Membership
Membership Metamorphosis
The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA) is approaching a huge milestone - the new Butterfly Garden is nearing completion at the zoo. In anticipation of the February grand opening, the Butterfly House & Aquarium (BHA) location in Sertoma Park will close, with its final day on January 3, 2027.
As SFZA continues to grow, our Monarch membership is growing with us!
Beginning January 4, 2027, new and existing Monarch members will receive enhanced benefits at the Great Plains Zoo campus, including year-round early admission, members-only splash pad time, early ZooCamp registration, discounted Adult Night tickets, and much more.
As part of this transition, our membership program will simplify to two options: Standard and Monarch. Gold memberships will no longer be available for purchase or renewal beginning November 20, 2026. We're excited to bring our members along on this journey and share what's next!
Memberships Go Far Beyond Admission
A Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA) membership opens a whole wild world for you!
Monarch members can enjoy unlimited year-round visits PLUS admission to many events, exclusive discounts and deals, and four one-time use tickets each year! Learn more about enhanced benefits coming to the Monarch membership beginning January 4, 2027.
Gold and Standard memberships grant access to the Great Plains Zoo campus, along with many of the best benefits of membership.
In addition to the incredible benefits, our membership plays a critical role in funding SFZA conservation efforts, and helps us uphold the highest wellbeing standards for the animals in our care.
Whether you purchase a membership or renew one here on our website or in person at the zoo, it can be used immediately. All the perks and benefits are available to you right away, including reciprocal memberships at other AZA zoos around the country. Browse the membership options below and choose the one that includes the perks that are important to you.
Membership Types
AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program
By becoming a member of the Great Plains Zoo, an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited organization, you can gain access to discounted admissions to other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that choose to participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program.
Denny Sanford Reciprocal Program
Learn how Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium members can exclusively visit San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park - for free!
Membership Levels & Benefits
Standard
Timeline:
Current & FutureAdmission:
Year-Round Admission to Great Plains Zoo with Blackout DatesEvent Admissions:
Not IncludedParking:
IncludedFood & Beverage:
10% DiscountRetail:
10% DiscountEducation Programs:
Members Only SavingsFriends & Family:
15% off Additional TicketsButterfly House & Aquarium:
No Additional BenefitsVisit Other AZA Zoos w/ Reciprocal Program:
IncludedGold
Timeline:
No longer available for purchase as of November 20, 2026. Benefits remain until membership expiration.Admission:
Unlimited Year-Round Admission to Great Plains ZooEvent Admissions:
Discounted admission*Parking:
IncludedFood & Beverage:
15% DiscountRetail:
15% DiscountEducation Programs:
Members Only SavingsFriends & Family:
2 One-time Use Tickets + 15% off Additional TicketsButterfly House & Aquarium:
No Additional BenefitsVisit Other AZA Zoos w/ Reciprocal Program:
IncludedCurrent Monarch^
Timeline:
Now thru January 3, 2027Admission:
Unlimited Year-Round Admission to Great Plains Zoo AND Butterfly House & AquariumEvent Admissions:
Select events included*Parking:
IncludedFood & Beverage:
20% DiscountRetail:
20% DiscountEducation Programs:
Members Only SavingsFriends & Family:
4 One-time Use Tickets + 15% off Additional Tickets + $1 off at BHAButterfly House & Aquarium:
1 Free Butterfly Feeder Every SundayVisit Other AZA Zoos w/ Reciprocal Program:
IncludedEarly Access to Zoo (9-10 am):
Not AvailablePreview Events:
Not AvailableTraveling Exhibits:
Not AvailableMember Emails:
IncludedTrain & Carousel Packages:
Not IncludedFuture Monarch^
Timeline:
Starting January 4, 2027Admission:
Unlimited Year-Round Admission to Great Plains Zoo & Butterfly Garden (anticipated opening February 2027)Event Admissions:
Select events included*
Discounted Adult Night tickets
Parking:
IncludedFood & Beverage:
20% Discount
Exclusive limited-time offers
Retail:
20% Discount
Exclusive limited-time offers
Education Programs:
Members Only Savings
Early registration access for ZooCamps
Friends & Family:
5 One-time Use Tickets + 15% off Additional TicketsButterfly Garden:
1 Free Butterfly Feeder per Household Every Sunday & WednesdayVisit Other AZA Zoos w/ Reciprocal Program:
IncludedEarly Access to Zoo (9-10 am):
IncludedPreview Events:
IncludedTraveling Exhibits:
Members-only SavingsMember Emails:
IncludedTrain & Carousel Packages:
Discounts on Packages*Excludes Zoofari and Adult Night events.
^Starting January 4, 2027, new and existing Monarch members will receive enhanced benefits at the Great Plains Zoo campus. Learn more about these updates here.