Frequently Asked Membership Questions
How long is my membership valid?
Your membership is valid for one full year. If you renew early, you will keep the same expiration date as before.
What is the best way for me to purchase or renew a membership?
If you are planning a visit to the Zoo within the next 10 days, the best way to purchase a membership is at the Zoo between 9am to 4pm. Be sure you have a valid photo ID at the time of purchase. You will be issued a temporary membership card until you receive your permanent membership card in the mail. If you purchase a membership online or through the mail, it can take up to 10 days for you to be recognized as an active Zoo member. Please note: Online purchases are only processed on business days, so if you purchase or renew a membership on the weekend, the processing of your purchase will not begin until the next business day.
How many membership cards will I receive with my membership?
All memberships come with one card. If you choose to add a Third Adult to your membership for $23.25, you will receive two cards. You can add a Third Adult to any membership level. Only one Third Adult is permitted per membership. Coupons and discounts are not applicable. Minimum age requirement for the Third Adult is 18.
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How long will it take to get my new membership card?
Membership cards require between 7 and 10 days to process, not including mail time. Please allow approximately two weeks to receive your membership card.
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How do I get a second membership card or replace a lost membership card?
We are happy to print duplicate cards for a $5 fee. This fee covers our processing time and the printing of the card. Simply send us a check with instructions. Be sure to include your full name and any special requests. You may also request a duplicate card at the front entry between 9am to 4pm, every day, or call 719-633-9925 x130 to pay with a credit card over the phone.
I’ve lost my membership card and it takes 7 to 10 days to get a new one. Can I come to the Zoo in the meantime?
You may come to the Zoo and check in as a member with a valid photo ID while your new card is being processed. You can also request a temporary membership card at the front entry until you receive your new card.
Why is there no expiration date on my membership card?
As part of our “Go Green” initiative, we no longer keep expiration dates on membership cards so you can use the same card year after year. If you would like to know the expiration date on your membership, please call or send us an email.
I renewed my membership but I didn’t receive my card.
If you renewed your membership and everything remained the same, such as address, number of kids and the membership level, then we ask that you continue to use your membership card. Please see our “Go Green” initiative for more information.
Can I use my Cheyenne Mountain Zoo membership at other zoos?
No. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of only a handful of accredited zoos in the country that does not receive tax support of any kind. Because we depend on admissions, memberships and donations to operate the Zoo, we are unable to participate in the reciprocity program.
We recently renewed our membership, but now we are moving. What can we do?
Unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds for membership. You may "gift" the remainder of your membership to a family member, friend or neighbor.
I joined at one level, but now my circumstances have changed and I need a higher level membership. What can I do?
You may upgrade your membership at any time. We have seven levels of membership, including Individual Plus, Family, Family Plus, Contributing, Conservator, Patron and Patron Gold. You may also add one Third Adult to any membership at any time for an additional $23.25 (minimum age requirement is 18). Your membership will keep the same expiration date when you upgrade within the time period that your current membership is active.
Can I loan out my membership card to a family member or friend?
No. Your membership card(s) and associated privileges are not transferable to any other individual. To protect the rights of our members, you are required to show your photo ID, such as a driver's license, at the time of your visit.
Can a “Plus” person on a membership come by themselves or bring my kid(s)?
No. A “Plus” person (Individual Plus, Family Plus and higher) cannot come to the Zoo by themselves. A primary card holder who is listed on the membership card must be present in order to bring a “Plus” person. The same rule applies if you have the Mountaineer Sky Ride Day Pass provision on your membership. If you would like to designate someone to be part of your membership and to come by themselves to the Zoo and bring your children/grandchildren, then you may add one Third Adult to any membership for $23.25 (minimum age requirement is 18).
I have a Third Adult on my membership. Can they bring the “Plus” person?
If you have a Third Adult provision on an Individual Plus, Family Plus or higher membership, the Third Adult cannot bring a “Plus” person to the Zoo. Only the primary card holder(s) can bring a guest with them each time they visit. The minimum age requirement for a Third Adult is 18.
Who can attend members-only events?
Anyone who is listed on a membership can attend members-only events. For an Individual Plus membership, the primary card holder and his/her guest is included; for a Family or Grandparent membership, the one or two primary adults and any children listed on the card are included; for Family Plus and higher, any “Plus” people are included (x1 for Family Plus and Contributing, x2 for Conservator and higher). Third Adults can also attend if they are listed on the membership. No guests are admitted to members-only events.
As a member, where can I check in?
Your membership card and a valid photo ID are required every time you check into the Zoo. Please go to any open window at the front gate. The Zoo is open every day at 9am and the last check-in is always at 4pm!
Do you offer a military discount on Zoo memberships?
Yes. If you are active duty, retired, or reserve military we offer a $10 discount for any new or renewing membership at any level. This discount cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Please note: When purchasing Zoo memberships online, add "Military Discount" in the comments field and the Zoo Membership Department will contact you before they submit your online order for payment. Also, be sure you have your military ID available when purchasing your membership at the Zoo and for checking in.
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Can I include my grandchildren on my membership even if they don't live with me?
Yes. Grandchildren 18 and under can be included on any level membership (except for the Individual Plus category).
How do I stay updated on Zoo events?
If you are a current member, and have given us your current email address, you will receive The Waterhole email newsletter once a month. You may subscribe now if you are not currently receiving The Waterhole emails. You may also check out the Members Only page, or the Events page to learn about what is new at the Zoo.
I have Mountaineer Sky Ride Day Pass. Who can ride?
The Sky Ride Day Pass is an additional $30 on a membership. Coupons and discounts are not applicable. Anyone who is listed on your membership can ride the Sky Ride for free during regular hours of operation. For an Individual Plus membership, the primary card holder and his/her guest are included; for a Family or Grandparent membership, the one or two primary adults and any children listed on the card are included; for Family Plus and higher, any “Plus” people are also included (x1 for Family Plus and Contributing, x2 for Conservator and higher). Third Adults can also ride if they are listed on the membership. Guests are not covered on the pass. You must have the Sky Ride sticker on your membership card in order to ride the Sky Ride for free. Your membership card and a valid photo ID are required for checking in prior to getting on the ride. The pass does not include after-hours events or members-only events. Only one Sky Ride pass is permitted per membership and will expire on the same date as your membership. Please click here to see Sky Ride hours of operation and the number of riders per chair.
What names are listed on a membership card?
An Individual Plus membership lists one adult name on the card (minimum age is 18). For Family and higher levels, one or two adults who live in the same household are listed on the membership card (minimum age is 18). Your membership card and a valid photo ID are required for checking in.
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My child will be visiting the Zoo with his school as part of a field trip. Does my membership cover his visit that day?
School visits that include either a ZOO Exploration or a Docent Tour are not included under your membership. These experiences have an additional cost and are not covered under the basic membership benefits. Please check with the school’s administration office to check if the field trip includes any additional experiences not otherwise covered by a membership. Please click here for more information about school groups.
