Visit the Minnesota Zoo For Free

Last year I posted a story about free admission to the Minnesota Zoo through their Free to Explore Zoo Admission Program, or ZAP. Through this new program, the zoo was visited by 65,700 people that were limited incomes in 2016 in comparison to the attendance of about 40,000 people through the program that had been in place in 2015. With spring almost here and people getting antsy to get outside and do things with the kids, this may be a good program to take advantage of and you can definitely make a day of it at the Minnesota Zoo.

With a single ticket cost of about $18, going to the zoo can get expensive depending on the size of your family. ZAP is for those individuals with a limited income. Guests enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, General Assistance, Minnesota Food Assistance Program, Minnesota Family Investment Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families need to show their MN EBT card. If you're enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you’ll need your MHCP card. In the WIC program, just bring your WIC folder. If your children are in Head Start, just show them the acceptance letter. Along with your proof of being involved with one of the previously mentioned programs, you’ll also have to provide a Minnesota photo ID to gain entrance. The ZAP program doesn’t include parking or fees for any special programs or exhibits and is valid only during regular zoo hours.