We’ve been holding off on going to the Milwaukee Public Zoo (MPZ) as it is outrageously expensive for our family of 4 ($51 not including parking). But they have elephants. And Bluey wants to see an elephant.
So the research began as to what would be the cheapest way to gain access to the zoo. The MPZ, in the company of over 150 zoos and aquariums across the USA, is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). All AZA members are offered reciprocated free or 50% reduced admissions (check the list carefully as it is confusing to navigate).
But the research didn’t end there. The MPZ wants $71 for a family membership which doesn’t include parking (membership and parking is $109). So we got to thinking, if the point is to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, do we have to join it through MPZ? Wouldn’t a membership at any organization on the list gain us the same benefits? And the answer is a resounding, YES!
After a quick google of “cheapest zoo membership” we stumbled upon a blog which recommended joining the Baton Rouge Zoo. This zoos membership at the family level costs $55. But we hesitated as we like to keep our dollars local when we can do it. After another quick look at the AZA list, our eyes hit upon the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. A search on their website showed us that their family membership is $50- Bingo! Our family loves the International Crane Foundation, they are a local organization, and they are members of the AZA.
We can now attend MPZ for free (as well as other fantastic places like the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque), even though we’ll still have to pay for parking unless we luck out on a street space close to the zoo. And this one visit to MPZ will equate to the payment for the membership cost at the ICF!
Elephants, get ready for us. Here we come! And on our terms.