FREE TO EXPLORE
You’re invited to explore the natural wonder of the Minnesota Zoo!
Free to Explore
You’re invited to explore the natural wonder of the Minnesota Zoo! We welcome every guest to learn about the world of wildlife. The Minnesota Zoo offers the Free to Explore program to help ensure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to your visit. Follow the two-step process and come make family memories on the trails of the Minnesota Zoo!
Step 1) Read below to verify if you qualify.
To qualify for Free to Explore, an individual must be currently enrolled in one of the programs listed below and show the approved documentation, photo ID, and proof of Minnesota residency. Please show your documentation when your tickets are scanned at the Zoo entry doors.
Family members are welcome to join them on their visit if the adults can provide photo ID that shows they live at the same address or their own qualifying document. Anyone unable to provide that required documentation will be asked to pay admission at the gate.
Free to Explore does not cover Zoo parking ($10) or fees for any special programs, events, or exhibits. EBT cards are not accepted as payment for parking, fees, at the Minnesota Zoo.
Please see the FAQ section below to answer additional questions or call 952-431-9200.
Groups of up to 10 people that qualify for Free to Explore can acquire tickets online here. For Free to Explore groups larger than 10, please email sales@mnzoo.org or call 952-431-9585.
Effective December 31, 2023 Pandemic EBT Relief is not an eligible Free to Explore program.
Step 2) Get Your Tickets
Get TicketsApproved Documentation
Guests participating in eligible assistance programs may provide the following documentation.
| Program | Approved Documentation |
|---|---|
| TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | MN EBT Card |
| MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) | MN EBT Card |
| SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | MN EBT Card |
| MFAP (Minnesota Food Assistance Program) | MN EBT Card |
| General Assistance (GA) | MN EBT Card |
| MSA (Minnesota Supplemental Aid) | MN EBT Card |
| MN Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare | MHCP or MA on Card |
| MN WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program) | MN WIC Card |
| MN HeadStart | MN HeadStart Acceptance Letter |
| FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) | Notice of Decision |
| Housing Support (formerly known as Group Residential Housing) | Acceptance Letter |
| Resident Disabled Veterans | VHIC or Summary of Benefits Letter |
Program
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Approved Documentation
MN EBT Card
Program
MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program)
Approved Documentation
MN EBT Card
Program
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Approved Documentation
MN EBT Card
Program
MFAP (Minnesota Food Assistance Program)
Approved Documentation
MN EBT Card
Program
General Assistance (GA)
Approved Documentation
MN EBT Card
Program
MSA (Minnesota Supplemental Aid)
Approved Documentation
MN EBT Card
Program
MN Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare
Approved Documentation
MHCP or MA on Card
Program
MN WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program)
Approved Documentation
MN WIC Card
Program
MN HeadStart
Approved Documentation
MN HeadStart Acceptance Letter
Program
FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
Approved Documentation
Notice of Decision
Program
Housing Support (formerly known as Group Residential Housing)
Approved Documentation
Acceptance Letter
Program
Resident Disabled Veterans
Approved Documentation
VHIC or Summary of Benefits Letter
FAQs - Free to Explore
If you are 1.) a Minnesota resident, 2.) receive benefits from one of the programs listed and, 3.) present the approved documentation with photo ID showing that you are the benefit recipient, you and your dependents will receive free daytime admission to the Zoo. Advance tickets are required and can be booked here. Please show your documentation when your tickets are scanned at the Zoo doors. The parking fee of $10 per car is not included with Free to Explore. Please pay for parking when you order your online tickets or purchase at the door.
Yes. You must show that you are a Minnesota resident, and the approved documentation belongs to you. If your photo ID does not include an address or has a non-Minnesota address, bring a current bill which shows your name and Minnesota address. If you are unable to provide the required documentation, you will not be allowed free entry. All adults must prove they live at the same address as the benefit recipient.
No. You must present photo ID showing that the documentation belongs to you and that all adults live at the same address.
For our purposes, dependent children are under the age of 18 and live in your household. Anyone over the age of 18 who is receiving benefits should show their own documentation and ID.
If the child is under the age of 18, the family members in the household can also visit for free. Adults will be required to present photo ID which shows that they live at the same address.
If the supervisor can provide identification that shows they are working, they will also be allowed free admission.
The Free to Explore program is not designed for use by daycare or school groups. To qualify for free admission, children must be accompanied to the Zoo by their parent/guardian.
We understand there are various public assistance programs not listed. These programs were selected in collaboration with state organizations to provide the best possible access based on use case.
No, state insurance providers do not qualify for Free to Explore. Qualifying insurance must have MA or MHCP to show additional public assistance insurance.