Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens gives teachers 10% off a membership when you show a valid school ID. It also holds an Educator Appreciation Day with free admission for educators, though the date for the next one hasn’t been posted yet. The membership discount isn’t tied to an event, so you can use it whenever you’re ready to buy.
If you’re choosing between a membership for your own family and waiting for the free day, the membership is the sure thing. The free day covers one ticket per school ID, and everyone else in your group pays.
How To Get The Jacksonville Zoo Teacher Discount
There are two ways to buy a membership at the teacher rate:
- In person: bring your school ID to the membership office at the main entrance, or to the Guest Relations window, and buy your membership there.
- By phone: email members@jacksonvillezoo.org with a photo of your valid ID and a phone number where the zoo can reach you, and the zoo will call to finish the purchase.
The discount isn’t available online, and it has to be used when you buy. It can’t be applied to a membership later. It also doesn’t apply to Gift Membership Certificates or Heart of the Zoo Society memberships, and you get one discount per purchase.
The zoo doesn’t post a membership price next to the discount, so check the current price on the membership page and take 10% off it. If you’re not sure which counter to go to, call (904) 757-4463.
The Educator Appreciation Day
On Educator Appreciation Day, educators get free admission with a valid school ID. Bring your family, since the day has activity stations where you can talk with zoo educators and meet some of the Animal Ambassadors. Show your school ID when you arrive. One free ticket is honored per school ID, so everyone else in your group buys a ticket.
More info is coming soon, so there’s no date yet. The monthly educator email newsletter lists upcoming zoo events, and you can sign up from the same page.
What A Membership Includes
A membership comes with 12 months of free admission and free parking, plus discounts at the zoo’s restaurants, gift store and special events. It pays for itself fastest if you plan to visit more than once.
School Trips And Group Rates
School trips are priced separately from the teacher discount. The school rate is for groups of 15 or more, Monday through Friday during the school year. Duval County students are admitted free, and so is one adult per 10 students, including teachers, teacher assistants and other educational professionals. Extra adults and chaperones are $20.95 each.
Groups from outside the county, homeschool groups, childcare centers and Head Start groups pay $15.95 per child (ages 3-12) and $20.95 per adult or teacher. Organizers collect payment in advance and make one group payment at the front gate, because individuals who pay separately are charged full admission. The zoo doesn’t take cash, personal checks or POs. For a group that isn’t on a school trip, reserved groups of 15 or more also get discounts. See the field trips page for the full list.
For workshops, the zoo’s education staff can custom design one for your group.
Q&A
Does Jacksonville Zoo give teachers free admission?
On Educator Appreciation Day, yes, with a valid school ID. The zoo hasn’t posted the next date yet.
How much is the educator membership discount?
10% off a membership with a valid school ID.
Can I get the membership discount online?
No. Buy in person with your ID, or email a photo of it and finish the purchase by phone.
How many free tickets do I get on Educator Appreciation Day?
One per school ID. Everyone else buys tickets.
Are school trips free?
For Duval County schools, students and one adult per 10 students are free on weekdays during the school year, for groups of 15 or more. Other groups pay $15.95 per child and $20.95 per adult.
More Information:
The details above come from the zoo’s educator page, offers page and field trips page. See more entertainment discounts for teachers.