Your Ohio Direction Card — the EBT card used for SNAP benefits in Ohio — opens the door to one of the largest sets of museum and cultural discounts of any state in the country. In 2026, Ohio SNAP recipients can access free or deeply discounted admission at over 110 venues statewide, including the Columbus Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, COSI, Great Lakes Science Center, and dozens of museums and botanical gardens from Cleveland to Cincinnati.
Your Direction Card also unlocks half-price Amazon Prime, phone and internet discounts, Summer EBT for children, energy bill assistance, and low-cost annual zoo memberships that pay for themselves in one or two visits.
This is the complete guide to every EBT discount available to Ohio residents in 2026, organized by city and program.
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A Note on Ohio’s SNAP Program and Direction Card
Ohio’s SNAP program is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Benefits are loaded monthly onto your Ohio Direction Card — a standard EBT card that works at authorized grocery retailers and also serves as your credential for Ohio-specific EBT discounts. When venues ask to see your “SNAP card,” “EBT card,” or “Ohio Direction Card,” they are all asking for the same thing.
WIC cards are also accepted in place of the Direction Card at many Ohio discount venues. If your household receives both SNAP and WIC, either card typically works.
Amazon Prime — Half Price for Ohio SNAP Recipients
Ohio Direction Cardholders qualify for Amazon Prime at $6.99 per month — less than half the standard $14.99 price. The discounted membership includes free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and the ability to use your Direction Card to pay for SNAP-eligible groceries through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods pickup and delivery in eligible ZIP codes.
Sign up at amazon.com/snap and verify your SNAP enrollment by uploading a photo of your Direction Card or benefit letter. A credit or debit card is required as backup payment — the $6.99 monthly fee cannot be charged to your EBT balance. A free 30-day trial is available if you have never had Prime before.
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Columbus Zoo — $45 Annual Discovery Family Membership
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers Ohio Direction Cardholders a Discovery Family Membership for $45 per year. A standard Family Membership at the Columbus Zoo costs significantly more — the discounted access membership represents one of the best per-visit values of any EBT discount in Ohio for families who visit more than once or twice a year.
The Discovery Family Membership admits up to two adults in the same household plus all dependent children or grandchildren up to age 21. Members also receive free or discounted parking on each visit — the zoo typically refunds the parking fee at the time of membership purchase, so your net cost at the door is effectively reduced further.
To purchase the Discovery Family Membership, bring your Ohio Direction Card, a valid photo ID showing Ohio residency, and proof of SNAP enrollment to the Membership and Season Pass Processing office at the Columbus Zoo. You can also upload qualifying documents online through the Columbus Zoo website before your visit.
Cincinnati Zoo — Discounted Tickets and Family Membership
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden operates the Zoo Access for All program, which offers deeply discounted admission and annual memberships to Ohio Direction Cardholders.
Per-visit tickets are available at the following rates: adults are $6 per person, children under age 12 and seniors pay $3 per person. There is a limit of eight discounted tickets per Direction Card per visit. Tickets must be purchased at the zoo entrance — present your Ohio Direction Card and a valid photo ID. This discount is accepted for EBT cards from any state, not just Ohio.
Annual Family Membership is available for $40 per year for SNAP recipients — versus the standard price of $129. The $40 membership covers up to two named adults and all children ages 18 and under and includes unlimited free admission and parking for a full year.
The Wilds — $60 Annual Access Membership (Cumberland)
The Wilds, a conservation center and safari park in Cumberland, Ohio, offers an annual Access Membership for $60 to Ohio SNAP recipients. This is separate from the Columbus Zoo membership, though both can be purchased at the Columbus Zoo and the parking fee is typically refunded when you purchase either membership on-site.
COSI Columbus — $3 Admission and $49 Family Access Membership
COSI, Columbus’s science and technology center, offers two separate EBT benefits.
Per-visit admission: SNAP, EBT, WIC, and Medicaid recipients pay $3 per person for general admission and special engagement tickets, for up to eight visitors per card. Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person at the COSI box office. Bring your Direction Card and photo ID to check in.
Family Access Membership: Ohio Direction Cardholders, Medicaid recipients, and WIC cardholders can purchase a COSI Family Access Membership for $49 per year — compared to the standard family membership price. The membership provides unlimited general admission for up to two adults and all dependent children or grandchildren up to age 21, plus free or discounted admission to over 360 science centers nationwide through ASTC reciprocal admission.
To purchase the Family Access Membership, you can present your qualifying card in person at the COSI admissions desk, or email your documentation to COSI before purchasing online or by phone.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — EBT Admission (Cleveland)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland participates in the Museums for All program and offers discounted admission to SNAP cardholders. Present your Ohio Direction Card and photo ID at the ticket window for discounted general admission — $3 for up to four people. The Rock Hall joined Museums for All in 2022 and in a single recent year served approximately 3,800 Museums for All visitors.
Great Lakes Science Center — EBT Admission (Cleveland)
The Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland participates in the Museums for All program and offers $5 admission per person for up to eight people to Ohio SNAP cardholders. Present your Direction Card and a valid state ID at the ticket window. The museum is also free for active military and their families and for youth ages 17 and under.
Akron Zoo — $3 Admission
The Akron Zoo offers $3 per person admission to SNAP EBT, Ohio Direction Card, and WIC cardholders for up to four people per card during regular zoo hours. This discount is not available on special event days or during evening hours, so check the zoo’s website or call ahead before your visit.
To use the discount, present a valid, non-expired, signed Ohio Direction Card or WIC card plus a valid photo ID at the ticket counter. The card and the photo ID must both be current. The Direction Card cannot be used as payment — you pay the $3 admission with cash, debit, or credit card. Akron Zoo parking is free and the zoo is also accessible by Metro bus.
Columbus Area — Museums for All Columbus
Columbus has a formal Museums for All Columbus coalition in which multiple institutions collaborate to provide EBT discounts. Here is each participating Columbus-area institution with its specific rate.
Columbus Museum of Art — $3 per person at the door for Ohio Direction Cardholders. Free admission on the first Sunday of each month between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (no EBT card required on free Sundays). A discounted Access Membership is also available for $35 per year, covering up to two adults and all children under 18 — versus the standard $80 family membership price.
COSI — $3 per person for up to eight visitors (see full section above). Family Access Membership available for $49.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — $2 per person for up to four people. An Access Membership is also available for $25 per year — equivalent to a full Family Membership (two adults and children under 18) — versus the standard family membership price. Contact Franklin Park directly to purchase the Access Membership.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum — $1 per person for up to seven people (two adults and five children per household), with free parking included. The only museum in the United States that honors all veterans from all branches of service and all eras. Present your SNAP, EBT, WIC, or Medicaid card at Guest Services to redeem.
Ohio History Center and Ohio Village — $1 per person for up to eight visitors. Show your EBT card at the admission area of Ohio Village to access this rate.
Wexner Center for the Arts — Free admission for SNAP and EBT cardholders. Contact the Wexner Center directly for current hours and any reservation requirements.
Central Ohio Fire Museum — $3 or less per person during operating hours. Present your EBT card and photo ID at arrival. The museum is housed in an authentically restored 1908 engine house with guided tours focused on fire safety education.
Cincinnati Area — Museums and Cultural Centers
Cincinnati Museum Center (Union Terminal) — $2 per person with a valid EBT or SNAP card and free parking at Union Terminal. The complex includes Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History and Science, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, and the OMNIMAX Theater. Up to 10 guest tickets are available at $3 per person with free parking.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Eden Park) — Free admission for up to four guests with a valid EBT or SNAP card and matching photo ID. The museum displays 19th-century American paintings including the well-known Duncanson murals. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden — See the full section above. $6 adult / $3 child and senior, limit eight tickets; or $40 annual family membership.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum — Free admission for up to four guests with a valid EBT or SNAP card.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House — $1 per person for up to six guests with a valid EBT or SNAP card. Dedicated to the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and her contributions to the abolitionist movement.
American Sign Museum — Discounted EBT admission during regular operating hours (Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays noon to 4 p.m.). Check the museum’s website for current EBT rate. Covers the art and history of commercial signs and sign-making in America.
Holocaust and Humanity Center — $3 per person for up to 10 guests with a valid EBT or SNAP card. Focused on education about the Holocaust through artifacts and photographs.
YMCA (Cincinnati area) — Discounted YMCA membership with a valid EBT or SNAP card. Contact your local Cincinnati YMCA branch for sliding-scale pricing.
Cleveland Area — Museums and Cultural Centers
Children’s Museum of Cleveland — $2 per person for up to four people in the same household. Present your Ohio Direction Card to receive the discount.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History — Participates in Museums for All. Present your Ohio Direction Card and photo ID for discounted general admission during normal operating hours.
Cleveland Botanical Garden (Holden Forests and Gardens) — An Access Membership is available for $25 per year, equivalent to a Family Membership (two adults and children under 18). Explore 10 acres of diverse gardens and an 18,000 square foot glasshouse with a Costa Rican rainforest environment, butterflies, and birds.
Dayton Area — Museums and Cultural Centers
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery — EBT and SNAP cardholders pay discounted admission for up to four individuals. Present a valid photo ID and a valid, non-expired Ohio Direction Card or WIC card at the ticket counter. All discounted tickets must be purchased in person — this discount cannot be applied to advance or pre-purchased tickets. The Boonshoft Museum does not accept the discount on special event days.
Northeast Ohio and Other Cities
Youngstown Area: Museums for All participating institutions include local art and history museums. Search museums4all.org for locations near you.
Toledo: Toledo Museum of Art participates in Museums for All with free or reduced admission for EBT cardholders.
Additional Ohio locations: Ohio has over 110 Museums for All-participating institutions statewide. The complete searchable directory is available at museums4all.org — enter your ZIP code and radius to find every participating venue near you.
Columbus Metropolitan Library — Free Culture Passes
The Columbus Metropolitan Library system offers Culture Passes — free checkout passes to local attractions — at select branch locations. Passes are available to any library card holder and include passes to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Museum of Art, Wexner Center for the Arts, Franklin Park Conservatory, and more.
Culture Passes are checked out like a library book, typically for a few days at a time. Availability varies by branch and passes are first-come, first-served. Check the Columbus Metropolitan Library website for current pass availability and which branches carry them. Getting a library card is free for Columbus-area residents.
Double Up Food Bucks Ohio — Doubled Produce Dollars
Double Up Food Bucks Ohio matches your SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and some grocery locations, dollar for dollar, up to a daily limit that varies by location. No sign-up is required — the match happens at the point of purchase when you use your Direction Card.
Ohio Double Up is active at farmers markets in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and other cities. Find participating Ohio locations at doubleupfoodbucks.org or ask your local farmers market whether they accept SNAP and issue Double Up tokens.
Phone Service — Lifeline
Ohio Direction Cardholders automatically qualify for the federal Lifeline program, which provides up to $9.25 per month off a monthly phone or internet bill. Many participating Lifeline carriers offer unlimited talk and text plans for free or very low cost to qualifying households, and some providers offer a free smartphone to new enrollees.
To find participating Ohio Lifeline carriers and apply, visit lifelinesupport.org or contact a carrier directly. Fair Benefits at fairbenefits.org can also help you find and enroll in a plan.
Internet Service — Discounted Broadband Plans
SNAP enrollment qualifies Ohio households for discounted home internet from several major providers. Comcast Xfinity Internet Essentials, AT&T Access, and other major carriers offer reduced-cost plans to qualifying low-income customers. Contact your current or prospective internet provider and ask about income-based plans — SNAP enrollment is typically the primary qualifying credential.
Summer EBT — SUN Bucks for Children
Ohio participates in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program, which provides $120 per eligible child, loaded directly onto an EBT card, to buy groceries during summer when school meals are not available. For most Ohio SNAP households, the benefit is issued automatically to existing Direction Cards without a separate application if the children are already certified for free school meals.
Free School Meals for Children
Ohio SNAP households automatically qualify their school-age children for free school meals through the National School Lunch Program. Most Ohio school districts use direct certification, meaning you do not need to submit a separate free and reduced meals application if your household is already receiving SNAP benefits.
Energy Bill Assistance — HEAP
Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is the state’s version of the federal LIHEAP program and automatically qualifies SNAP households for assistance with heating and cooling bills. HEAP provides regular seasonal benefits, crisis assistance for households facing shut-offs, and the Summer Crisis Program — which provides air conditioning assistance for eligible households with a household member who is age 60 or older or has a documented medical condition that requires cooling.
Apply through your county Department of Job and Family Services or contact the Ohio Development Services Agency for referrals to local HEAP administrators. HEAP funding is seasonal, so applying early is recommended.
YMCA — Reduced Memberships
Many YMCA locations across Ohio offer reduced or sliding-scale memberships for SNAP recipients. Discounts vary by location — some Ohio Ys offer memberships at half price or less for EBT cardholders; others use an income-based sliding scale. Contact your local YMCA directly to ask about their income-based membership program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What discounts can I get with an Ohio Direction Card?
Ohio Direction Cardholders can access free or deeply discounted admission at over 110 museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens, and cultural venues statewide; a $45 annual Columbus Zoo Discovery Family Membership; a $40 annual Cincinnati Zoo Family Membership; $49 annual COSI Family Access Membership; $3 admission at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; half-price Amazon Prime at $6.99 per month; phone discounts through Lifeline; discounted internet; Summer EBT ($120 per child); free school meals for children; and energy bill assistance through HEAP. Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Passes also provide free checkout access to major Columbus attractions.
How do I use my Ohio Direction Card at museums?
Simply show your valid, non-expired, signed Ohio Direction Card and a valid photo ID at the ticket window when you arrive. You cannot use the card as payment — it is only used to verify SNAP enrollment and access the discounted rate. Pay the reduced admission price with cash, debit, or credit card. Most discounts apply during regular operating hours and not on special event days, so check ahead before visiting.
Can I get a discounted Columbus Zoo membership with my Ohio Direction Card?
Yes. The Columbus Zoo Discovery Family Membership is available to Ohio Direction Cardholders for $45 per year and admits up to two adults in the same household plus all dependent children or grandchildren up to age 21. Purchase in person at the Columbus Zoo Membership office with your Direction Card, a valid photo ID, and proof of Ohio residency. You can also upload documentation online through the Columbus Zoo website before your visit.
Does the Cincinnati Zoo offer EBT discounts?
Yes. The Cincinnati Zoo’s Zoo Access for All program offers $6 per adult and $3 per child or senior (limit eight tickets per Direction Card per visit), accepted for EBT cards from any state. An annual Family Membership is also available for $40 — compared to the standard $129 — covering two named adults and all children under 18 with unlimited admission and parking.
Is COSI discounted for Ohio Direction Cardholders?
Yes. COSI offers $3 general admission per person for up to eight visitors to SNAP, EBT, WIC, and Medicaid cardholders. A Family Access Membership is also available for $49 per year, giving unlimited access for two adults and all dependent children plus free or discounted admission to over 360 science centers nationwide through reciprocal agreements.
Can I get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for free with an EBT card?
Through Museums for All, Ohio Direction Cardholders can get discounted admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland for $3 per person for up to four people. Show your Direction Card and photo ID at the ticket window.
What is Double Up Food Bucks Ohio?
Double Up Food Bucks Ohio matches your SNAP spending on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and some grocery stores, dollar for dollar, up to a daily limit set by each location. No registration is required — the match is applied automatically when you pay with your Direction Card. Find participating Ohio locations at doubleupfoodbucks.org.
Can I use Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Passes with an EBT card?
Culture Passes at the Columbus Metropolitan Library are available to any library card holder — they are not EBT-specific. But because a library card is free for Columbus residents, any Direction Cardholder who has or gets a Columbus library card can check out Culture Passes to the Columbus Zoo, Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, the Wexner Center, and others at no cost. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at select branches.
Bottom Line
Ohio’s EBT discount program is one of the broadest in the country — with over 110 participating venues and some of the strongest annual zoo membership deals available anywhere. The Columbus Zoo Discovery Family Membership at $45 and the Cincinnati Zoo Family Membership at $40 are standout values for families who visit more than once. The Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Pass program adds another layer of free access to major attractions for Columbus residents.
For families in Northeast Ohio, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, and Akron Zoo all offer solid EBT rates, and museums4all.org will surface dozens more options within a short drive.
For the full list of stores that accept your Direction Card for groceries, see our guide to grocery stores that take EBT. To see everything SNAP covers at the store, check our guide on surprising things you can buy with EBT. And to find out how much in SNAP benefits you may qualify for, use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
Last updated: 2026 | Discount programs, admission rates, membership prices, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Verify current details directly with each venue or program before visiting. The Ohio Direction Card is issued by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.