Hours

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Buy TicketsZoo Policies

Spring and Summer Hours

  • March 1 - March 31: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • April 1 - May 26: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • May 27 - August 13: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • June 17: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Zoofari)
  • August 14 - September 4: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends

Thank You for Making a Difference


For each admission ticket sold, $1 will be added to the purchase price to support the Zoo’s local and global conservation efforts. We thank you for helping to support our mission, together we continue working to protect the future of wildlife.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Admission Rates

Franklin County Residents

Franklin County Under 3: Free

Franklin County Ages 3 – 9: $16.99

Franklin County Ages 10 – 59 : $19.99

Franklin County Ages 60+: $18.99

*Zoo guests will be asked to provide a valid driver's license, state-issued ID or a current utility bill to receive the Franklin County pricing.

Residents Outside of Franklin County: General Admission Rates

Non-Franklin County Under 3: Free

Non-Franklin County Ages 3 – 9: $25.99

Non-Franklin County Ages 10 – 59: $29.99

Non-Franklin County Ages 60+: $27.99

Columbus Zoo/Zoombezi Bay Parking Rates

Car: $10.00
Bus: Free 

Zoo Locker Rental

Small Locker: $8.00 w/$5.00 Deposit
Large Locker: $10.00 w/$5.00 Deposit

View All Rentals


Other Discounts and Promotions

To remain inclusive and accessible to our community year-round, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers several promotional events and discounts. 

AAA members

AAA members receive a $1 discount off the purchase of their ticket when they present a valid membership card. Tickets must be purchased at the Zoo front gate. 

Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay 2-Day Ticket

This package includes a one-day ticket to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and a one-day ticket to Zoombezi Bay. Visits do not have to be on consecutive days. 

2-Day Adult Pass: $58.99

2-Day Child Pass: $55.99

COTA

COTA Zoo Bus riders will receive a voucher for $3 admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or $10 off Zoombezi Bay admission. To register, go to the Make Your Reservations button below and click on the orange Tickets tab. Under Daily Tickets, click the button that says Bus Registration.  After your registration is confirmed, follow the instructions on how to redeem the voucher at the Zoo's ticket window. The number of days per week that the Zoo Bus operates depends upon the time of year. COTA's Zoo Bus service is supported by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Please click here for more information about COTA's Zoo Bus.

2023 COTA SCHEDULE
May 13-18, 2023: Weekend service
May 29-September 3, 2023: 7-day service
September 8-October 29, 2023: Weekend service

Culture Pass

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is taking part in a collaborative project with the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) through the Culture Pass program. At select CML locations, library cardholders can check out a Culture Pass, which will grant them a free visit to the Zoo.

At check out, CML cardholders receive a yellow Zoo Culture Pass (valid for two days), which they take to the Zoo’s entrance. The pass can be redeemed for up to six adults and/or children. The Culture Pass can be returned to one of the Zoo's team members, so guests do not need to return the pass to their library.

Family Access Membership

A discounted membership for families in Ohio that qualify for eligible programs including WIC, Medicaid or the Ohio Direction EBT card.

Purchase this membership in the Membership and Season Pass Processing building at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Photo ID, proof of Ohio residency, as well as participation in a qualifying program is required at time of purchase.

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 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Regular Price: $49.99

Group Discounts (Day of Visit)

To purchase walk-up group tickets on the day that you are visiting, you must have a minimum order of 25 tickets and pay for all tickets in one transaction at the entrance. 

To save even more, purchase your group tickets at least two weeks in advance. For pricing or to place your order, please call (614) 724-3785 or email us. 


Franklin County Group Outings 

Franklin County Under 3: Free
Franklin County Ages 3-9: $15.00
Franklin County Ages 10-59: $18.00
Franklin County Ages 60+: $17.00

Non-Franklin County Group Outings 

Non-Franklin County Under 3: Free
Non-Franklin County Ages 3-9: $24.00
Non-Franklin County Ages 10-59: $28.00
Non-Franklin County Ages 60+: $26.00

Military

Active and non-active duty military personnel receive a $2 discount on up to 6 tickets when they show a valid military ID.  Tickets must be purchased at the Zoo front gate. 

Reciprocity

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to offer a 50% discount on Zoo General Admission to members of the zoos and aquariums on the list below.

Reciprocal members must present a valid membership card in their name and photo ID for each adult listed on the membership. Present your membership card at any open ticket window to receive this discount. (Not available on pre-purchased tickets.) The reciprocal discount does not apply to Zoombezi Bay tickets, and does not include parking. Parking is $10 per vehicle and is non-refundable.

If you do not have a valid membership card, please contact your Zoo’s membership office for a replacement. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, and is subject to change at any time.

View the Reciprocal List

School Discounts

Visit our School Trips page for discounted group rates and more information about bookings.

  • These rates are for students, staff, chaperones and bus drivers and are only valid Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bus drivers are free.
  • Field trip reservations must be made at least 10 days in advance or these rates will not apply.
  • All groups must enter the Zoo before 3:30 p.m. on any weekday during Wildlights to qualify for the traditional school or community organization field trip rates.
  • Traditional school rates are NOT valid June 10, 2023 through September 5, 2023.
  • Minimum of 15 guests required.

Scholarship Information

Seniors

Seniors ages 60+ received discounted admission to the Zoo.  Franklin County senior rate is $18.99; outside of Franklin County rate is $27.99.
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