The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a 588-acre zoological park located at 4850 W Powell Road, Powell, Ohio, approximately 20 miles north of downtown Columbus. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your visit.
To skip the lines, book your Columbus Zoo tickets online.
Guide last updated: May 2026. A new after-hours event series, Adventure Nights, launches on 26 June 2026 in the Adventure Cove region – this is not yet reflected in many other planning guides.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065 |
| Phone | (614) 645-3400 |
| Standard hours (May–August) | 9 AM – 6 PM (varies by date; see hours section) |
| Ticket price (adult, non-resident, online) | From $33.95 |
| Ticket price (child 3–9, non-resident, online) | From $26.95 |
| Parking | $12 per vehicle |
| Nearest public transport | COTA Zoo Bus (dedicated service from Columbus) |
| Typical visit duration | 4–6 hours |
| Closed | Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day |
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opening hours
The zoo is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours vary by season.
| Month | Hours |
|---|---|
| January (1–4) | 12 PM – 5 PM |
| January (5–30) | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| January (31) | 10 AM – 2 PM |
| February | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| March | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| April | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| May 1–22 | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| May 23–29 | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| May 30 | 9 AM – 3 PM |
| May 31 | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| June–July | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| August 1–16 | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| August 17–31 | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| September | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| October | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| November 1–18 | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| November 19–25 | 12 PM – 5 PM |
| November 26 (Thanksgiving) | Closed |
| November 28–30 | 12 PM – 5 PM |
| December 1–24 | 12 PM – 5 PM |
| December 25 (Christmas) | Closed |
| December 26–31 | 12 PM – 5 PM |
Special seasonal events such as Boo at the Zoo, Wildlights, the Lantern Festival, and Adventure Nights operate with extended evening hours that differ from the standard schedule above. Check the zoo’s event calendar before visiting.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ticket prices
Standard online day pass prices (non-Franklin County, OH residents):
| Guest age | Price |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | Free |
| Ages 3–9 | From $26.95 |
| Ages 10–59 | From $33.95 |
| Ages 60+ | From $31.95 |
Franklin County, OH residents receive reduced rates due to a property tax levy:
| Guest age | Price |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | Free |
| Ages 3–9 | From $17.95 |
| Ages 10–59 | From $23.95 |
| Ages 60+ | From $22.95 |
A valid driving licence, state ID, or current utility bill is required to claim the Franklin County rate. Franklin County residents purchasing online must use a billing address within the county.
Zoo After 2 discount (available until 22 May 2026): Visitors arriving after 2 PM pay $19.95 per person (non-residents) or $14.95 (Franklin County residents). A two-day combo ticket covering one day at the zoo and one day at the adjacent Zoombezi Bay water park costs $59.95 for adults and $56.95 for children; visits do not need to be on consecutive days.
The zoo is a cashless facility. All transactions are by card only. Tickets can be booked online to save time.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in May 2026.
City pass schemes: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is included in the Columbus Attractions Pass (available as a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass via Experience Columbus). Other attractions included in the same pass are the Columbus Museum of Art, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The zoo is also accessible via the Culture Pass, available at select branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
How to get to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The zoo is located in Powell, approximately 20 miles north of downtown Columbus via US-23 or I-270. By public transport, COTA operates a dedicated Zoo Bus from Columbus; discount coupons for the service are available on the zoo’s discounts page. There is no other regular bus route to the zoo.
Parking at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Parking costs $12 per vehicle and can be purchased online in advance or at the parking booths on arrival. On-site parking is available directly adjacent to the zoo entrance.
How long to spend at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Most visitors spend between four and six hours at the zoo to cover the main regions. The zoo spans eight distinct areas (see below) and covers a large site, so a full day is required to visit everything in detail. Families with young children may find five to six hours comfortable with breaks.
Accessibility at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The zoo provides accessible routes throughout; look for brown signage indicating accessible pathways. Wheelchair rental is $15.00 (plus tax) and electric scooter rental is $37.00 (plus tax), both available at the entrance while supplies last. A complimentary ticket is provided for a caregiver accompanying a visitor with a documented disability; contact (614) 724-3489 or [email protected] to arrange this in advance.
Quiet Hours take place on the first Sunday of every month during the first four hours of operation. These provide a more sensory-friendly environment with reduced sounds, music, and visual stimuli. Sensory kits (including noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices) are available to rent at Guest Relations for a $10 refundable deposit. KultureCity sensory bags can also be requested from Guest Relations. Sensory maps for each region of the zoo are available to download from the accessibility page of the official website.
Inside the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: what to see
The zoo is divided into eight regions, each focusing on a different part of the world or ecosystem.
Adventure Cove is the zoo’s entertainment hub, featuring rides, the 4-D Theater, sea lion and seal encounters, and Stingray Bay. From 26 June to 25 July 2026, this area hosts Adventure Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 PM to 10 PM, featuring free movies, live music, and access to the adjacent Zoombezi Bay water park at a discounted rate.
Asia Quest is home to tigers, giant pandas, and Asian small-clawed otters, alongside a range of bird and reptile species from across Asia. Congo Expedition features western lowland gorillas, bonobos, and African forest elephants within a recreated central African environment.
Heart of Africa houses giraffes (with a paid feeding experience available seasonally), cheetahs, zebras, and rhinos in open-plan habitats. Polar Frontier is dedicated to polar bears and Arctic foxes.
Shores and Aquarium includes manatees, penguins, and multiple aquatic exhibits. North America covers native wildlife including bison and bald eagles, while Australia and the Islands features wallabies, koalas, and Komodo dragons.
The zoo is home to over 10,000 animals. Free keeper talks and animal presentations take place throughout the day; schedules are posted at the main entrance and on the zoo’s mobile app.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive at opening time to see the most animal activity; many species are less active during afternoon heat in summer. |
| Purchase tickets online in advance to save time at the gate and to lock in the online price, which is lower than the walk-up rate. |
| Download the free Columbus Zoo app (available for iOS and Android) for an interactive map, keeper talk schedules, and real-time wait information. |
| The zoo is cashless, so ensure you have a payment card; cash is not accepted at any point of sale on site. |
| You may exit and re-enter on the same day provided you receive a hand stamp at the exit gate. |
Frequently asked questions about Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium suitable for children? | Yes. The zoo has dedicated play areas, rides suitable for young children in Adventure Cove, and accessible stroller routes throughout. Children under 3 enter free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium? | Advance booking is not required, but purchasing online is recommended to avoid queuing at the gate and to benefit from the lower online price. |
| Is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium open on Sundays? | Yes, the zoo is open every Sunday. The first Sunday of each month also features Quiet Hours during the first four hours of operation. |
| Are bags allowed at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium? | Yes. Visitors may bring bags. Strollers and wagons are also permitted, with designated parking areas at certain attractions. |
| Is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium open in winter? | Yes, with reduced hours. From November through February the zoo generally opens between 10 AM and 12 PM and closes at 4–5 PM. The seasonal Wildlights event extends evening hours during part of December. |
Things to do near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Zoombezi Bay – The zoo’s on-site water park is directly adjacent to the main zoo entrance. A two-day combo ticket covering one visit to each attraction is available from the zoo’s ticket page.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Located approximately 20 miles south in central Columbus, this conservatory features permanent botanical collections and the permanent Chihuly glass art installation.
COSI Columbus – A large science centre in downtown Columbus with interactive exhibits suitable for children and adults, approximately 25 miles from the zoo.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum – A memorial and museum on the Columbus riverfront dedicated to American veterans, included in the Columbus Attractions Pass alongside the zoo.
The Wilds – A safari conservation centre in Cumberland, Ohio, approximately 75 miles south-east of the zoo, offering open-air tour vehicles through large animal habitats. Columbus Zoo members receive a 50% discount on tours.
What to visit tomorrow: other zoos within two hours of Columbus
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – One of the oldest zoos in the United States, located approximately 110 miles south of Columbus in Cincinnati, Ohio (under two hours by road).
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – A large municipal zoo in Cleveland, approximately 145 miles north of Columbus (around two hours by road), with an extensive rainforest building.
Toledo Zoo and Aquarium – Located 150 miles north-west of Columbus in Toledo, Ohio, the Toledo Zoo holds one of the country’s larger hippopotamus exhibits and a significant aquarium.
Akron Zoo – A mid-sized zoo in Akron, approximately 130 miles north-east of Columbus, with a focus on conservation and several hands-on animal encounter options.
Indianapolis Zoo – Located approximately 175 miles west of Columbus in Indianapolis, Indiana (around two hours by road), featuring a dolphin pavilion, orangutan experience, and a botanical garden on the same site.
More Ohio travel
Other Ohio travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- Getting to Cleveland: The best stops on the Toledo to Cleveland drive and Pittsburgh to Cleveland drive.
- Road trips from Cleveland: Guide to the Cleveland to Chicago drive.
- What to expect when visiting the Cincinnati Art Museum in Ohio.
- Cincinnati road trip guides: Take on the Cincinnati to Chicago drive.
