Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Grahm S. Jones
Photo provided by Grahm S. Jones
Photo provided by Grahm S. Jones
Photo provided by Grahm S. Jones
Photo provided by Grahm S. Jones


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.
Comfort Suites Grove City - Columbus South
Graduate by Hilton Columbus
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Wyandotte Way - Comfy and Fun, Fam-Friendly Suite

Wyandotte Way - Comfy and Fun, Fam-Friendly Suite

Powell
Wyandotte Way - Comfy and Fun, Fam-Friendly Suite
Perfect Place For Your Columbus Stay

Perfect Place For Your Columbus Stay

Powell
Perfect Place For Your Columbus Stay
THE RIVERHOUSE-RIVERFRONT. 3 minutes to Bridge Park, Columbus Zoo

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

Dublin
THE RIVERHOUSE-RIVERFRONT. 3 minutes to Bridge Park, Columbus Zoo
Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin

Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin

2.5 out of 5
3920 Tuller Rd, Dublin, OH
Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus - Dublin 

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Columbus - Dublin 

2.5 out of 5
5125 Post Rd, I-270 At Exit #17-a, Us-33/sr-161 East, 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
Buckeye condo with hot tub and pool table

Buckeye condo with hot tub and pool table

Powell
Buckeye condo with hot tub and pool table
Powell Oasis: 3BR/2BA Sleeps 9

Powell Oasis: 3BR/2BA Sleeps 9

Powell
Powell Oasis: 3BR/2BA Sleeps 9
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbus Dublin

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbus Dublin

2.5 out of 5
4475 BRIDGE PARK AVENUE, Dublin, OH
SpringHill Suites by Marriott 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

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters, birdwatching, and various sports activities. Don't miss the capital city tours, as well as picture opportunities and interactive experiences that make for memorable visits. For an added thrill, explore Zoombezi Bay and take in the surrounding area sights. This destination offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for all ages!

Shopping

For shopping, visit the Morgan House Gift Shop, just 1.4km from the zoo, or Bloomin Beads, Etc., located 1.6km away. If you're up for a drive, The Mall at Tuttle Crossing is 9.7km away, offering a variety of family and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of Ohio Stadium, located 19.3km from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round at the Safari Golf Club, just 644m away, or relax in the serene surroundings of Highbanks Metro Park, 8.0km away, offering wellness and tranquility.

Adventure

Zoombezi Bay Waterpark, located 483m from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, offers thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. For karting enthusiasts, Magic Mountain Fun Center, situated 12.9km away, provides an adrenaline-pumping racing experience. Meanwhile, ZipZone Outdoor Adventures, 9.7km distant, features exciting zip-lining activities amidst beautiful scenery.

Nightlife

After a day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, visit Lazer Kraze for thrilling arcade adventures, located 8.0km away. For a family-friendly atmosphere, head to Sky Zone, 9.7km from the zoo, offering fun for all ages. Enjoy a night filled with excitement and laughter!

Find the best attractions near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

During your visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio, you'll find a variety of attractions including urban parks, historic colleges, and entertainment arenas. These points of interest are perfect for families seeking outdoor experiences and city adventures. Be sure to explore the renowned zoo and the nearby aquarium, which are highlights of the area, offering engaging activities for visitors of all ages.

  • Ohio State University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ohio State University, a historic institution that offers a rich cultural vibe. Explore its beautiful campus, attend a sporting event, or enjoy art exhibits.
  • Schottenstein Center: This family-friendly arena is a hub for entertainment, hosting concerts and sports events. The lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for families looking for a fun outing.
  • Bridge Park: An urban park with a blend of family and outdoor experiences, Bridge Park features scenic views, walking paths, and unique dining options. It's an ideal place to relax and soak in the city vibe.

Best time to go to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The best time to visit Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

When visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Polaris Fashion Place and Bridge Park. To save on accommodation, travel during the off-peak months of December to February, with Mondays being the cheapest days to book. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotel options and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Additionally, look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices that won’t break the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.