Today's Hours: 12pm - 10pm
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a family destination, and the safety and wellbeing of every guest is our highest priority. Please become familiar with our policies prior to your visit.
You must be 21 years of age (valid state-issued driver's license with photo or state-issued identification card with photo required by state law) to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or Zoombezi Bay.
The Ohio Revised Code (Ohio code number 4301.62) prohibits bringing beer, wine or intoxicating liquor on property, including picnic shelters, or leaving the park with alcohol purchased here. Alcoholic beverages are not prohibited while in line for any attraction.
Due to mechanical, health, weather or other safety conditions, we may have to close certain areas or attractions. We will do everything we can to re-open as soon as safely possible.
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 when full will not be allowed in the park and may still be inspected.
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.
Disrespectful behavior, such as vulgarity, loitering, intoxication, line jumping, theft, and all other actions that negatively impact our guests, staff, and animals will not be tolerated, and may result in ejection from the park without a refund.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay reserve the right to deny admission or cancel any membership if the bearer violates park safety and security rules or if the bearer has been convicted of any crime of a type that could pose a threat to the safety of our guests, including without limitation, any sex crime, or if the bearer is required to be registered as a sex offender (or words of similar import) in any jurisdiction.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone who refuses to comply with the dress code summarized above.
If guests have any questions, please visit Guest Relations.
Food, non-alcoholic beverages, baby formula and special diet items for medical purposes are permitted inside the Zoo as long as they comply with the Cooler policy listed above. Outside food and beverages are not permitted within Zoombezi Bay and must be kept in designated cooler areas.
For the health and safety of our animals, we do not permit or use straws or lids on beverage containers. Heavy duty souvenir cups with lids and straws sold by the Zoo are permitted.
For the safety of our guests, animals and employees laser pointers are prohibited on Zoo grounds unless used inside an event facility for meeting purposes.
Dogs or other animals of any kind are prohibited on grounds with the exception of service dogs. Please be mindful of the danger of leaving pets in your vehicle while visiting our park.
You are welcome to take photos and/or video for personal use only.
Commercial photography requires written permission from the Zoo's Communications Team. On occasion, we will photograph or take video of Zoo visitors for educational or promotional purposes. Entry to the Zoo, including Zoombezi Bay, grants permission for use of these images.
When taking photos/videos, guests are not permitted to cross barriers or use devices, such as monopods or tripods, to do so.
Guests wishing to leave the park and return the same day need to have their hand stamped at the exit turnstiles.
Rain checks and refunds will not be issued.
The following items are not permitted:
No visitor shall go over, under, between or otherwise cross any guardrail, fence, moat, wall or other safety barrier, or seat, stand or hold children over such barriers.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a smoke-free facility on all Zoo grounds, including the use of:
Smoking on Zoo grounds may result in ejection from the park without a refund.
At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we do not allow outside solicitation. While the Columbus Zoo sits on land owned by the City of Columbus and Franklin County, it is leased to the nonprofit private Columbus Zoological Association.
Our policy to prohibit petitioning and/or the distribution of literature outside our sanctioned events/activities is supported by our objective to maintain a welcoming family atmosphere for all of our visitors, and to give them the opportunity to enjoy the Zoo without being solicited.
Tickets are valid only on date(s) indicated on the front.
If lost or stolen, tickets will not be replaced nor will the purchase price be refunded.
For the safety and wellbeing of our guests and animals, the launching and/or operation of a UAS (drone) from or above our properties is strictly prohibited.
On occasion, our internal multimedia team does operate a UAS (drone). This operation is in strict accordance with FAA guidelines, and the operator is in constant communication with team members to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and animals.
All Columbus Zoo properties are No Weapon facilities, including the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds. No firearms, knives, or other weapons are permitted.
