What is the Discovery Family Membership?
The Family Access Membership is a discounted membership category for families who live in Ohio, and qualify for the Ohio Direction EBT card.
Purchase this membership in the admissions office at The Wilds, May-October only, in the Membership and Season Pass Processing office at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium year-round, or upload your qualifying documents to purchase online. The qualifying individual must be present to purchase this membership in-person at either park. Photo ID, proof of Ohio residency, as well as a current Ohio Direction EBT card is required at time of purchase.
The Family Access Membership admits up to two primary named adult members in the same household, plus either dependent children OR grandchildren up to age 21 (not both) to The Wilds. The Open-Air Safari tour is included, as well as all Wilds Family Membership benefits.
How do I qualify for a Discovery Family Membership?
Active recipients of Ohio Direction EBT can present their current card.
The qualifying individual must be present and provide a current Ohio Direction EBT card, as well as a valid, photo ID demonstrating proof of Ohio residency at time of purchase. This membership can only be purchased at the admissions window at The Wilds (May - October) or at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium membership and season pass processing office year-round, or upload your qualifying documents online. If you have questions, please call (740) 638-5030.
Advance tour reservations are required. If you are purchasing at the admissions window at The Wilds on the same day of your visit, please call 740-638-5030 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for tour availability.
When will I receive my membership?
Memberships usually take 7-10 business days to process from receipt of payment. Processing may take longer during our busiest months. Once your membership is processed, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your digital membership card.
We are excited to offer digital membership cards as a benefit to your membership. Your digital membership card is available directly in the Columbus Zoo mobile app - your one-stop shop for all your park adventures! Digital membership cards provide and easier, more efficient experience and instant access to all member benefits. Click here for a full list of digital membership card FAQs.
Can I change the names on my membership throughout the year?
Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once the membership is issued names will not be changed.
What tour is included with my membership?
The Open-Air Safari tour is included with your membership. Advance reservations are currently required, and are FREE with your membership. Please note that you must be present for each reservation made. If you cannot use a reservation that you have made or your party size decreases, we require that you call or email The Wilds at (740) 638-5030 or information@thewilds.org to cancel at least 24 hours in advance, so that we may open seats for other guests. Reservations that you do not attend without prior notice constitutes abuse of membership, and may result in revocation without refund.
Do members of The Wilds need to bring more then just their membership for entry to the Wilds?
All adult members named on the membership will be asked to present a photo ID along with their membership on each visit.
Who can I name as my second primary adult on a Family or Family Plus membership?
The additional named adult on Family and Family Plus memberships is the second primary adult in your household. Primary heads of household are defined as spouses or domestic partners. If you have questions, please call (614) 724-3489.
Should I update my address with The Wilds if I move?
Yes. Membership correspondence is mailed at a bulk rate and therefore is not forwarded. Please notify the membership department at (614) 724-3489 of any address change immediately.
Will I be notified prior to the expiration of my membership?
Renewal notices are sent via email two months in advance of your membership expiring, and via US Postal mail one month prior to your membership expiring.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
The Wilds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; therefore, a portion of your membership may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.
Membership Terms and Conditions
The Wilds reserves the right to cancel any membership if the bearer violates park safety and security rules or if the bearer has been convicted of any crime of a type that could pose a threat to the safety of our guests, including without limitation, any sex crime, or if the bearer is required to be registered as a sex offender (or words of similar import) in any jurisdiction.