The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is without doubt one of the hottest points of interest in Ohio, the place you will see greater than 7,000 animals throughout almost 600 acres.
You’ll wish to spend a full day there, if not a number of days. Thankfully, you will discover low cost Columbus Zoo tickets by licensed sellers so that you’ve extra to spend on enjoyable extras like giraffe feedings and upgraded experiences.
Everything you have to find out about getting Columbus Zoo low cost tickets and a few useful info you want to your go to is listed beneath. This method, you don’t should attempt promo codes, coupons, and different offers that don’t work.
You can save on tickets, excursions, and inns by my affiliations. If you make purchases by the hyperlinks on this put up, I could also be compensated.
Gate Prices for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The value of Columbus Zoo tickets on the gate are as follows for individuals who aren’t residents of Franklin County:
- Adults (ages 10–59): $24.99
- Child (ages 3–9): $18.99
- Ages 0–2: FREE
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18.99
If you have been to buy on-line by their web site, you’ll additionally pay a $2 processing payment and a $3 conservation payment. Guests are inspired to pay the $10 parking payment on-line earlier than arriving on the Zoo.
You also can buy a 2-day bundle the place you get admission for at some point 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 possibly can 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 Best Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Discount Ticket Options
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 if you go to and whether or not you meet some eligibility necessities.
1. Discounted Single-Day General Admission Tickets
One of the very best methods to buy tickets at a reduced price is thru aRes Travel. They are a certified vendor of Columbus Zoo tickets. We use them to promote tickets to Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo, and different main theme parks throughout the nation.
aRes Travel prices a $2 per ticket processing payment, however you’ll nonetheless come out forward.
Just like the conventional admission worth for entry to the zoo, your ticket is legitimate any day that the zoo is open, which is every single day of the 12 months besides Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. So, you’ve gotten plenty of flexibility in utilizing these discounted tickets.
2. Franklin County Resident Discount
You can obtain discounted tickets to the Columbus Zoo when 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
- Child (ages 3–9): $18.99
- Ages 0–2: FREE
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18.99
Additionally, this common attraction provides occasional Franklin County Community Days all year long the place county residents should purchase tickets at 50% off. Check the calendar for dates.
3. Columbus Zoo Membership Options
If you go to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium typically sufficient, having one of many Zoo memberships is one of the best ways to economize. There are a number of choices for Zoo memberships or season passes, however all of them embody free admission and free parking.
In addition, you additionally get hold of further reductions and advantages, which may fluctuate based mostly in your membership class. Members can reap the benefits of seasonal Early Member Mornings the place they’ll enter the Zoo earlier than most of the people.
Once you select your membership, you possibly can activate it on-line utilizing your ticket or voucher quantity. Then, your membership card will probably be mailed to you, or you possibly can decide it up in individual on the season move processing workplace. You can save an extra $5 per membership if you buy your membership on-line.
The whole financial savings varies by the membership, however after simply a few visits, you’ll make up for the price of the membership.
Gold Individual
The Gold Individual membership is the very best worth, given all the advantages you get. In addition to the free admission, you should have free rides, animal feedings, and admission to the theater and Zoombezi Bay. The membership is just for one individual.
Family Plus
The hottest membership on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the Family Plus membership which provides 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.
Family
The Family Membership is much like the Family Plus membership, nevertheless it doesn’t embody admission for the 2 further adults. But it nonetheless consists of admission for both dependent youngsters or grandchildren.
Individual Plus
Another particular person possibility, aside from the Gold Individual membership, is the Individual Plus membership which lets you go to with one unnamed grownup throughout each go to to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Individual
You also can go for the person membership, which permits you (and no visitors) entry to the Zoo all 12 months lengthy.
Family Access Membership
Finally, there’s a Family Access Membership which is a reduced membership class for households in applications like WIC, Medicaid, and the Ohio Direction EBT Card.
You can not purchase this membership on-line, as you need 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 Discounts
The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay each provide group reductions that you may reap the benefits of you probably have 25 or extra folks visiting the zoo in your group. Options for group reductions are listed beneath.
Franklin County Group Outings
If you’re planning a bunch outing with a bunch from Franklin County, you get an excellent larger low cost than Franklin county residents already do.
Admission with these discounted tickets is:
- Adults (ages 10–59): $16
- Kids (ages 3–9): $11
- Kids (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $11
Non-Franklin County Group Outings
You can nonetheless plan a bunch outing and obtain a reduction in case your group shouldn’t be a part of Franklin County. Your low cost will probably be $0.99 per individual.
- Adults (ages 10–59): $24
- Kids (ages 3–9): $18
- Kids (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18
School Group Discounts
There are additionally reductions to the zoo that colleges can use if they’re organizing a area journey. The {qualifications} for college group reductions are somewhat totally different than the opposite group reductions, and also you solely want 15 folks within the college group.
Depending 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 price will fluctuate.
5. Seasonal Columbus Zoo Offers
You also can discover some Columbus Zoo tickets that modify 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.
While there isn’t a particular low cost for the occasion, you should utilize the provides listed on this article, and also you obtain entry to extra occasions in the course of the occasion.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience
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 surroundings.
The capability of the occasion is managed, and there are decreased sounds. Kids who’ve sensory wants will get pleasure from seeing Santa with decreased visible stimulation.
6. Donor Memberships
You also can grow to be a member of the Columbus Zoo with a donation. You could make a number of ranges of donations, and you can be invited to particular occasions relying in your donor degree.
Colo Society
The highest donor membership degree is for individuals who donate $1,000 or extra. You will take part in particular occasions to see how your cash helps enhance the Zoo and the lives of the animals.
Keepers Club
Another possibility is the Keepers Club which requires a donation of $500 or $750. Depending on which quantity you donate, you’re both serving to wildlife conservation efforts or funding breakthrough enhancements on the Zoo, which assist look after the animals.
7. Half-Price Winter Admission
I don’t see something launched for 2023 but, however I might encourage the consumer to verify once more nearer to January. In 2022, this provide ran from mid-January to mid-March.
8. AAA Discount to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo doesn’t particularly provide tickets for AAA members, however you possibly can go to your native AAA retailer or go on the AAA web site to buy tickets.
The low cost on Columbus Zoo tickets for AAA members can fluctuate, so contact AAA with any questions.
9. Military Discounts to the Columbus Zoo
Both lively 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 need to present a sound navy ID.
10. COTA Zoo Bus Customer Columbus Zoo Discount
The Columbus Zoo provides a reduction to guests who experience the seasonal COTA Zoo Bus as a method to assist hold the planet clear and secure for the animals and us.
The Zoo Bus operates from early May to late October, and repair occasions fluctuate. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are providers seven days every week, so you possibly can reap the benefits of the low cost for COTA Zoo Bus clients at any time when it’s handy for you. During 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
- High & Broad
- W. Spring Street and N. Front Street
- Griggs Dam Park & Ride
- Dublin Park & Ride
COTA Zoo Bus clients are eligible for $3 admission to the zoo, which is without doubt one of the largest reductions they provide. You will obtain your voucher for $3 admission if you register to experience the zoo bus. Then, you possibly can redeem the voucher on the ticket window.
11. Reciprocal Admission — 50% Off
If you’re a member of a zoo or aquarium on this listing, 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 National Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and plenty of others.
12. Ticket Donations for Non-Profits or Certain Government Agencies
While these aren’t cheaper tickets that you may purchase, you can even 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, reminiscent of the placement and tax standing of the group.
Group Grants
Organizations which can be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits or authorities businesses with tax-exempt standing positioned in Franklin County also can request blocks of tickets. Grants are topic to approval, and the tickets should assist meet the group’s objectives in some way.
Other In-Kind Donations
If your request doesn’t meet both of the above forms of donation requests, you possibly can request different donations like present baskets, excursions, and sponsorships.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Ticket Upgrades and Add-Ons
In addition to your admission ticket, you might have to pay different charges, reminiscent of parking, or select to improve your stick with lockers or different facilities.
Parking
Parking payment is $10 per automotive. There is not any possibility for discounted parking, and the parking price is nonrefundable.
If you don’t have a automotive, wish to keep away from parking, or simply wish to assist the surroundings, you possibly can take the COTA Zoo Bus for $2 every method. And, as talked about above, you’ll obtain a reduction on Columbus Zoo tickets if you take the Zoo Bus.
Lockers
You also can pay to hire a locker throughout your day on the zoo. They have two lockers accessible to hire, small and enormous, and you need 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.
Tours & Experiences
You can improve your day by reserving a behind-the-scenes tour that can get you up near wildlife, reminiscent of 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 personal private tour information and golf cart.
Important Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Tips for Visiting
You may have a good time on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, particularly when you purchase discounted tickets.
Make positive you put on good strolling footwear, because the Zoo is huge and there are over 800 animal species to see. You can hire a handbook wheelchair or electrical scooter when you need assistance getting round. Service canine are allowed within the park, and there are nursing stations, grownup altering stations, and sensory luggage accessible to assist make the Zoo grounds a welcoming place for everybody.
You also can use Creature Cash, which is like regular money that you may spend all through the Zoo. Credit playing cards are accepted in most locations, however there are additionally ATMs across the park.
Other than seeing all of the animals or visiting Zoombezi Bay, there are plenty of points of interest on the Zoo. Make positive to take a look at a number of the following:
- The Grand Carousel Ride (Shores Region)
- The North America Train Ride (North America area)
- Dinosaur Island Boat Ride (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 Club
You are allowed to re-enter the Zoo on the identical day so long as you obtain a hand stamp if you exit and present it on the Zoo’s entrance if you come again.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Columbus Zoo provide a Kroger low cost?
Yes. Kroger is the official grocer of the Columbus Zoo, so they provide varied reductions and memberships for his or her clients. You can discover discounted tickets to the zoo and Zoombezi Bay by visiting your native central Ohio Kroger.
Does the Columbus Zoo provide a reduction for the Wildlights annual occasion?
No. The price for admission to the Columbus zoo stays the identical for the Wildlights occasion, which takes place on the finish of yearly. You can use the reductions above for tickets to the Wildlights annual occasion.
Does the Columbus Zoo provide a trainer low cost?
No. The Columbus Zoo doesn’t at the moment provide reductions for academics.
What Discounts Outside of Columbus Zoo Do Members Receive?
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members get further reductions 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 Tours.
Member Advantage
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 in the course of the Columbus Crew season the place Zoo members are provided particular pricing.
The Ohio State University
Zoo members obtain reductions on sure OSU sporting occasions.
See additionally learn how to purchase low cost: