases via phone or mail are fulfilled within three to five weeks depending on the time of year.

Update Your Account

If you need to update your account, please send us an email or call the Membership Department line at (708) 688 - 8341.

Can my children use my membership?

Yes, children (ages 3 to 17) are eligible for free admission under their parents’ membership. If your child will be visiting the Zoo without you, please give them one of your membership cards and have them bring a photo ID. At admissions, inform the attendant that they are a child on this membership. (They may be asked for ID to match the parents’ last name on membership.) Note: Children are not eligible for the adult-specific (18+) benefits on the membership including parking or a free guest. Children under 3 are always free.

Can someone else or my caregiver use my membership card?

Membership cards can only be used by the person named on the card. They cannot be shared or given to others. To use your membership, you must show ID that matches the name and address on your membership record.

Your one-time-use guest admission tickets can be used by anyone, even if the member is not there, as long as the tickets haven’t expired. These tickets still require paid parking. One-time-use attraction vouchers can also be given to anyone to use without the member present.

If your membership card is lost or stolen, visit the Guest Relations Booth at either Zoo entrance or call the membership department at (708) 688-8341. Representatives are available every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I have not received my membership materials.

For online purchases: All membership materials are sent via email. A PDF attachment was sent along with a confirmation email during your purchase, and that can be used as your member card for the duration of your membership! Or you can download our app and add your member cards to our app’s digital wallet! (Guest passes and attraction vouchers cannot be added to the digital wallet at this time.)

For memberships purchased via phone or mail: If you have recently moved, please provide us with your updated address. The U.S. Post Office does not automatically forward membership packets even if you have updated your address with them. Please call the Membership Department at (708) 688-8341. We answer the phones seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For memberships purchased onsite: All member benefits were provided to you at time of purchase. If your items were misplaced or stolen, please visit our Guest Relations booth on your next Zoo visit.

Update/Correct Contact Info

Click Here to Send Your Request

I can’t find my membership materials.

Just show your driver’s license or picture ID to the parking attendant and tell them that you are a member. The attendant will verify that your membership is current and will admit you to the parking lot. Next, stop by the Guest Relations building on the right side before you enter the Zoo at either entrance for further assistance.

I can’t find my membership tickets. Can you send me replacements?

We are unable to verify ticket use or invalidate lost or stolen tickets. Membership tickets (attraction and guest admission) are the member’s responsibility and cannot be replaced.

For general zoo or other related comments:

Please feel free to call our general number at 708-688-8000 during zoo hours or fill out guestbook inquiry at Contact Us.

What form of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, personal check, American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard.

How can I buy a membership?

You are able to buy a membership online, via phone or mail, or onsite at the Zoo.

Why was my credit card rejected?

A credit/debit card transaction may be rejected for several reasons. If you are sure that your card has not been reported stolen, cancelled, or over the credit the limit, it is likely that the name and address information that was entered in the billing section did not match the information on record with your financial institution. Any variation in the information you entered may cause the Address Verification System to reject your request as a security measure.

For more information please call the Membership Department at (708) 688-8341. Phone representatives are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I got an error message, what happened?

Each time you got an error message your bank may have frozen or preauthorized funds (similar to what happens at a gas station, restaurant or hotel) causing pending charges each time you attempted to correct it. Charges will typically drop off in 3-5 business days depending on your bank's policies.

For more information about website orders please call the Membership Department at (708) 688-8341. Phone representatives are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I was charged multiple times for my web order. How do I fix it?

Any variation between the name and address information you entered in the billing section and the same information on record with your financial institution may cause the Address Verification System to reject your request as a security measure.

Order confirmation emails are sent only when the transaction has been approved and completed.

For more information or further assistance, please call the Membership Department at (708) 688-8341. Phone representatives are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Who can be on a membership?

Any adult age 18 or older may become a Brookfield Zoo Chicago member. Any two adults living in the same household may have a membership together if the membership includes two adult admissions.

Membership materials are valid only for the named member listed and may not be loaned or given to anyone else to use. To protect the benefits of your membership, identification with the member’s name and address, matching the membership record is always required.

Note: Some memberships have a limit on the total number of children allowed on a membership.

Is my membership tax deductible?

Membership to Brookfield Zoo Chicago is not tax deductible.

What Attractions are included in my membership?

Adventurer Members: Free attraction benefits include Dolphin Discovery, Motor Safari, The Carousel, Ferris Wheel, and Butterflies! Additional temporary attractions may not offer a member benefit.

Explorer Members: 50% off The Carousel, Butterflies!, and Motor Safari.

We value your opinion and would love to hear your comments and experiences.

For membership-related comments:

Please contact the Membership Department at (708) 688-8341.
Phone representatives are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Or email the membership department at member.questions@brookfieldzoo.org.

For general zoo or other related comments:

Please feel free to call our general number at 708-688-8000