Membership FAQ

Yes, you can purchase a membership at any open ticket window or in the Membership/Season Pass Processing office and use it immediately for that day's visit.  You can also purchase a membership online and use it that same day. Simply show your membership voucher after your purchase is complete.

We do not sell gift certificates or gift cards, but purchasing a gift membership voucher is easy! 

When purchasing a gift membership online you will be able to print a voucher, which you can present to the recipient. You will NOT be asked for the gift recipients information (address, phone, email etc.) on gift memberships. If you are purchasing for a raffle and do not know who the recipient will be, simply enter "Gift" as the name when printing your voucher. 

To purchase a gift membership, select the membership category of your choice. In the next window select the gift membership option. Print the voucher at the end of the transaction for the recipient.

The recipient will not receive membership cards until they have activated their gift voucher online or in the membership office at the Columbus Zoo. The recipient has one year from the date of purchase to activate their voucher. Once activated, the member will receive a full year of membership.

Please note, you must be a current Franklin County resident to qualify for the Franklin County rate. If you are not a current resident of Franklin County, you will need to select the non-resident price for your purchase.

All Columbus Zoo Memberships are valid for 12 months and will expire one year from the end of the month of purchase. If you are renewing your membership before it expires, you will receive 12 months from the date of your current expiration. Zoombezi Bay Season Passes are only valid during the Zoombezi Bay operating season. 

Yes!  Memberships include free parking. You must present your current membership card to show at the parking booth. If you do not have your current membership card, parking is $10 and is non-refundable. 

If you are visiting from a reciprocal organization parking is $10 and is non-refundable. 

Yes, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members receive 10% off purchases in the gift shops. 

The additional named adult on Family and Family Plus memberships is the second primary adult in your household. Primary heads of household are defined as spouses or domestic partners. If you have questions, please call (614) 724-3489.

Yes, current Zoo members can purchase discounted Zoombezi Bay tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the Zoo entrance or at the Zoombezi Bay entrance with a current membership card and photo ID presented. 

Yes, current Columbus Zoo members can purchase discounted Zoombezi Bay Season Passes. This special rate is available online, at the Zoo entrance, and at the Zoombezi Bay entrance. You will need your current Zoo member information when purchasing online, or your membership card and photo ID when purchasing in-person. 

You may add The Wilds to your Columbus Zoo and Aquarium membership for a discounted rate. You will be asked to add The Wilds after your Zoo membership is in your cart. 

Add-on memberships must be the same category, and the setup (named guests, expiration date, address, etc.) will be identical to your Columbus Zoo membership. 

If you would like to add The Wilds to your Columbus Zoo and Aquarium membership after your purchase, please call (614) 645-3400, or visit the membership office at the zoo's entrance.

If you are purchasing a Family or Family Plus membership you may cover the dependent children OR grandchildren (not both) of the primary named members only, up through age 21. Primary members are defined as spouses or partners. If you are purchasing a Family Plus membership, children of guests are not covered.

A named guest must be an adult. He/She will receive their own card, may come to the Zoo on their own, and may bring any children included on the membership. Naming a guest limits you to bringing only that person for the duration of the membership, and you cannot change or remove a named guest. An unnamed guest must be accompanied by a primary named member or a named guest on the membership (not by a child).  Unnamed guests can be different on each visit, and can be adults or children.

No, memberships are non-transferable. If a named adult is not visiting, no one can come in his/her place. 

For memberships purchased at the Zoo, processing at the Membership/Season Pass Processing office is required, and you will receive your cards that day. If you purchased your membership online, your membership cards will be mailed to you. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery via US Mail. If you are coming to the Zoo before you receive your cards, simply print the voucher (or show it on a smartphone) from your confirmation email and show your barcode at the Zoo's entrance, along with a photo ID. This voucher is valid for one time use at the Zoo's entrance until your cards arrive. All Gold memberships and Zoombezi Bay Season Passes require a photo, which can be uploaded at the time of purchase online or taken at the Membership/Season Pass Processing office located at the Zoo's entrance. Your Gold membership or Season Pass can not be processed without an updated photo. 

If you lose your membership card, simply go to the Membership/Season Pass Processing office to have your card reprinted for a fee. You will need a photo ID to verify your membership status.

Please note that without your membership card, you will be required to pay $10 for parking. Although parking is non-refundable, you may exchange your parking receipt for one card reprint. Bring your receipt to the membership building at the Zoo's entrance (same day) to exchange for one card reprint. 

We also accept photos of your membership card at the parking booth and the Zoo's entrance. We recommend that you take a photo of your card and store it on your phone so that you have your card with you at all times. Please be sure that the names and barcode are clearly visible. 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; therefore, a portion of your membership may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

As a Gold member, you receive giraffe feedings, lorikeet feedings, and one stingray feeding per day. Feedings are weather-dependent and subject to availability. Certain attractions are seasonal and feedings may be canceled without notice. The health and safety of our animals is our top priority. 

Franklin County residents pay a property tax that directly supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. As a thank you for their support, Franklin County residents receive a discount on their memberships.

To qualify for the Franklin County resident price, you must be a current Franklin County resident. Residency is determined by billing address zip code. 

The Family Access Membership is a discounted membership category for families who live in Ohio, and qualify for eligible programs including Ohio Medicaid MCO, or the Ohio Direction EBT card.

Participation in one of these programs must be provided with a valid, photo ID demonstrating proof of Ohio residency in the Membership/Season Pass Processing office at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at the time of purchase.

Eligible programs include Ohio Direction EBT card or Medicaid MCO. These are the only programs we accept at this time.

The Family Access Membership category receives all benefits of a Family Membership at the Columbus Zoo. This membership cannot be upgraded, or credited towards a different membership category. 

Eligible programs include Ohio Medicaid MCO and the Ohio Direction EBT card. These are the only programs we accept at this time.

Participation in one of these programs must be provided with a valid photo ID demonstrating proof of Ohio residency in the Membership/Season Pass Processing office at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at the time of purchase, or upload your qualifying documents online. 

For questions, please call (614) 724-3400 and select option 1 to speak with the membership team. 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium reserves the right to 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.