Powell, OH — To further provide all families with the opportunity to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds, a new Family Access Membership is now available for both parks. The Family Access Membership is a discounted membership category for families who live in Ohio and qualify for government assistance.
The Family Access Membership admits up to two primary named members in the same household, plus either dependent children or grandchildren up to age 21 years (not both) to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and/or The Wilds. At the Zoo, this membership includes free admission and parking, access to members-only events and a digital magazine, discounts on educational classes and camp offerings, a 10% discount in gift shops, discounts on Zoombezi Bay single-day waterpark tickets and Season Passes, and discounts at Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
The Wilds' Family Access Membership includes free Open-Air Safari tours and parking, discounts on overnight accommodations and merchandise, access to The Wilds' digital member magazine, and more. Both the Zoo and The Wilds' Family Access Memberships also provide discounted or free admission to more than 150 other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities.
“At the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, we remain committed to continuously evaluating our programs and offerings so that we can also connect with those who may not have been able to visit our parks previously. We are very proud to work with our local communities and determine opportunities for growth and inclusion as we strive to serve as a fun and educational resource for all,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Interim President/CEO Jerry Borin.
Family Access Memberships to the Zoo and The Wilds can only be purchased onsite at the Columbus Zoo's Membership and Season Pass Processing office. Families interested in a Family Access Membership at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are encouraged to check out the FAQ page for more information. An FAQ page with more about the Family Access Membership for The Wilds is also available here.
To receive a Family Access Membership, guests must provide a valid, photo ID demonstrating proof of Ohio residency, and documentation of participating in a government-assisted program. Membership cards will be provided at the time of purchase.
Eligible government-assisted programs include WIC, Ohio Directions, Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, WellCare, Paramount Advantage, Buckeye Community Health Plan, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Amerigroup Real Solutions.
Additionally, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is taking part in a collaborative project with the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) through the Culture Pass program. At select CML locations, cardholders can check out a Culture Pass, which will grant them a free visit to the Zoo. At check out, CML cardholders 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. More information and a list of eligible locations for the Culture Pass program can be found online.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s animals, events, community initiatives and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org. Additional information about The Wilds can be found on the website at TheWilds.org and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
