Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
The Columbus Zoo is cashless!
Hours
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Columbus Zoo Hours During Wildlights Season
Regular Zoo Hours: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Visit during this timeframe to see animals and learn more about wildlife conservation.
Wildlights Hours:
- Sunday thru Thursday - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday - 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
CLOSED: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
DAY PASS RATES
- Save time by purchasing your day passes online! See the rates below.
- Parking passes can also be purchased online, saving you time when you get to the Zoo. $10.
Columbus Zoo Day Pass
For Guests Residing Outside of Franklin County, OH
| Guest Age | General Admission |
| Guests under age 3 | Free |
| Guests ages 3-9 | $28.99 |
| Guests ages 10-59 | $35.99 |
| Guests ages 60+ | $33.99 |
Traveling to Central Ohio? Check out our local hotel packages and other nearby parks that are sure to enhance your adventure.
Columbus Zoo Day Pass
For Guests Who Reside Within Franklin County, OH
| Guest Age | General Admission |
| Guests under age 3 | Free |
| Guests ages 3-9 | $19.99 |
| Guests ages 10-59 | $25.99 |
| Guests ages 60+ | $24.99 |
Franklin County, OH residents graciously support the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium through a property tax levy that voters approved in 2015. As a thank you, the Zoo offers discounted admission rates to all Franklin County residents.
Franklin County Zoo guests will be asked to provide a valid driver's license, state-issued ID, or a current utility bill to receive the discounted pricing. When purchasing online, the billing address of the purchaser must be in Franklin County to qualify.
Two-Day Pass
For the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium AND Zoombezi Bay!
This package will include 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: $59.99
- 2-Day Child Pass: $56.99
This combo offer has ended for the 2024 season.
Parking at the Zoo
Parking for the Zoo is $10 per vehicle (bus parking is free). You can either pay at the parking booth upon entry to the lot or pay ahead of time online. Just show your parking pass to the parking booth attendant.
As always, Zoo members park for free. Just show the parking booth attendant your membership card.
Day Passes for Groups of 25+
| Guests under age 3 | Free |
| Guests ages 3-9 | $17.00 |
| Guests ages 10-59 | $23.00 |
| Guests ages 60+ | $22.00 |
| Guests under age 3 | Free |
| Guests ages 3-9 | $26.00 |
| Guests ages 10-59 | $33.00 |
| Guests ages 60+ | $31.00 |
Military Discounts
Thank you for your service.
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.
Thank You for Making a Difference
To support conservation efforts at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a $1 conservation fee is included in each day pass price. We thank you for helping to support our mission, together we continue working to protect the future of wildlife.
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.
COTA
Arrive at the Zoo in style (and save money, too)!
Riders on COTA's ZooBus will receive:
- $5 admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- $10 off general admission to Zoombezi Bay
| Saturday and Sunday Only | May 8 - May 27 |
| Seven Days a Week | May 27 - September 2 |
| Friday, Saturday, Sunday only | September 2 - October 31 |
| Service has concluded for the season | November 1 - December 31 |
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 your COTA Zoo Bus discount. If you are a Mainstream customer, show your COTA-issued Mainstream ID card instead. It's that easy!
Culture Pass
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is part of a collaborative project called the Culture Pass Program with the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)!
How It Works
- At select CML locations, library cardholders can check out a Culture Pass, which will grant them a free visit to the Zoo.
- At the library's check out, CML cardholders will 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.
Discovery Family Membership
The Discovery Family Membership is a program designed to reduce economic barriers for Ohio residents who might not be in a position to purchase a membership.
Reciprocity
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to offer discounts to other zoos and aquariums, as well as several local organizations.
School Discounts
Visit our School Trips page for discounted group rates and more information about bookings.
- These rates are for students, staff, and chaperones and are only valid Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bus drivers are free.
- Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance or 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. Please note the Zoo hours above on this web page.
- Traditional school rates are NOT valid May 24, 2025 through September 1, 2025.
- Minimum of 15 guests required.
