Good Eats Columbus

Growing up I loved going to the Zoo. What was once a small zoo with a few animals has grown over the past 30 years.

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium has become recognized across the country and rated as a top Zoo in the United States, consistently among the top three. The park is super clean, access friendly with tons parking and walking paths for everyone to move about easily, and the staff does a great job maintaining the park and caring for the animals.

You could say we are proud! Being from Columbus, the Zoo holds a special place in our hearts; and so, do the animals.

Admissions

Zoo hours can be found here. They are open every day of the year besides Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

My family and I have a Zoo membership, where we get different perks on admissions, free parking, gift shop discounts and discounts on Zoombezi Bay, a water park attached to the zoo, and 50% discount on Open-Air Safari Tours at the Wilds.

We love having a membership because with little kids, we don’t always want to commit to staying all day, and if we bought regular tickets we’d feel like we have to. With the membership, you can go for a few hours, get some steps in, and visit again anytime. It provides a fun way to entertain the kids, without an all day commitment.

Membership:

Gold Individual

Your very own all-access pass! Free admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, free rides**, free animal feedings** and free admission to the 4-D Theater**, PLUS free admission to Zoombezi Bay while membership is valid, and all Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holder benefits. Child rates ages 3-9 are available.

• $204.95* (Reg $219.95) – Franklin County Resident Price
• $234.95* (Reg $249.95) – Non-Resident Online Price

Family Plus

Admits up to two (2) primary named adults in the same household plus up to six (6) either dependent children OR grandchildren (not both) up to age 18 to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This also includes up to two named or unnamed guests.

• $294.95* (Reg $319.95) – Franklin County Resident Price
• $379.95* (Reg $399.95) – Non-Resident Online Price

If you are not local and just visiting Columbus, I still encourage you to check out a fun day at the Zoo. It’s worth it! There’s lots to see you keep you busy.

Individual

Admits one named adult to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

• $84.95* – Franklin County Resident
• $104.95* – Non-Resident Online Price

Individual Plus

Admits one named adult plus one unnamed guest to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

• $134.95* – Franklin County Resident
• $174.95* – Non-Resident Online Price

Family

Admits up to two (2) primary named adults in the same household plus up to six (6) either dependent children OR grandchildren (not both) up to age 18 to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

• $194.95* – Franklin County Resident
• $259.95* – Non-Resident Online Price
• $64.95 – Discovery Family Membership Price

Daily Admissions

Columbus Zoo Day Pass

Guest Age	General Admission
Guests under age 3	Free
Guests ages 3-9	Starting at $26.95
Guests ages 10-59	Starting at $33.95
Guests ages 60+	Starting at $31.95

Columbus Zoo Day Pass (For guest who reside within Franklin County, OH)

Guest Age	General Admission
Guests under age 3	Free
Guests ages 3-9	Starting at $17.95
Guests ages 10-59	Starting at $23.95
Guests ages 60+	Starting at $22.95

They also offer two day passes and discounted tickets for visiting the Zoo after 2 pm between March 1st and May 22nd.

Also check out what available discounts the Zoo offers and hotel and ticket packages to help you save!

Food & Drinks

The Zoo provides several spots to eat. Scattered throughout the park is mini specialty food carts, that provide snacks like popcorn, pretzels and drinks. There are spots to pick up a beer for the adults. Additionally, in the back of the Zoo is a food court, called Congo River Market Food Court, with indoor seating and four different spots to order from. In the front of the Zoo, there is a burger place called Wild Burger, that serves fries, burgers, chicken fingers and drinks. This location has outdoor seating.

For the coffee enthusiasts, there’s the Village Coffee Shop and Shores Park Cafe.

The Zoo does allow you to bring a cooler bag of drinks and food. I usually pack up some sandwiches and drinks for the kids for us to find a shady spot to enjoy. Conservation Lake is at the center of the Zoo and a great place to enjoy a treat.

Check out their website for more food and drink options!

Things to Do

The Zoo will keep you busy all day. Over 10,000 animals representing 600 different species, there is certainly something for everyone. The park is located on over 400 acres.

They offer multiple fun events throughout the year. Some of which have become family traditions that we attend each year. The Zoo offers events that are sensory friendly, 21+ only, family and members only, so there’s something for everyone.

With a full calendar of things to choose from, there certainly isn’t a boring day at the Zoo. Events for Earth Day, Easter Hunt around the park, Boo at the Zoo, for Halloween fun, Wild Lights, and many more, keep things hoppin’.

Wild Lights

It’s not the holidays without a visit to the Wild Lights! The Zoo offers a beautiful and detailed display of lights throughout the park. They are simply wonderful to see. In the middle of the park is the pond, that is decorated with lights that sequence to themed music.

The park offers hot chocolate and yearly themed mugs for purchase. A great way to snuggle up and enjoy a warm drink as you stroll through the park.

Feeding Animals, Animal Tours & The Wilds

The Zoo offers many unique experiences, such as Animal Wellness Experience, Baby Elephant Experience, along with Cheetah, Elephant Bath, Kangaroo, Giraffe Feeding, Koala Experiences, and more! Each experience hosts a fun and engaging moment with amazing animals.

Conclusion

It’s always a pleasure each time we visit the Zoo. The time we share as a family is one we don’t forget. We are proud of how this Zoo has grown over the years and has become well recognized and known for its great care towards the animals and care for the park, guest and staff.

You won’t regret a great day at the Zoo!