How To Get Into the Buffalo Zoo for Free

Looking for something to do with the kids while they're off? The Buffalo Zoo has a special deal for you.

They call it "Third Thursdays"

The Buffalo Zoo has teamed up with M&T Bank to offer free admission to the zoo on the third Thursday of the month (except through the summer - June, July, and August are not included in Third Thursdays). Those dates include April 17, May 15, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, 2025, and Jan. 15, Feb. 19, and March 19, 2026. That's six Thursdays throughout the year this year, and three more into 2026.

So if you've got the kids at home with you this week and you're looking for something fun to do, they will be offering free admission this Thursday.

There is one tiny catch

You do have to reserve your tickets ahead of time. Unfortunately, you can't just show up.  This will help them to anticipate how many people will be in the park at a time. But you can reserve up to 10 tickets at a time. Click here to reserve your tickets.

They do encourage people not to wait.  These tickets are on a limited basis, and they can sell out.

Also, be aware that parking fees will still be in effect.

The Zoo is a perfect way to spend a day

When my kids were little, we used to go to the Buffalo Zoo all the time. We had a family membership, and it was worth every penny. They loved to look around at the animal,s and we could spend the whole day there just walking around. Having free admission on select Thursdays will be an awesome gift for families who are looking for a way to get out of the house and not break the bank.