Hours
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
March | Normal operating hours | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
March 29 - March 30 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | |
March 31 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | |
April | Normal operating hours | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
May | May 1 - May 24 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
May 25 - May 31 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
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!
Coming May 15!
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
2-Day Tickets will go on sale closer to Zoombezi Bay's Season Open.
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.
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 |
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 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.
The 2023 Zoo Bus season has concluded and will be operational again in Spring 2024.
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.
The Family Access Membership is a program designed to reduce economic barriers for Ohio residents who qualify for eligible programs including Medicaid MCO or the Ohio Direction EBT card.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to offer discounts to other zoos and aquariums, as well as several local organizations.
Visit our School Trips page for discounted group rates and more information about bookings.
- These rates are for students, staff, chaperones and bus drivers and are only valid Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bus drivers are free.
- Field trip reservations must be made at least 10 days in advance or these 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.
- Traditional school rates are NOT valid June 10, 2023 through September 5, 2023.
- Minimum of 15 guests required.