Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is excited to welcome guests back for one of its most popular winter traditions – $3 Thursdays and $3 Admission Days.
Every Thursday from November 6 through February 26, 2026, the zoo is offering $3 admission per person.
Plus, guests can take advantage of a special $3 Admission Day on the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28). The celebration continues with more than a week of $3 Admission Days from Saturday, December 20 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Have family in town for the holidays? Take them to the zoo and explore the Virgina R. Bartak Red Panda Passage, indoor exhibits featuring animals found in Gorongosa National Park, and more. Plus, hot dogs, popcorn bags, and medium fountain drinks will also be available for just $3 each during these special discounted admission days.
Zoo Boise and Boise Parks and Recreation are also offering free admission on all upcoming $3 Admission Days to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)/SNAP cardholders. The opportunity is good for the cardholder and up to three additional family members. Please bring your EBT card and a valid ID to the front gate to enter the zoo.
“As a thank you to the community for supporting Zoo Boise throughout the year, $3 Thursdays and $3 Admission Days are the perfect opportunity to visit your favorite animals, explore the zoo, support wildlife conservation, and create new memories with family and friends,” said Zoo Boise Director Gene Peacock. “We’re proud to provide affordable experiences for everyone to enjoy the zoo year-round.”
Guests visiting the zoo this winter can also experience the brand-new Small Animal Kingdom, filled with vibrant habitats and indoor and outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy. The recently reopened area features new homes for sand cats, meerkats, Aldabra tortoises, and cotton-top tamarins, along with new species arriving later this year.
“We are proud of Zoo Boise’s global conservation impact, and our visitors help make this important work possible,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “Join us in giving back with a visit to the zoo this holiday season.”
For generations, Zoo Boise has been a cherished destination for families and holiday outings. These seasonal admission specials make it easy to experience the magic of wildlife up close while supporting a mission that makes a difference. A portion of every Zoo Boise entry helps fund wildlife conservation in Idaho and around the world.
Looking for more ways to make your holidays wild? Breakfast with Santa returns in December, and Zoo Boise’s holiday gift options including memberships, private animal experiences, and gifts for zoo animals make perfect presents for every animal lover on your list.
Zoo Boise is open daily from 10AM to 5PM with last admission at 4PM. Please note, Zoo Boise will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27), Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), and New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026).
