Know Before You Go

Changing facilities are available in most restrooms.

Nursing mothers can find privacy at one of our nursing rooms located throughout the Zoo. Please see EMS or Guest Relations for exact locations, or download the free mobile app to find the nearest locations. 

To help ensure that all guests enjoy a safe experience during their visit, only authorized coolers will be permitted inside the gates at the Columbus Zoo.

Coolers larger than 24 inches in length will not be allowed in the park and may still be inspected.  

• Approved bags and coolers can be kept with guests or stored in several storage locations around the Zoo, including one just north of Wild Burger, and, during Zoombezi Bay’s operating season (late May through Labor Day), the Zoombezi Bay Cooler Cove and the Cooler Cove in Adventure Cove.
• Guests are also welcome to store oversized bags and coolers in the Picnic Shelter located just outside the Zoo entrance adjacent to the parking lot.
• Guests may also use the Picnic Shelter and then store the bags and coolers in their personal vehicles.

All coolers stored in the Cooler Coves are subject to random searches by Security. Bags and coolers left unattended outside of these areas will be confiscated.

Outside food and drink are permitted at the Zoo only, but glass containers, alcohol and straws are prohibited.  Guests can re-enter the Zoo on the same day after receiving a handstamp upon exiting.

Pre-arranged groups, such as school groups or large private events, can request exceptions through their Zoo contact. When guests arrive at the Zoo’s entrance with these pre-arranged exceptions, our staff will direct them to Security to have their items screened. This will require a little extra time, so we kindly ask that guests build that into their schedule.

A full Bag and Cooler policy is located on our Policy Page. 

VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express are accepted for park admission, most gift shops and select food stands.

The Zoo is going cashless on October 28. Learn more here. 

Arrive at the Zoo in style (and save money, too)!

Riders on COTA's Zoo Bus will receive:

• $5 admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• $10 off general admission to Zoombezi Bay

Receiving Your Discount

Once you arrive at the Zoo, head to the admission window at the Zoo or Zoombezi Bay, where you will be asked to verify eligibility to receive the COTA Zoo Bus discount. If you ae a Mainstream customer, show your COTA-issued Mainstream ID card instead. It's that easy!

Route Map and Times

The Zoo hosts its own EMS service, located at the front of the park.  Please ask any Zoo employee for assistance.

Information for guests with disabilities can be obtained at any Guest Relations location. 

Read More about the Zoo's Accessibility Measures

Guest Relations offices are located at the entrance of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and at the entrance of Zoombezi Bay for services such as:

• Lost and Found items
• Ticket/membership upgrades
• Ride wristband purchases
• Re-admittance hand stamping
• Separated guest assistance
• Information for guests with disabilities

Please report lost guests (children and adults) to any staff member or volunteer, and we will initiate our internal response protocols. The Zoo is also prepared to involve law enforcement whenever the situation dictates.

Zoo Security can be reached at (614) 724-3434 or (614) 582-1844. 

If you are separated from your child, experience has shown most are found in the same area where the child was lost within minutes.

• Found items are kept for seven days.  
• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay cannot mail Lost & Found items. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 614-645-3400 or email info@columbuszoo.org with a description of the item and approximate day it was lost.

Messages may be left at any Guest Relations location. No public address system is available. 

Rentals are near the Zoo's entrance for an additional fee and are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Read More About Rentals at the Zoo