Going to a bird park can be a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. At an aviary, visitors get to see exotic bird species from around the world in naturalistic habitats. In addition to observing the birds, most bird parks offer additional activities and attractions. When planning a trip to an aviary, one of the key details to figure out is how much it will cost. The price of admission and additional activities can really vary between different bird parks. In this article, we will provide an overview of typical costs for visiting a bird park.
Bird Park Admission Fees
The most basic cost of a visit to an aviary is the price of admission. This allows access to walk around the different aviaries and view the bird collection. Admission fees are usually charged per person, though some parks offer discounted rates for seniors, children, families, students, military members, etc. Prices can range quite a bit, from budget-friendly parks with admission as low as $10-$15 per person to premium, attraction-filled aviaries costing $30-$40 per person.
Here are some typical admission fees for bird parks across the United States:
Bird Park | Admission Fee |
---|---|
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (FL) | $24.95 (adult) |
Tracy Aviary (UT) | $9 (adult), $7 (senior/child) |
National Aviary (PA) | $17 (adult), $16 (senior), $13 (child) |
Detroit Zoo (MI) | $22 (adult), $17 (senior/child) |
Dallas World Aquarium (TX) | $21.95 (adult), $16.95 (child) |
As you can see, admission fees vary quite a bit but are generally in the $15 to $25 range for adults at most aviaries in the United States. Many also offer discounted rates for kids, seniors, students, military members, and other groups. Some bird parks offer annual membership passes that can be a good option for frequent visitors.
Added Attractions and Activities
In addition to the general admission cost, many bird parks have extra attractions and activities that require additional paid fees. These can include guided tours, bird encounters, shows, feedings, train rides, zip lines, and more. Depending on which upgrades you choose, these extra costs can tally up quickly. Here are some of the most common add-on activities and their typical price ranges:
Activity | Typical Cost |
---|---|
Guided Tour | $5-$15 per person |
Bird Encounter/Feeding | $10-$50 depending on species |
Live Bird Show | $5-$15 per person |
Train Ride | $3-$7 per person |
Zip Line | $20-$40 per person |
Sky Ride | $5-$15 per person |
As you can see, these extra activities can add anywhere from a few dollars up to $50+ per person to the total cost. Feedings and encounters with exotic bird species like parrots, owls, falcons, and ostriches tend to be the most expensive. Shows, train rides, and guided tours are generally mid-range cost options. Things like zip lines and sky rides are often premium add-ons. Whether any upgrades are worth the cost depends on your interests and budget.
Food and Souvenirs
Along with admission fees and optional activities, you also have to account for food and souvenir purchases when budgeting for a bird park trip. Most aviaries have one or more cafes, snack bars, and/or restaurants on site. These eateries generally serve typical amusement park fare like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, beverages, etc. Prices are comparable to other attractions, from $3 to $15 per item. You can save by bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, which is permitted at most parks.
Souvenirs like t-shirts, stuffed animals, toys, postcards, and more are also available for purchase at gift shops within the aviary. Souvenir prices vary by item but expect to pay $10 to $30 for different mementos. You’ll walk out with lighter wallet and heavier bag if you splurge on a bunch of souvenirs. Either way, factor in a bit extra for food and treat purchases.
Parking Fees
One final cost to keep in mind is parking. Most bird parks charge a parking fee, usually $10-$20 per vehicle. Occasionally parking is free with admission or with certain annual memberships. But it’s wise to budget around $15 for parking just to be safe. Some aviaries also offer valet parking for around $20-$25 per vehicle. Parking doesn’t have to break the bank but make sure to factor it in.
Cost Saving Tips
To help trim the overall price, here are some tips for saving money on a bird park visit:
- Look for discounts on admission like coupons, online deals, memberships, or group rates.
- Pack snacks, lunch, and reusable water bottles instead of purchasing food.
- Skip expensive add-ons like premium animal encounters and limit other upgrades.
- Set a budget for souvenirs and stick to inexpensive items.
- Consider visiting on weekdays when some parks offer lower rates.
- Join the aviary’s membership program if you plan on visiting more than once per year.
- Go early and check closing times to maximize hours for your admission cost.
Following some of these tips can help cut down the overall costs, especially for families and groups.
Average Cost Summary
To summarize, here are the average estimated costs per person for a bird park visit:
Expense | Average Cost |
---|---|
Admission | $15-$25 per person |
Parking | $10-$20 per vehicle |
Food | $5-$15 per person |
Souvenirs | $5-$15 per person |
Activities | $5-$15 per person |
Total Day Visit | $40-$80 per person |
Of course, costs can be higher or lower depending on which park you visit, which upgrades you choose, and other factors. But in general, visiting a bird park costs $40 to $80 per person for a full day including admission, parking, food, activities, and souvenirs. By picking a budget-friendly aviary and packing food, you can trim that down. But expect to pay around $60 per person for a mid-range bird park visit. Split among a whole family or group, the cost becomes more affordable.
Conclusion
Visiting an aviary can be an enriching and exciting experience. With exotic bird species from around the world housed in natural enclosures, bird parks offer a uniquely immersive way to observe incredible birds up close. By budgeting properly for admission, parking, food, activities, and souvenirs, the cost of a bird park visit ranges from around $40 to $80 per person. With sensible planning, picking cost-saving options, and splitting the cost across a group, a day at a bird sanctuary can be a fun and memorable adventure.