Parking Fees in US Zoos

T

TeamTapir223

Well-Known Member
Most US zoos these days do charge for parking which is something that for the most part we agree with.As long as the fees are reasonable.For years now our home zoo of Cleveland has offered free parking and we feel as members that they should take advantage of a extra stream of revenue by charging the general public to park.

Now that we've covered Cleveland not charging there is the opposite end of the spectrum which is zoo that charge an insane amount to park!Today we realized that the Milwaukee County Zoo has went from free parking to 12$ which is crazy.We don't mind paying anywhere but it should always be in the neighborhood of 5$ no matter where the zoo is located.

Here are a few examples from different areas of the country.

Cleveland Zoo-free
San Diego Zoo -free
LA Zoo -free on some days and otherwise 5$
Akron Zoo-2$
Columbus Zoo-8$
Brookfield Zoo-10$
Milwaukee Zoo-12$
St Louis Zoo -free if you get there very early and otherwise 15$ WOW
Woodland Park Zoo-5.25 $
Miami Zoo-Free

What are some of your thoughts on this ?

Team Tapir223
 
The Bronx Zoo has a crazy rate of 16 dollars. Thank god I am a member as I could not afford to pay that everytime I went to the zoo.
 
I think it depends on the situation.

For example the 10-Dollar-fee for San Diego Wild Animal.. - sorry - Safari Park is a ripp-off. The entrance fee is very high and you don't block parking space for neighbours (because there are no neighbours).

But when you have the choice to use (frequent running) public transport as for Bronx Zoo New York or (more or less) Dallas Zoo, then a reasonable parking fee is okay imo.
 
Lincoln Park Zoo has probally the most expensive parking for any zoo in the US. From the begining of April to the end of september the prices are:
0–30 minutes—Free
30 minutes–2 hours—$20
2–4 hours—$24
4–5 hours—$30
5 hours or more—$35
 
The LA Zoo actually has free parking year round but offers preferred parking on selected days for only $5. The zoo is thinking of starting to charge for parking instead of raising the admission tickets.
 
I think it depends on the zoo. I don't think whether the zoo is inner city or middle of nowhere should matter. Zoos rarely are sharing parking or affecting neighbors in any significant way. However, I think admission price is what should determine parking fees. My home zoo, Fort Wayne Children's zoo is s medium priced zoo with free parking. I have always wanted them to build a parking garage, super busy days I've been forced to park half mile away. Members should always park free. However expensive zoos charging $20 or more for admission should never charge parking or it should be minimal fee. Cheap or free zoos I have no problem paying a $15-20 parking fee. Most of these zoos like st Louis have ways to park free if u are smart and arrive early. I've been to stl 3x and never paid parking and parked less than 100ft from entrance. I feel 20-25$ total, parking + admission, should be sufficient for almost all zoos. Though again members should always park free and that should be a big perk to membership and help drive sales.
 
Buffalo Zoo: I believe it's around $5 still.
Erie Zoo: Free.
Maryland Zoo: Free.
Pittsburgh: Free.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo: Free.
Seneca Park Zoo: Free.
Smithsonian National Zoo (after a few hours): $22. If you go a lot, it pays to buy a membership to cover the parking fees.
Virginia Zoo: I believe free.
 
mstickmanp said:
The LA Zoo actually has free parking year round but offers preferred parking on selected days for only $5. The zoo is thinking of starting to charge for parking instead of raising the admission tickets.
Click to expand...

I would prefer that they figure out a way to do neither. Charging for parking in Griffith Park is a bad idea.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top