walking at the zoo

What to Bring to the Zoo

  • Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather and sturdy walking shoes.
  • Small children may appreciate a stroller for part of their adventure. Wagons and strollers are permitted at the Zoo but please obey stroller parking signs at designated locations.  
  • Recreational scooters and roller skates are not permitted.  
  • Sunscreen is suggested, and sunglasses just look cool.

sandwich

Purchases at the Zoo

Food and retail options are available throughout the Zoo. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

There are also two ATMs located inside the Zoo:

  • Entry Village

  • Congo River Market Food Court.

guests watching mandrill

Zoo Amenities

  • Wheelchairs, electric scooters, and strollers are available to rent, while supplies last.
  • You may exit and re-enter the park in the same day, just be sure to receive a hand-stamp on your way out. If you do not receive a hand-stamp you will not be permitted back into the park.
  • We offer nursing stations and family restrooms throughout the park.

View our park map

Services

Baby Changing and Nursing Stations

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. 

Bag and Coolers

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

Guests are welcome to bring bags up to 22” long x 10” wide x 12” high, and coolers (hard and soft) up to 14” x 14.” Bags, suitcases and coolers on wheels are prohibited.

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

Credit Card and Banking Services

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

Please see park map for ATM locations.

COTA Bus Services

The 2023 season has concluded, and service will begin again in Spring 2024.  

First Aid

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

Guests with Disabilities

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

Read More about the Zoo's Accessibility Measures

Guest Relations

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
Lost Guest

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.

Lost and Found
  • 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

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

Rental Wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, and Strollers

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

mobile app mockup


Download the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's FREE Mobile App!

  • Plan your visit before you arrive
  • Use step-by-step walking directions while you're here
  • Get in-park notifications about upcoming events near you like Cheetah Runs

Search for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in your Apple or Google Play app store.