The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium seeks to include Ohio families in our mission, regardless of economic status.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to connect with the animals in our care and be empowered to support our local and global conservation efforts.
The Discovery Family Membership, previously known as the Family Access Membership, is a program designed to reduce economic barriers for Ohio residents who otherwise would not be able to afford a membership.
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.
Cost: $64.99
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is dedicating $5 of the cost of your membership (included in price) to support our local and global conservation efforts. We are committed to saving species worldwide through conservation action, education, science, becoming a trusted conservation resource to the community, and modeling environmental sustainability. We are proud that when a member visits, we know that these visits are benefiting animals in their native range. Learn more about our conservation efforts.
To Qualify
Guests are required to provide proof of Ohio residency and income eligibility. You will need to upload documents to our secure site:
- Proof of Ohio residency
- Ohio Direction EBT card
Please Note: You must provide the most current card available from ODJFS. Cards other than the example provided below, outdated cards or alternative documentation, will not be accepted.
You may visit the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services website to obtain current proof of eligibility.
Tips for Uploads
- Clear, front and back images of all cards
- File format supported by our upload system (PDF, png, jpeg)
Ohio Direction Card (SNAP/EBT) Example
Next Steps
Instructions for purchasing your Discovery Family Membership online will be emailed to you within 48 hours of receiving valid documents. Once your purchase is complete, the membership team will review and confirm that the membership information matches the uploaded documents and will mail cards to you.
If you have already received instructions via email:
Visiting the Columbus Zoo within 48 Hours
For fastest service, we recommend submitting your documents online for approval prior to visiting our parks. If you are visiting within the next 48 hours, and are unable to upload your documents online, you may bring your qualifying documents to the membership office to apply for the Discovery Family Membership. The qualifying individual must be present to purchase this membership in-person at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership and Season Pass Processing building. Parking is $10 and is non-refundable. You may apply one $10 parking fee to the cost of your membership purchase.
Required documents to bring with you at time of purchase:
- Photo ID
- Proof of Ohio residency
- Current Ohio Direction EBT card
