New York Wildlife Conservation Society Membership Has its Rewards

Entertaining the family can be costly, and in this economy who wants costly? Just a trip to the movies for a family of four can teeter close to $100 if it’s a 3-D movie and you include snacks and throw in a few arcade games. And that’s just for a few hours of entertainment that the kids will forget all about the next day when they’re begging you to take them somewhere because you never take them anywhere.  

Here’s the solution! Join the New York Wildlife Conservation Society. Look, it’s impossible to live in Bergen County and not include New York in our entertainment plans. That’s the advantage of living so close to the greatest city in the world. 

Premium family membership to the Society costs $159 per year, $87 of which is tax deductible. A Senior Family Premium Membership is $127, $55 of which is tax deductible. Here’s what you get:

• FREE admission for two adults and children in their household up to age 18 to the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoos
• FREE admission for one additional guest or child caregiver
• FREE unlimited access to Bronx Zoo attractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Children’s Zoo, Butterfly Garden, Zoo Shuttle, Bug Carousel PLUS the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium 4-D Theaters
• 4 FREE parking passes for the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium
• FREE limited-edition wildlife T-shirt
• Invitations to exclusive Members-only events
• FREE updates on zoo activities and events in Members' News and Members' E-News
• 10% discount at select gift shops at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Central Park Zoo
• 10% discount at select restaurants at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Central Park Zoo
• Discounts on Education programs and courses
• Priority entry for Members—no long lines!

One visit to the Bronx Zoo for a family of four with parking costs $29.95 per adult and $19.95 per child for total experience tickets and $13 for parking. That adds up to $112.80. For an additional $46.20, you can enjoy all that and more for a full year. 

This weekend our family spent the day at the Bronx Zoo. Our total cost for the day was the George Washington Bridge toll (I packed a picnic of snacks that the kids ate in the car before going in, so food wasn’t on their minds, and had more waiting when we got back to the car).

And this is the perfect time of year to join the Wildlife Society because your family will get to enjoy membership benefits throughout all of next summer. And the zoo in winter is beautiful--especially the Bronx Zoo’s annual holiday train display that the kids will love.

Membership is also a great way to explore the outer boroughs with your children. The Prospect Park Zoo is a great excuse to explore Brooklyn when you’re done exploring the zoo. 

Most importantly, you'll be engaging your family in supporting a great cause. 

And although you may get tired during the journeys, the kids will never tire of the adventures.