Special Pass Membership Program
Special Pass Membership Program
The Special Pass Membership Program helps community-focused organizations enrich the lives of the people they serve through daytime access to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Created to expand access for community members facing financial, physical, or other barriers, the program allows one group visit per day with free daytime Zoo admission for up to 10 clients of the organization. Up to 10 staff members may accompany the group at a discounted rate of $14 per person; additional attendees are welcomed at standard admission.
How It Works
Eligible organizations must apply annually for a Special Pass Membership. Qualifying organizations can utilize the Special Pass Membership as a benefit for the clients who are receiving services through the organization.
- An active membership allows one group visit per day.
- Each visit admits up to 10 clients of the organization for free.
- Up to 10 staff members may be admitted with the group at a discounted rate of $14 per person. Additional visitors with the group are welcomed at standard admission.
- Special Pass Membership visitors must check-in together as a group in at the Guest Services Lobby and complete the required daily paperwork. All admission fees are paid at check in.
- No advance reservation is required.
Special Pass Membership Program organizations do not receive additional perks that other memberships receive, including access to monthly perks, and discounts on camps, classes, special events, rides, concessions, or gift shop purchases.
Cost
Special Pass Memberships are free for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Other qualifying organizations pay an annual $30 administrative fee. Costs apply to all staff member admissions and any client admissions beyond the 10 free per visit. Up to 10 staff members may be admitted with the group at a discounted rate of $14 per person; additional guests with the group are welcomed at standard admission.
Eligibility
Organizations must be located in Nebraska or Iowa. Eligible organizations are those that serve individuals who face financial, physical or other barriers to accessing the Zoo independently. This includes adults and children who require specialized care or support, individuals receiving medical or rehabilitative care, children and families in foster care, individuals or families experiencing financial hardship, residents of family or transitional housing programs, and residents of senior or long-term care communities, as well as other underserved groups. Organizations should actively support community access initiatives and be able to explain how Zoo visits strengthen their mission and benefit the people they serve. A website and mission statement reflecting these standards are requested in the application.
Special Pass Memberships are free for qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Organizations that operate as extensions of a government municipality or public school system and do not hold a separate 501(c)(3) Tax ID may be eligible to participate but will be assessed the annual $30 administrative fee, as outlined in the Cost section.
Organizations that do not qualify include politically-affiliated groups, formal education programs (such as class field trips), employee benefit programs, daycares, after-school clubs, or church youth groups. Special Pass Memberships may not be used for donations or gifts. Groups not eligible for the Special Pass Membership Program may explore field trip pricing at europe-sales.top/field-trips.
Application
We accept applications year-round and review within a few weeks, and up to one month at year-end. Memberships are valid through December 31, and all organizations must reapply annually to continue participation.
The Special Pass Membership Program is evaluated annually. Terms, including eligibility and cost are subject to change.