The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is likely one of the hottest points of interest in Ohio, the place you will see that greater than 7,000 animals throughout almost 600 acres.
You’ll need to spend a full day there, if not a number of days. Fortunately, yow will discover low cost Columbus Zoo tickets by way of approved sellers so that you’ve extra to spend on enjoyable extras like giraffe feedings and upgraded experiences.
All the pieces you must find out about getting Columbus Zoo low cost tickets and a few useful data you want to your go to is listed beneath. This manner, you don’t must strive promo codes, coupons, and different offers that don’t work.
It can save you on tickets, excursions, and inns by way of my affiliations. If you happen to make purchases by way of the hyperlinks on this put up, I could also be compensated.
Gate Costs for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The price of Columbus Zoo tickets on the gate are as follows for many who aren’t residents of Franklin County:
- Adults (ages 10–59): $24.99
- Youngster (ages 3–9): $18.99
- Ages 0–2: FREE
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18.99
If you happen to had been to buy on-line by way of their web site, you’ll additionally pay a $2 processing price and a $3 conservation price. Company are inspired to pay the $10 parking price on-line earlier than arriving on the Zoo.
You may as well buy a 2-day bundle the place you get admission for in the future to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and one other day to go to the sister Zoombezi Bay water park. The Zoombezi Bay working season is from the start to the tip of summer season, so you’ll be able to solely purchase this bundle in the summertime when Zoombezi Bay is open.
If you wish to avoid wasting cash on gate costs, take a look at all of the reductions beneath and see what it can save you.
The Finest Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Low cost Ticket Choices
As talked about already, you’ve gotten a number of choices you’ve gotten for locating discounted Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tickets. The low cost varies relying on while you go to and whether or not you meet some eligibility necessities.
1. Discounted Single-Day Common Admission Tickets
Among the finest methods to buy tickets at a reduced fee is thru aRes Journey. They’re a licensed vendor of Columbus Zoo tickets. We use them to promote tickets to Disneyland, Common Studios, San Diego Zoo, and different main theme parks throughout the nation.
aRes Journey costs a $2 per ticket processing price, however you’ll nonetheless come out forward.
Similar to the traditional admission worth for entry to the zoo, your ticket is legitimate any day that the zoo is open, which is on daily basis of the 12 months besides Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. So, you’ve gotten numerous flexibility in utilizing these discounted tickets.

2. Franklin County Resident Low cost
You may obtain discounted tickets to the Columbus Zoo should you dwell in Franklin County, the place the Zoo is positioned.
Franklin County Residents can use a sound driver’s license, a state ID, or a present utility invoice to show they dwell in Franklin County. These resident reductions are good all 12 months lengthy for common admission.
- Adults (ages 10–59): $24.99
- Youngster (ages 3–9): $18.99
- Ages 0–2: FREE
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18.99
Moreover, this common attraction affords occasional Franklin County Neighborhood Days all year long the place county residents can buy tickets at 50% off. Verify the calendar for dates.

3. Columbus Zoo Membership Choices
If you happen to go to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium typically sufficient, having one of many Zoo memberships is the easiest way to economize. There are a number of choices for Zoo memberships or season passes, however all of them embody free admission and free parking.
As well as, you additionally get hold of additional discounts and benefits, which may differ based mostly in your membership class. Members can benefit from seasonal Early Member Mornings the place they will enter the Zoo earlier than most people.
When you select your membership, you’ll be able to activate it online utilizing your ticket or voucher quantity. Then, your membership card will probably be mailed to you, or you’ll be able to decide it up in particular person on the season go processing workplace. It can save you a further $5 per membership if you are going to buy your membership on-line.
The entire financial savings varies by the membership, however after simply a few visits, you’ll make up for the price of the membership.
Gold Particular person
The Gold Particular person membership is one of the best worth, given all the advantages you get. Along with the free admission, you should have free rides, animal feedings, and admission to the theater and Zoombezi Bay. The membership is just for one particular person.
Household Plus
The preferred membership on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the Household Plus membership which supplies membership advantages to 2 main named grownup members in the identical family plus both dependent youngsters or their grandchildren as much as the age of 21. You additionally get admission for 2 further named or unnamed adults.
Household
The Household Membership is much like the Household Plus membership, however it doesn’t embody admission for the 2 further adults. But it surely nonetheless contains admission for both dependent youngsters or grandchildren.
Particular person Plus
One other particular person possibility, aside from the Gold Particular person membership, is the Particular person Plus membership which lets you go to with one unnamed grownup throughout each go to to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Particular person
You may as well go for the person membership, which permits you (and no company) entry to the Zoo all 12 months lengthy.
Household Entry Membership
Lastly, there’s a Household Entry Membership which is a reduced membership class for households in applications like WIC, Medicaid, and the Ohio Course EBT Card.
You can not purchase this membership on-line, as it’s important to present proof that you’re in one of many qualifying applications and supply a photograph ID. This membership additionally permits entry for main named members of the identical household.
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Group Reductions
The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay each supply group reductions that you could benefit from when you have 25 or extra folks visiting the zoo in your group. Choices for group reductions are listed beneath.

Franklin County Group Outings
In case you are planning a gaggle outing with a gaggle from Franklin County, you get a good larger low cost than Franklin county residents already do.
Admission with these discounted tickets is:
- Adults (ages 10–59): $16
- Children (ages 3–9): $11
- Children (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $11
Non-Franklin County Group Outings
You may nonetheless plan a gaggle outing and obtain a reduction in case your group isn’t a part of Franklin County. Your low cost will probably be $0.99 per particular person.
- Adults (ages 10–59): $24
- Children (ages 3–9): $18
- Children (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18
College Group Reductions
There are additionally discounts to the zoo that schools can use if they’re organizing a area journey. The {qualifications} for college group reductions are somewhat completely different than the opposite group reductions, and also you solely want 15 folks within the college group.
Relying on when you find yourself visiting, whether or not or not you’ve gotten a state-certified curriculum, and whether or not or not you’ve gotten proof of tax exemption, like being a non-profit, your group fee will differ.
5. Seasonal Columbus Zoo Provides
You may as well discover some Columbus Zoo tickets that adjust relying on the time of 12 months you go to.
Wildlights
Wildlights is a particular vacation occasion the place the entire Zoo is roofed in Christmas lights. You additionally will have the ability to go to Santa and partake in different festive actions.
Whereas there isn’t a particular low cost for the occasion, you should use the affords listed on this article, and also you obtain entry to extra occasions throughout the occasion.
Sensory-Pleasant Santa Expertise
This occasion is just $5 for folks with sensory wants and their households to take part in. It features a go to with Santa in a much less stimulating atmosphere.
The capability of the occasion is managed, and there are lowered sounds. Children who’ve sensory wants will take pleasure in seeing Santa with decreased visible stimulation.
6. Donor Memberships
You may as well turn into a member of the Columbus Zoo with a donation. You can also make a number of ranges of donations, and you’ll be invited to particular occasions relying in your donor stage.
Colo Society
The best donor membership stage is for many who donate $1,000 or extra. You’ll take part in particular occasions to see how your cash helps enhance the Zoo and the lives of the animals.
Keepers Membership
Another choice is the Keepers Membership which requires a donation of $500 or $750. Relying on which quantity you donate, you’re both serving to wildlife conservation efforts or funding breakthrough enhancements on the Zoo, which assist take care of the animals.

7. Half-Value Winter Admission
I don’t see something launched for 2023 but, however I might encourage the consumer to test once more nearer to January. In 2022, this supply ran from mid-January to mid-March.
8. AAA Low cost to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo doesn’t particularly supply tickets for AAA members, however you’ll be able to go to your native AAA retailer or go on the AAA website to buy tickets.
The low cost on Columbus Zoo tickets for AAA members can differ, so contact AAA with any questions.
9. Army Reductions to the Columbus Zoo
Each energetic and non-active responsibility navy members are eligible for a Columbus Zoo low cost year-round. The low cost is $2 off for as much as six tickets.
These discounted tickets can solely be purchased on the ticket home windows, and you have to present a sound navy ID.
10. COTA Zoo Bus Buyer Columbus Zoo Low cost
The Columbus Zoo affords a reduction to guests who experience the seasonal COTA Zoo Bus as a means to assist maintain the planet clear and protected for the animals and us.
The Zoo Bus operates from early Might to late October, and repair instances differ. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are providers seven days per week, so you’ll be able to benefit from the low cost for COTA Zoo Bus prospects at any time when it’s handy for you. Through the shoulder season, the zoo bus has restricted service on weekends.
The Zoo Bus makes stops on the following locations earlier than dropping you off on the Zoo’s entrance:
- Statehouse
- Excessive & Broad
- W. Spring Road and N. Entrance Road
- Griggs Dam Park & Journey
- Dublin Park & Journey
COTA Zoo Bus prospects are eligible for $3 admission to the zoo, which is likely one of the greatest reductions they provide. You’ll obtain your voucher for $3 admission while you register to experience the zoo bus. Then, you’ll be able to redeem the voucher on the ticket window.
11. Reciprocal Admission — 50% Off
In case you are a member of a zoo or aquarium on this list, you’ll obtain 50% off common admission. Reciprocal members should current their zoo or aquarium membership card and a sound photograph ID at any ticket window.
The reciprocal low cost for different zoos and aquariums doesn’t apply to parking or Zoombezi Bay tickets. Reciprocal Zoos and Aquariums embody Cincinnati Zoo, Smithsonian Nationwide Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and lots of others.
12. Ticket Donations for Non-Income or Sure Authorities Businesses
Whereas these aren’t cheaper tickets that you could purchase, you may as well request charitable donations for the Columbus Zoo. So, that somebody who can profit can obtain free tickets.
Ticket Donation Requests
Organizations can request 4 Columbus Zoo tickets for raffles and auctions so long as necessities are met, comparable to the placement and tax standing of the group.
Group Grants
Organizations which can be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits or authorities companies with tax-exempt standing positioned in Franklin County may request blocks of tickets. Grants are topic to approval, and the tickets should assist meet the group’s objectives one way or the other.
Different In-Sort Donations
In case your request doesn’t meet both of the above sorts of donation requests, you’ll be able to request different donations like present baskets, excursions, and sponsorships.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Ticket Upgrades and Add-Ons
Along with your admission ticket, you’ll have to pay different charges, comparable to parking, or select to improve your stick with lockers or different facilities.
Parking
Parking price is $10 per automobile. There is no such thing as a possibility for discounted parking, and the parking fee is nonrefundable.
If you happen to do not need a automobile, need to keep away from parking, or simply need to assist the atmosphere, you’ll be able to take the COTA Zoo Bus for $2 every means. And, as talked about above, you’ll obtain a reduction on Columbus Zoo tickets while you take the Zoo Bus.
Lockers
You may as well pay to hire a locker throughout your day on the zoo. They’ve two lockers accessible to hire, small and huge, and it’s important to put down a $5 refundable deposit for every locker you hire, no matter measurement. The small lockers are $8 to hire for the day, and the big lockers are $10.
Excursions & Experiences
You may improve your day by reserving a behind-the-scenes tour that may get you up near wildlife, comparable to visiting the reindeer habitat, serving to to provide elephants baths, and studying extra about cheetahs. You may even e-book a VIP tour and have your individual private tour information and golf cart.

Vital Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Suggestions for Visiting
You should have a good time on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, particularly should you purchase discounted tickets.
Be sure you put on good strolling footwear, because the Zoo is massive and there are over 800 animal species to see. You may hire a handbook wheelchair or electrical scooter should you need assistance getting round. Service canine are allowed within the park, and there are nursing stations, grownup altering stations, and sensory baggage accessible to assist make the Zoo grounds a welcoming place for everybody.
You may as well use Creature Money, which is like regular money that you could spend all through the Zoo. Bank cards are accepted in most locations, however there are additionally ATMs across the park.
Apart from seeing all of the animals or visiting Zoombezi Bay, there are numerous attractions at the Zoo. Be sure that to take a look at a few of the following:
- The Grand Carousel Journey (Shores Area)
- The North America Practice Journey (North America area)
- Dinosaur Island Boat Journey (Australia and Island area)
- Pony Encounter experience (North American area)
- Shores Play Park (Shores area adjoining to Discovery Reef)
- Discovery Reef
- Stingray Bay
- Safari Golf Membership
You might be allowed to re-enter the Zoo on the identical day so long as you obtain a hand stamp while you exit and present it on the Zoo’s entrance while you come again.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Regularly Requested Questions (FAQ)
Does the Columbus Zoo supply a Kroger low cost?
Sure. Kroger is the official grocer of the Columbus Zoo, so they provide varied reductions and memberships for his or her prospects. You’ll find discounted tickets to the zoo and Zoombezi Bay by visiting your native central Ohio Kroger.
Does the Columbus Zoo supply a reduction for the Wildlights annual occasion?
No. The speed for admission to the Columbus zoo stays the identical for the Wildlights occasion, which takes place on the finish of yearly. You should use the reductions above for tickets to the Wildlights annual occasion.
Does the Columbus Zoo supply a instructor low cost?
No. The Columbus Zoo doesn’t at present supply reductions for lecturers.
What Reductions Exterior of Columbus Zoo Do Members Obtain?
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members get additional discounts to different locations and occasions in Columbus as an extra profit to their membership.
The Wilds
Members of the Zoo obtain 50% off Open Air Safari Excursions.
Member Benefit
As a zoo member, it can save you $3 on admission to many museums and historical past facilities all through Columbus. You simply want to point out your Zoo card to obtain the low cost.
Columbus Crew
There are choose video games throughout the Columbus Crew season the place Zoo members are supplied particular pricing.
The Ohio State College
Zoo members obtain reductions on sure OSU sporting occasions.
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