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Did you know your Arizona EBT card could do this?!

UPDATED - by on

Your Arizona EBT (Arizona Quest Card) food benefits card can be used to purchase live lobsters, gift baskets and more! You can also use it to get discounted admission to several awesome destinations, including the Phoenix Zoo!

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Got EBT in another state? Please click here!

Arizona EBT card

Get museum discounts and more with your Arizona EBT card!

Just show your Arizona EBT card at the admissions desk in order to receive discounted admission to these venues! It is important to realize that you cannot pay for admission with your Arizona EBT card. You will need to pay the remaining admission price, if any, in cash or with a credit/debit card.

Museums with green titles are Museums for All participants, so they accept EBT cards from all 50 states! Surprisingly, you don’t have to be an Arizona resident to get these great deals!

Mesa

Arizona Museum of Natural History – up to $3 per person*

The Arizona Museum of Natural History invites you to explore the world of dinosaurs, archaeology and so much more! In addition to extensive collections and exhibits, you’ll also enjoy wandering through Dinosaur Hall, admiring Dinosaur Mountain, playing in DinoZone, and digging up history in the Paleo Dig Pit. My favorite spot in the museum? The Origins exhibit!

*As a Museums for All member, admission won’t be more than $3 per person… but I’m awaiting an official reply.

i.d.e.a. Museum – $3 per person for 4 people

The i.d.e.a. museum inspires nearly 105,000 visitors every year with popular art and art-inspired activities and exhibitions. You can browse the current exhibitions here.

Oro Valley

Children’s Museum of Oro Valley – $3 per person, up to 4 people

Early childhood education and school readiness is emphasized at this children’s museum, designed for children up to age 5. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday between 9am and 4pm. It is also open on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 4pm.

As a Museums for All partner, the museum must offer discounted admission ($3 or less) for families with EBT cards. I have left a request for more information about this museum’s policies and I will update this post when I hear back.

The children’s museum is located at 11015 North Oracle Rd in Oro Valley.

Phoenix

Arizona Science Center – $3 per person, up to 4 people

Since the Arizona Science Center is now a Museums for All participant, you can visit the Flight Zone, SkyCircle, Solarville, Digital World and WONDER Center for just $3 per person!

Phoenix Zoo – $8 per person, up to 4 people

If you have a valid Arizona state-issued EBT card and photo ID, then you can obtain up to four Phoenix Zoo tickets for $5 each! Because there have been so many attempts at fraud, they will make sure that the signature on your EBT card matches the signature on your photo ID.

It is important to realize that this reduced price is only available on Sundays and does not include any additional Zoo experiences, such as 4-D Theater, Safari Train, Stingray Bay, the carousel or other features.

“Notice: On January 1, 2018, the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo moved away from the national Museums for All program but are offering a community access program for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders. Effective September 2, 2018, the Phoenix Zoo EBT Discount Program (valid on Sundays ONLY) is increasing its rate from $5 to $8. Cardholders may purchase up to four (4) general daytime admission tickets at the Phoenix Zoo EBT Program admission rate. Tickets purchased through the Phoenix Zoo EBT Program are only valid on the date on which they were purchased” 

Tucson

Children’s Museum Tucson – $3 per person

With so many interactive, playful exhibits for children, the Tuscon Children’s Museum is worth visiting again and again. The mini Nano exhibit, investigation station, imaginarium and special under-4 play area help children learn through play.

As a Museums for All partner, the museum must offer discounted admission ($3 or less) for families with EBT cards. They mention this discount on their website but do not specifically state what the exact price is. I have left a request for more information about this museum’s policies and I will update this post when I hear back.

The museum is located at 200 S 6th Ave in Tucson.

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium – $3 or less per person

The Science Center is located on the University of Arizona campus. It features hands-on science exhibits about various topics.

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures – $3 or less per person

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures grew out of one woman’s love for miniature dollhouse furniture. As a Museums for All member, the museum charges $3 or less for visitors with an EBT card.

Low income Tucson residents can save money on their utilities, city recreation and more!

Wait — you can’t afford to miss this!!!

Get more food stamps?! We’ve cracked the code on how the food stamps office determines your monthly food stamps allotment… and we’ve discovered ways that you can increase your monthly balance! Learn the trick that 90% of people don’t know about.

You can even get cash back from your food stamps card! It’s true and it’s legal – no cash benefits required. One of our readers earned an additional $437.84 just by shopping with her food stamps card. She uses that extra money to buy diapers, wipes and other essentials. Here’s how.

Got Arizona EBT? You may also qualify for these programs!

Amazon offers discounted Amazon Prime memberships for customers who receive EBT or Medicaid benefits! As an Amazon Prime customer, you’ll have access to FREE two-day shipping and FREE streaming access to thousands of movies and TV shows! You’ll need to verify that you receive food stamps or Medicaid to get this incredible price.

Cell phones and service are available FREE for individuals and families who receive EBT benefits.

Internet for just $5 per month?! It’s true! We’ve found a series of low income Internet discounts from providers like Comcast, CenturyLink, AT&T, Cox Communications and more! Click here to learn how to get discounted Internet services!

Power companies can help low income customers save money on their power bills! If you qualify for food stamps, you probably qualify for these programs, too!

Student loans feature special repayment programs for low income borrowers. You could pay ZERO dollars per month on your student loans – and get total student loan forgiveness after 20 years of on-time payments (even if your payments are literally nothing)! Get the details on these low income student loan repayment plans here!

Summer food service provides free meals for all children ages 18 and under during the summer months.

Veterinary care expenses can be offset by these programs that provide both grants and low-cost loans to low income pet owners. Get the details here!

YMCA organizations typically offer discounts for low income individuals and families. Contact your local YMCA for details.

Did you know your Arizona EBT card can also do this?!

Buy fast food! Certain elderly, disabled and/or homeless people who receive EBT benefits can purchase hot food from restaurants. It is important to realize that the Restaurant Meals Program is not available to everyone and it is not available in every area. For more information on how to use your EBT benefits at restaurants in Arizona, please click here. 

fast food restaurants that accept ebt

Buy seeds, gift baskets and more! In addition to your usual groceries, EBT benefits can also be used to purchase seeds, gift baskets and more! Click here to find out what you can buy with food stamps

Get more free stuff in Arizona! 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Nicole

      I’m sorry for the delay, Shayna. I just called the Phoenix Zoo and they do not offer any discounts for Zoolights. Apparently, Zoolights is considered a fundraising program for the zoo. So sorry!

      Reply

    • Nicole

      Unfortunately not, Ariane. The Phoenix Children’s Museum only offers discounts to seniors, military, police, firemen and groups of 15 or more. However, you can always call them (or reach out on social media) and encourage them to partner with Museums for All!

      Reply

    • Nicole

      Unfortunately, you are required to have a membership card. I recommend buying a Costco executive membership at tax return time. With the executive membership, you can get 2% back on all purchases (including purchases made with EBT) at the end of the year. We did this for years and the money we got back almost always paid for the cost of the membership. 🙂

      Reply

  7. Alexa

    I just used the zoo discount a few weeks ago, my kids had a blast and it was so much fun. We brought a picnic and ate by the lake. It cost $12 for a fun day for the four of us!

    Does anyone know where I can use my EBT nutrition benefits to purchase organic seeds?
    I’m in the Tempe area.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  10. Stephanie

    I also took advantage of this great deal at the zoo! my kids loved the day spent there. Got to bring our lunch which is always great. All for just $9 since my daughter got in free! GREAT DEAL!!!! THANK YOU

    Reply

  11. cheri

    Also when Fry’s is running their deals on spending $50 in groceries you get state fair tickets for free and Mercury basketball tickets 4 free plus other deals….. Look at bottom of ur receipts….. Great deal just break your orders up to multiple transactions of $50 to receive even more free tickets! Fun for whole family by using ebt at Fry’s plus free gas! Win win!

    Reply

  12. Janie Moehr

    Hi I dont have a EBT card but wish these companies would offer things to foster parents, we dont make a lot of money and would live to be able to take these kids at a discount price. I do non relative kinship and get a whole 40.00 a month from the state.

    Reply

  14. Michelle Shinault

    Hello I’m new to AZ I’m from Cali I been here 6 months my next door neighbor said I can use my EBT at Sunsplash is that true.

    Reply

  16. Tina B

    Does the Wildlife Zoo in the west Valley have any kind of discount program? Or are there any fun places in the West Valley that have some of these discount programs?

    Tina B.

    Reply

  17. Morris Yonan

    You’re. doing a great job it’s kind of you to take your to post and follow up on things. Morris Yonansite

    Reply

  18. Charlotte

    Thanks for the tips! I would have never even thought that this exists! Just wondering if you know if this only works with a AZ EBT card or if it can be from another state?

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hey! Museums for All partners accept EBT cards from all 50 states. The current Museums for All partners in AZ are:

      Arizona Science Center
      (Phoenix, AZ)
      Children’s Museum Oro Valley
      (Oro Valley, AZ)
      Children’s Museum Tucson
      (Tucson, AZ)
      i.d.e.a. Museum [beginning July 1]
      (Mesa, AZ)
      Phoenix Zoo
      (Phoenix, AZ)

      Reply

        • Nicole

          Yes! Some venues ask to see photo ID and your EBT card but that’s all you need to do! 🙂 Some venues limit how many people can receive the EBT discount. I just called to confirm with the Arizona Science Center and they said that they do limit the admissions to 4 people per EBT card. I’ve updated the article accordingly. Unfortunately, this means you’ll likely have to pay regular admission for one. I’d recommend paying for the youngest because it’s usually a bit cheaper.

          Reply

        • Nicole

          Hi, Angela! I just checked and they only offer discounts for military, students and seniors. However, I emailed them some information about Museums for All and asked them to consider it. Hopefully, we’ll see some discounts from them soon. 🙂

          Reply

  19. Mona

    Safeway online delivery takes EBT. You place your order online and enter in your CC info. Your CC is not charged it just secures the order. Once your order of complete you call their customer service #1 (877) 505-4040 and tell the rep you would like to use your EBT to pay for your online order. The day of your delivery the Safeway store will call you in the morning and take your EBT info over the phone and then deliver your groceries! It was such a seemless process. Used it today :).

    Reply

  20. Mona

    EBT users who also do Amazon Prime can take advantage of a $5.99 monthly fee instead of the normal $10.99. Just Google: Amazon EBT and follow the instructions from the link. You enter in card number and take a pic of your card and wa-la. 🙂

    Reply

  22. Alba Loher

    My ebt card doesn’t have my name that how I got it from the des office. Can I still get the discounts. Or should I take the letter that said I was approved.

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Alba! Thanks for asking! You should be just fine without the letter… but I’d probably bring it the first time just in case. 🙂

      Reply

  23. Becky

    Is there anything in Tucson besides the children’s museum? Like the zoo or old Tucson, or even the desert museum?

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Becky! Thank you for asking. I have some good news and some bad news.

      The BAD news is that I reached out to several venues in Tucson but I wasn’t able to find any new museum discounts. The Reid Zoo did say that they are in the process of considering a program like Museums for All and they’ll keep me updated… so hopefully I’ll have better news soon!

      The GOOD news is that I found out you can save up to 50% on Tucson community center programs like swim lessons! You may also qualify to save money on your utilities, get free toilet replacements and more. I added all that info to the article under “Tucson.” 🙂

      Reply

  24. AISLEEN

    DOES MY EBT CARD HAVE TO HAVE FUNDS IN ORDER TO GET DISCOUNTS AT THE PHX ZOO OR IS IT JUST BY SHOWING MY CARD HOW DOES THIS WORK IM INTERESTED IN RAKING MY KIDS

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Great question, Aisleen! You do not need to have any funds available. You just show them the card. This proves that you are low income and therefore qualify for the reduced admission price. I hope you guys have a great time at the zoo! 🙂

      Reply

  30. wph1955

    I think this is a great site to communicate information but do you really think it is right that taxpayers are subsidizing trips to the zoos, museums, etc….Many taxpayers that cant qualify for this ebt/aide would also like to visit these venues but can’t because they cant afford it…..

    Reply

    • Nicole

      If you had read the article, you would see that the admission is NOT paid for with EBT funds. Essentially, the museums are offering discounts to low income visitors and using food stamps cards as a quick, efficient way to verify that someone meets the income criteria. A visitor must show the EBT card to receive the discount and then pay the remaining admission price (if any) with cash or a debit card. EBT funds cannot be used to pay the remaining admission. The taxpayers are not subsidizing these trips whatsoever. 🙂

      I am definitely aware that there are taxpayers who would love to visit these venues but can’t afford to. That’s why I’m also working on developing a list of free museum days and other discounts that higher income families can use. 😉

      Reply

    • Tynisa Berry

      I am taxpayer. A big one at that. Not at all would have I made such a comment that you had even when I was making money and paying taxes. See children all need education, entertainment, opportunities regardless of their economic status. Furthermore, It was MY pleasure to see that those receiving aide were able to enjoy something called LIFE. A taxpayer could enjoy these venues by resourcing and finding blogs/websites that speak to discounted rates., learn to coupon, learn to allocate their funds and put a name on some of their hard earned dollars like the words “Entertainment” “Education” etc.

      8 weeks ago I went from making nearly 90,000 to 0 in a moments time. Supporting 4 kids alone. I sought aide as that’s what it was created for and I was in position and need of medical aide for my children. With that one request based on income I was able to receive EBT/Cash to help in the transition.

      I am grateful for this BLOG/Article. I had NO idea. In a time when I could be down and depressed about going from SO CALLED RICHES TO RAGS, this article made me realize I have the ability to see my children and myself still be able to enjoy life at a nominal fee. Although, I was a researcher of discounts, coupons, buy one get one admissions for ALL venues when I was making great money, this humbling experience proves that I STILL haven’t changed and will still continue to be resourceful and allocate whatever FUNDS I get from wherever they may come in a Prudent Manner.

      Your comment should not be directed here, nor should Nicole have to explain herself. It is a comment and concern (if that is even the thing) to be directed to the vendors/companies/business.

      My 25cents worth.

      Thank you Nicole for taking the time out to do this. By the way we both know the list of “free” is already made and individuals are welcome to google it. You have a purpose and calling and what you posted here is RARE and VALUABLE.

      Reply

      • Nicole

        Thank you, Tynisa! I really appreciate that you took the time to write this comment and I’m so glad this information has been helpful to you! 🙂

        Reply

  31. Amber

    Im a taxpayer an i also get a little bit of foodstamps an thats so dumb what you said…there is alot of places you can go especially when they have discount days and you can save 5 or 10 dollars a check…so if you cant afford the zoo you must be trying to live like your rich….but dnt put downpeople because there Ebt card gives familys a little discount…

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Marie! I’m not aware of any discounts that they offer. However, I just sent an email to the museum asking if they would consider joining Museums for All… so we’ll see what happens! 🙂

      Reply

  34. Tamella

    Hello Nicole I was wondering what vet will give me a discount I am on a budget I get and medical I also get food stamps I also receive SSI but my Layla needs to get a check up I live in Tucson Arizona on the Eastside but central I also need to know where I can go for like fast-food or even restaurants please help thank you

    Reply

  35. Tanya

    If anybody with SNAP is interested in getting their medical marijuana card the state filing fee is only $75 instead of $150. Just show them your ebt card at the time of your appointment.

    Reply

  38. Nikki Frye

    I realize this is probably an outdated blog, but I don’t know who else to turn to about my situation. I have been receiving nutrition assistance (SNAP) benifits in Pinal County for just over 2 years. I was recently the victim of domestic violence, and had to make the decision for my own safety to not allow my boyfriend (who was also on food stamps with me) to move back into our residence when he was released from jail. This has been the hardest year of my life, because I knew I was not making enough money to keep up on the water and electric bills on my own. I have a stellar resume, I was the store manager of a very well known coffee company for 12 years, and I can’t find a job anywhere that I have access to. I fought with everything I had to keep my utilities on. I have integrity that is rooted to my core, and morals that literally make it impossible for me to intentionally inflict harm on anyone, or do anything that I feel in my heart isn’t right. I have been pushed to the point of desperation, and stole something for the first time in my life a few days ago. I have not had water for 9 months, but I was given a small wagon and two plastic blue water jugs that I was willing to walk half a mile one way to fill at the closest quarter refill machine. But my electricity has now been off for almost 5 months, so now I have no way to preserve food, no possible way to cook or heat food in any way, no water or stove to at least boil water so I have sanitary utensils to eat with. I don’t have friends or family here, and nowhere I can even go to shower or use a microwave for a minute or two. I’m trying to keep my head up and push through all this, but I’ve had to go months without a shower, and it’s been almost 6 months since I’ve eaten hot food, or had anything close to proper nutrition in my body. There is only so many things available for me to buy with my ebt card that have any nutritional value whatsoever that don’t have to be cooked or refrigerated. I’m beginning to have severe stomach pains, I bruise so easily I don’t even know where half of my bruises even came from, my gums are turning white, and my skin… I just can’t do this anymore. I need something nutritious in my body, I’m literally and very slowly starving to death. I went in to renew my food stamps on Monday, and just found out Arizona has a hot meal program available!?! When I found that out I literally hit my knees with gratitude. BUT… Even though I was approved for my renewal, they refused my eligibility for the hot meal program. I sobbed uncontrollably in the des office and BEGGED them to PLEASE not deny me from a program that I literally need to save my life. I was honesty about my current situation, that I’m basically squatting in a legally uninhabitable residence with no access to water or power, and was humiliated to even tell her the conditions I’m living in. The program that is designed to provide access to nutritional food the body needs to sustain life, to individuals who are homeless and have no way to prepare, cook, or safely keep food, and no access to sanitary utensils to make and eat the food with… I was told even though I am starving to death because i meet every other requirement the program was created to help, because I have a “place to sleep at night” I technically have a residence, and therefore don’t qualify. Being denied my human rights to adequate nutrition through a program that’s SOLE PURPOSE is to help people like me not have to starve to death, broke anything I had left to keep going. I walked 3 miles to the closest grocery store and had the deli guy slice me 2 pounds of turkey and roast beef, a half a pound of cheese, I grabbed red leaf lettuce out of produce, a container of mayo and mustard, a watermelon, and walked right out the door. I didn’t even care. I would have happily gone to jail for it too. They would feed me and I could take a hot shower everyday. – – For someone who has never even had a parking ticket or committed a crime in my life to live in a state that offers a hot meal program, to get to the point where I didn’t care who saw me take that food, I am DYING and I needed to eat something my body can use for nutrients and vitamins I haven’t had in 6 months. I don’t understand how they can have this program available to address the hardships the homeless have that prevent them from be able to have proper nutrition, recognize that I have the same hardships and lost 50lbs because it it, yet DENY giving me the same relief simply because I have a sweltering place I can go to ensure I don’t get raped at night. This has to be against some law, or policy, or human rights. I’m so desperate that I’m seriously considering committing some type of crime so I WILL go to jail. Walking out with all that food should have had my heart racing from the fear of being caught. But that’s when I realized that it was the thought of going to prison that got my heart racing. But not because I was afraid I might go… I suddenly got excited thinking about 2 meals a day, clean clothes, and showers, and I realized my heart was racing because I was EXCITED I would GET to go…. The longer I sit here so hungry it hurts to stand upright all the way, the more I realize I’m probably going to HAVE to get locked up to save my own life…

    Reply

    • Riley Thomson

      Nikki,
      That is truly heartbreaking! I’m so sorry! Please don’t commit crime. Keep working with the caseworkers to try to get some help! Hang it there! Have you checked out any local food banks?
      -Riley

      Reply

  39. Claudia G

    Hi the Az zoo $$ when up to $8 per person 3 years and older.was there this Sunday. Still a good deal. I’ll take paying $8 anytime from the original price of $24 for person.

    Reply

    • Riley Thomson

      Claudia,
      Thanks so much for the heads up! Our accuracy is very important to us! I went ahead and updated our the Arizona EBT article to reflect this information with the notice I pulled from their website. Thanks again, and if you happen to notice any other program changes, please let us know!
      -Riley

      Reply

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