Looking for the perfect gift for your friend or loved one? Your Akron Zoo has got you covered with many options for wild gifts this holiday season!

Exclusive Akron Zoo Gear

Shop exclusive Akron Zoo gear!

Each item is made-to-order, creating less waste. The store features different collections, like the red panda collection, amphibian collection and the ‘We Care’ collection. Items are available for all ages, from birth to adults.

We have everything from totes, t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more! 

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Akron Zoo Gift Shop

The Akron Zoo Gift Shop, located inside the Barnhardt Family Welcome Center, carries a wide range of items to commemorate your visit to the zoo!

With a wide variety of plush animals, clothing, jewelry, toys and other items, you’re sure to find a great souvenir or gift for everyone in your family or group. 

Come check out our table of favorites! From children's best sellers to staff favorites, you'll check everyone off your list. During your trip to Wild Lights, don't forget to bring home a memory of your favorite big cat!

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Membership Gift Certificates

Give the gift that keeps giving with a year-long membership to the Akron Zoo! A membership allows you to enjoy benefits such as general admission to the Akron Zoo for one year, member only pricing on special events, reciprocal discounts and more! Membership gift certificates allow the gift recipient to activate the membership at their convenience. Membership gift certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Once turned in for activation by the gift recipient, the membership will be valid for one year from the date of activation.

  • Gift certificates purchased by phone or in person will receive a printed membership gift certificate
  • Gift certificates purchased online will be issued in the form of a printable gift certificate
  • Order by Dec. 15 to guarantee e-delivery by Dec. 24

PURCHASE MEMBERSHIP GIFT CERTIFICATE

Gift an Active Membership

Give the gift that keeps giving with a year-long membership to the Akron Zoo! A membership allows you to enjoy benefits such as general admission to the Akron Zoo for one year, member only pricing on special events, reciprocal discounts and more! 

  • Membership begins immediately
  • If renewing a current membership, one year will be added to the current expiration date
  • Digital membership card instructions will be sent in 7 - 10 days. Order by Dec. 15 to guarantee delivery of instructions by Dec. 24

PURCHASE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

Get Closer Experiences

"Get Closer" than ever before! These unique experiences offer up-close-and-personal interactive opportunities with animals, as well as a chance to talk one-on-one with a zookeeper! 

Get Closer Experiences are available with:

  • Galapagos tortoises
  • Lions
  • Goats
  • Animal ambassadors
  • Grizzly bears

Book your get closer experience

Wild Lights Tours

Give the gift of an exciting holiday experience with Santa Express Tours and Wild Lights Safari Tours! Enjoy the zoo decorated in dazzling holiday lights as you travel the zoo with our knowledgeable staff. Experiences include:

  • A 45 minute staff-led golf cart tour
  • Admission to Wild Lights for all tour guests
  • A complimentary holiday light-up necklace
  • Complimentary s'mores kits to make a tasty treat
  • A private meet and greet with Santa*

Purchase Tickets

*only available for Santa Express Tours

Care for a Critter

When you "Care for a Critter," you help the Akron Zoo provide food, medical care, habitat maintenance and conservation programs for one year. Packages include great benefits and range from $45* to $255. They are available while supplies last.

Featured animals include:

  • Chilean flamingo
  • Galapagos tortoise
  • Humboldt penguin
  • Jaguar
  • Red panda
  • Rind-tailed lemur
  • River otter
  • Snow leopard
  • Special Care for a Critter promotions (grizzly bear, river otter, red wolf)

*Check out our special Holiday Promotions through November 18, 2024

PURCHASE CARE FOR A CRITTER

Akron Zoo Gift Card

Akron Zoo gift cards are a great way to support your zoo, as well as guarantee a fun trip in the future. Akron Zoo gift cards can be used for tickets, concessions, rides like the carousel and train, gift shop and more! Gift cards can be purchased online. Gift cards will be processed within 48 hours of purchase and will be mailed via USPS first class mail.

PURCHASE GIFT CARD

Brew at the Zoo Tickets

Enjoy the holiday season with a special, Wild Lights Brew at the Zoo on December  28.  Experience Wild Lights, while sampling beer and wine from festive breweries and wineries. Tickets include 8 sample tastings and admission to Wild Lights! Food trucks will have snacks available for purchase.

21 and older only, including designated drivers. Registration is required. Tickets are non-refundable or transferable. Guests MUST bring ID to be admitted into the event, no matter the age of the guest. Infants and children will not be admitted.

Purchase Tickets

Bonus Card

A bonus card is a great addition to any Akron Zoo visit! A $25 value, bonus cards can be used for rides on the carousel or train, as well as cracker sales at the Boma. Bonus cards never expire.

To receive your bonus card after ordering online, you'll need to show photo ID at the ticket counter during your next visit. Bonus cards will be kept at the ticket counter for 60 days after purchase. If your next visit is after 60 days, please call the zoo at 330-375-2550 to arrange for pick-up of your Bonus Card.

Once your Bonus Card has been completed, your card is good for 10% off one item in our Gift Shop.

PURCHASE BONUS CARDS

zoolife TV

Observe Akron Zoo animal behaviors LIVE from the comfort of your own home. Control the camera, and explore their habitats. 

Observe one animal species below for FREE. Subscribe to control the camera, chat live with animal experts, and observe more than 30 animal habitats from zoos around the world. 50% of the proceeds directly fund wildlife conservation efforts by the Akron Zoo!

Purchase zoolife

Holiday Family Adventure

This evening pajama party is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Holiday Family Adventure is a great way for families to celebrate the magic of the season! 

Guests will enjoy crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, and holiday activities! Plus, you'll meet some wintery animals, take a family photo with Forest the porcupine and even get to feed the penguins!

All of this before bundling up to enjoy Wild Lights at Akron Zoo!

Holiday Family Adventure

Looking for more gift ideas? Visit our Gift Shop page to learn about products that provide support for animal care, education and conservation!