Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Tours

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium showing marine life, dangerous animals and land animals
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium showing marine life, dangerous animals and land animals
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium which includes zoo animals
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium featuring zoo animals, cuddly or friendly animals and land animals
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium which includes zoo animals and dangerous animals


Have the African jungle, the Australian outback and the wildlife of the world at your fingertips at this acclaimed city zoo.

The Columbus Zoo is home to over 700 species of wildlife from around the world. Species include rare animals from jungles, deserts, forests and even the icy Arctic. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is among the most popular zoos in the United States. With the zoo’s exciting continent-themed exhibits and interactive displays featuring over 9,000 animals, it’s easy to see why that is true. The Columbus Zoo has been in continuous operation since 1927 and now includes two exhilarating adventure parks: Zoombezi Bay and Jungle Jack’s Landing. 

Explore the zoo’s spacious 90-acre (36-hectare) estate with the whole family and transport yourself to Asia, North America and its polar front, Africa, Southeast Asian islands and exciting and diverse seashores of the world.Visit exotic animals like the endangered black rhino or the Asian elephant.

Go to the African Forest, inhabited by over 700 species of African plant life and home to gorillas, monkeys and leopards.

Venture into the darkness on a simulated night hike through the Australian outback and meet lorikeets, koalas and kangaroos in the garden.

Kids will love the Shores Region, an exhibit dedicated to island wildlife. Handle a real starfish at the Tidepool Touchtank and see an array of slithering snakes and lizards in the Reptile Building. Dip your hand in the water to touch stingrays in Stingray Bay.

Kids will have lots of energy after meeting all those animals, so let them loose on the fun-filled zoo playgrounds. Take them for a spin on the old-fashioned carousel or the Bob Evans Express Train Ride. For an extra admission cost, go on the wild rides at Zoombezi Bay and Jungle Jack’s Landing or relax with a round of Safari Golf, located next door. Jungle Jack’s is named after the zoo’s former director and American patron for wildlife, Jack Hanna.

Columbus Zoo is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas but opening hours change with the seasons. There are reduced admission rates for those aged under 9 and over 60. Half-price discounts apply in the colder months. On-site parking is available for a fee.

Plan a trip to see Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
DogHouse Columbus
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel

Reviews of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
520
5 - Excellent 76%
4 - Good
115
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
36
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
11
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was beautiful to go to see the Animals, but even better to see Christmas Lights at the Zoo! "Columbus Zoo and Wildlights" was WILD!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go for 2 days! Trying to see the whole zoo in 1 day was a lot so get the 2 day pass and split it up!

5/5 - Excellent

Barbie

Wear comfortable shoes!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

You need two days at this zoo with little ones

5/5 - Excellent

Family

Zoombezi Bay was great fun!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Allow 2 days to visit especially if you go to the waterpark. Best plan1 day at water park and 2 zoo days

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Walk to Muirfield – Backyard Pavilion & 2 Fire Pits for Ultimate Relaxation!

Walk to Muirfield – Backyard Pavilion & 2 Fire Pits for Ultimate Relaxation!

Shawnee Hills OH
Walk to Muirfield – Backyard Pavilion & 2 Fire Pits for Ultimate Relaxation!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin

Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin

3.5 out of 5
5100 Upper Metro Pl Dublin OH
Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin
Spacious Luxury modern home

Spacious Luxury modern home

Dublin OH
Spacious Luxury modern home
THE RIVERHOUSE-RIVERFRONT. 3 minutes to Bridge Park, Columbus Zoo

THE RIVERHOUSE-RIVERFRONT. 3 minutes to Bridge Park, Columbus Zoo

Dublin OH
THE RIVERHOUSE-RIVERFRONT. 3 minutes to Bridge Park, Columbus Zoo
Buckeye condo with hot tub and pool table

Buckeye condo with hot tub and pool table

Powell OH
Buckeye condo with hot tub and pool table
Modern & Cozy 2BR Townhouse

Modern & Cozy 2BR Townhouse

2 out of 5
Dublin OH
Modern & Cozy 2BR Townhouse
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus - Dublin 

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus - Dublin 

2.5 out of 5
5125 Post Rd Dublin OH
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus - Dublin 
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Dublin

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Dublin

3 out of 5
7150 Sawmill Road Columbus OH
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Dublin
Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin

Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin

2.5 out of 5
3920 Tuller Rd Dublin OH
Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Shopping

For shopping near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, visit Morgan House Gift Shop (1.4km), Bloomin Beads, Etc. (1.6km), and The Candle Lab (3.2km) for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out nearby shopping centers for more options.

Recreation

Explore Highbanks Metro Park for serene nature walks and peaceful picnics, just 8.0km from the zoo, offering a perfect blend of wellness and relaxation. For sports enthusiasts, the Golf Club of Dublin invites you to enjoy an invigorating round of golf, only 9.7km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Zoombezi Bay Waterpark, located 483m from the zoo, featuring exciting water slides and family fun. For karting enthusiasts, Magic Mountain Fun Center, 12.9km away, offers adrenaline-pumping races, while Lazer Kraze, 8.0km away, delivers an exhilarating arcade adventure for all ages.

Nightlife

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers unique nighttime experiences, like the Zoo's Wildlights during winter. Nearby, enjoy vibrant nightlife at the Short North Arts District, featuring trendy bars and live music venues. Don’t miss the local breweries and art galleries for a lively evening atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, located in Powell, Ohio, is a prime destination for outdoor and family experiences. Visitors can explore urban parks, historic universities, and entertainment arenas nearby. Known as one of the best accredited zoos, it offers exclusive exhibits and beautiful zoo grounds, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a fun and educational adventure in the area.

  • Ohio State University: Located 19.3km from the zoo, Ohio State University offers a vibrant campus steeped in history and culture. Explore its stunning architecture, art galleries, and lively student atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in American collegiate life.
  • Schottenstein Center: Just 17.7km away, the Schottenstein Center is a premier venue for sports and entertainment. Attend a thrilling game or a concert here, where families can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.
  • Alum Creek State Park: Only 12.9km from the zoo, Alum Creek State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures like kayaking or picnicking, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.

Best time to go to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The best time to visit Columbus Zoo and Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Columbus Zoo and Aquarium falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Columbus Zoo and Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.2°F (-2.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February31.1°F (-0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
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