Zoos & Botanical Gardens
Discounted and free admissions for public assistance recipients at zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens across the Colorado Front Range.
See also
- SCFD Free Days — Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens offer free days throughout the year
- Library Pass Programs — free admission via your library card
- Museums for All — national SNAP discount program
Denver Zoo
EBT Discount
- Discount: $3 per person, up to 10 people
- Qualifies: SNAP/EBT card
- Hours: Starting at 11 a.m. daily
- Important: Advanced online reservations required — tickets are NOT available on-site. Must purchase through the Denver Zoo website.
- Link: denverzoo.org/visit
Community Free Days (2026)
The Denver Zoo offers seven free days per year, open to anyone. Tickets are online only and first-come, first-served.
| Free Day | Tickets Released |
|---|---|
| Friday, January 9 | January 2 |
| Sunday, January 25 | January 11 |
| Sunday, February 22 | February 8 |
| Sunday, April 19 | April 5 |
| Wednesday, November 11 | October 28 |
| Saturday, November 14 | October 31 |
| Sunday, November 22 | November 8 |
- Limit: 5 tickets per person per free day
- Note: All guests (including children 2 and under) need a timed ticket. Walk-ups not permitted. Free admission does not cover 4D Theater, train, or carousel rides.
- Link: denverzoo.org/free-days
Denver Botanic Gardens
York Street Location
- Discount: $3 per person, up to 6 people
- Qualifies: SNAP/EBT card
- Note: Check website for current hours before visiting
- Link: botanicgardens.org/york-street
Chatfield Farms
- Discount: $3 per person, up to 6 people
- Qualifies: SNAP/EBT card
- Note: Check website for current hours before visiting
- Link: botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms
Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster)
- Discount: $5 admission for up to 4 people; children under 2 free
- Qualifies: SNAP/EBT card
- Link: butterflies.org
Pueblo Zoo
- Discount: $3 general admission, up to 4 people
- Qualifies: SNAP/EBT card
- Link: pueblozoo.org
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs)
- Program: Zoo for All — free daytime admission tickets distributed through community nonprofits
- Qualifies: Must obtain tickets through a participating nonprofit organization (not directly at the zoo)
- Note: Does not accept EBT cards directly at the gate. Contact local nonprofits for ticket availability.
- Link: cmzoo.org/visit
How to Access These Discounts
- EBT discounts: Show your Colorado Quest (EBT) card at the ticket window or follow the venue's online reservation process
- Denver Zoo: You must reserve online in advance — no walk-ups for EBT discount
- Free Days: Register online during the ticket release window — first-come, first-served
- Library passes: See Library Pass Programs for free admission through your library card