The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is among the hottest points of interest in Ohio, the place one can find greater than 7,000 animals throughout practically 600 acres.
You’ll wish to spend a full day there, if not a number of days. Thankfully, you could find low cost Columbus Zoo tickets by way of approved sellers so that you’ve got extra to spend on enjoyable extras like giraffe feedings and upgraded experiences.
Everything it’s essential to learn about getting Columbus Zoo low cost tickets and a few useful info you want to your go to is listed under. This approach, you don’t must attempt promo codes, coupons, and different offers that don’t work.
You can save on tickets, excursions, and inns by way of my affiliations. If you make purchases by way of the hyperlinks on this submit, 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 way of their web site, you’ll additionally pay a $2 processing charge and a $3 conservation charge. Guests are inspired to pay the $10 parking charge on-line earlier than arriving on the Zoo.
You may also 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 time, so you may solely purchase this bundle in the summertime when Zoombezi Bay is open.
If you wish to avoid wasting cash on gate costs, try all of the reductions under and see what it can save you.
The Best Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Discount Ticket Options
As talked about already, you’ve a number of choices you’ve for locating discounted Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tickets. The low cost varies relying on whenever you go to and whether or not you meet some eligibility necessities.
1. Discounted Single-Day General Admission Tickets
One of one of the best methods to buy tickets at a reduced price is thru aRes Travel. They are a licensed 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 fees a $2 per ticket processing charge, however you’ll nonetheless come out forward.
Just like the traditional admission value for entry to the zoo, your ticket is legitimate any day that the zoo is open, which is daily of the 12 months besides Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. So, you’ve a number of flexibility in utilizing these discounted tickets.
2. Franklin County Resident Discount
You can obtain discounted tickets to the Columbus Zoo if you happen to stay in Franklin County, the place the Zoo is positioned.
Franklin County Residents can use a legitimate driver’s license, a state ID, or a present utility invoice to show they stay in Franklin County. These resident reductions are good all 12 months lengthy for normal admission.
- Adults (ages 10–59): $24.99
- Child (ages 3–9): $18.99
- Ages 0–2: FREE
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18.99
Additionally, this fashionable attraction gives occasional Franklin County Community Days all year long the place county residents should buy tickets at 50% off. Check the calendar for dates.
3. Columbus Zoo Membership Options
If you go to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium usually sufficient, having one of many Zoo memberships is one of the simplest ways to economize. There are a number of choices for Zoo memberships or season passes, however all of them embrace free admission and free parking.
In addition, you additionally get hold of extra reductions and advantages, which might differ primarily based in your membership class. Members can benefit from seasonal Early Member Mornings the place they will enter the Zoo earlier than most people.
Once you select your membership, you may activate it on-line utilizing your ticket or voucher quantity. Then, your membership card can be mailed to you, or you may decide it up in particular person on the season go processing workplace. You can save a further $5 per membership if you are going to 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 one of the best worth, given all the advantages you get. In addition to the free admission, you’ll have free rides, animal feedings, and admission to the theater and Zoombezi Bay. The membership is just for one particular person.
Family Plus
The hottest membership on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the Family Plus membership which provides membership advantages to 2 major 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 extra named or unnamed adults.
Family
The Family Membership is just like the Family Plus membership, but it surely doesn’t embrace admission for the 2 extra adults. But it nonetheless consists of admission for both dependent youngsters or grandchildren.
Individual Plus
Another particular person choice, 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 may also 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 it’s a must to present proof that you’re in one of many qualifying applications and supply a photograph ID. This membership additionally permits entry for major named members of the identical household.
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Group Discounts
The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay each supply group reductions you could benefit from if in case you have 25 or extra folks visiting the zoo in your group. Options for group reductions are listed under.
Franklin County Group Outings
If you’re planning a gaggle outing with a gaggle from Franklin County, you get a fair greater 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 gaggle outing and obtain a reduction in case your group shouldn’t be a part of Franklin County. Your low cost can be $0.99 per particular person.
- 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 a little bit totally different than the opposite group reductions, and also you solely want 15 folks within the college group.
Depending on if you find yourself visiting, whether or not or not you’ve a state-certified curriculum, and whether or not or not you’ve proof of tax exemption, like being a non-profit, your group price will differ.
5. Seasonal Columbus Zoo Offers
You may also discover some Columbus Zoo tickets that change 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 be capable to go to Santa and partake in different festive actions.
While there isn’t a particular low cost for the occasion, you should use the gives listed on this article, and also you obtain entry to extra occasions through 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 lowered sounds. Kids who’ve sensory wants will get pleasure from seeing Santa with decreased visible stimulation.
6. Donor Memberships
You may also change into a member of the Columbus Zoo with a donation. You could make a number of ranges of donations, and you’ll be invited to particular occasions relying in your donor stage.
Colo Society
The highest donor membership stage 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 choice 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 take care of the animals.
7. Half-Price Winter Admission
I don’t see something launched for 2023 but, however I might encourage the shopper to verify once more nearer to January. In 2022, this supply ran from mid-January to mid-March.
8. AAA Discount to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo doesn’t particularly supply tickets for AAA members, however you may 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 differ, so contact AAA with any questions.
9. Military Discounts to the Columbus Zoo
Both 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 legitimate navy ID.
10. COTA Zoo Bus Customer Columbus Zoo Discount
The Columbus Zoo gives a reduction to guests who experience the seasonal COTA Zoo Bus as a approach to assist preserve the planet clear and secure for the animals and us.
The Zoo Bus operates from early May to late October, and repair occasions differ. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are companies seven days per week, so you may benefit from the low cost for COTA Zoo Bus prospects each time 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 prospects are eligible for $3 admission to the zoo, which is among the largest reductions they provide. You will obtain your voucher for $3 admission whenever you register to experience the zoo bus. Then, you may redeem the voucher on the ticket window.
11. Reciprocal Admission — 50% Off
If you’re a member of a zoo or aquarium on this checklist, you’ll obtain 50% off normal admission. Reciprocal members should current their zoo or aquarium membership card and a legitimate picture 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 embrace Cincinnati Zoo, Smithsonian National Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and lots of others.
12. Ticket Donations for Non-Profits or Certain Government Agencies
While these aren’t cheaper tickets you could purchase, you too can 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, akin to the placement and tax standing of the group.
Group Grants
Organizations which might be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits or authorities companies with tax-exempt standing positioned in Franklin County may also 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 sorts of donation requests, you may request different donations like reward baskets, excursions, and sponsorships.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Ticket Upgrades and Add-Ons
In addition to your admission ticket, you’ll have to pay different charges, akin to parking, or select to improve your stick with lockers or different facilities.
Parking
Parking charge is $10 per automobile. There is not any choice for discounted parking, and the parking price is nonrefundable.
If you don’t have a automobile, wish to keep away from parking, or simply wish to assist the surroundings, you may take the COTA Zoo Bus for $2 every approach. And, as talked about above, you’ll obtain a reduction on Columbus Zoo tickets whenever you take the Zoo Bus.
Lockers
You may also pay to hire a locker throughout your day on the zoo. They have two lockers obtainable to hire, small and huge, and it’s a must to put down a $5 refundable deposit for every locker you hire, no matter dimension. The small lockers are $8 to hire for the day, and the massive lockers are $10.
Tours & Experiences
You can improve your day by reserving a behind-the-scenes tour that may get you up near wildlife, akin to visiting the reindeer habitat, serving to to offer elephants baths, and studying extra about cheetahs. You may even guide a VIP tour and have your individual private tour information and golf cart.
Important Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Tips for Visiting
You can have a good time on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, particularly if you happen to purchase discounted tickets.
Make positive you put on good strolling footwear, because the Zoo is massive and there are over 800 animal species to see. You can hire a guide wheelchair or electrical scooter if you happen to need assistance getting round. Service canines are allowed within the park, and there are nursing stations, grownup altering stations, and sensory luggage obtainable to assist make the Zoo grounds a welcoming place for everybody.
You may also use Creature Cash, which is like regular money you could 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 a number of points of interest on the Zoo. Make positive to take a look at among 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 whenever you exit and present it on the Zoo’s entrance whenever you come again.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Columbus Zoo supply a Kroger low cost?
Yes. Kroger is the official grocer of the Columbus Zoo, so they provide numerous reductions and memberships for his or her prospects. You can discover 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 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 supply a trainer low cost?
No. The Columbus Zoo doesn’t at present supply reductions for academics.
What Discounts Outside of Columbus Zoo Do Members Receive?
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members get extra reductions to different locations and occasions in Columbus as an additional 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 through the Columbus Crew season the place Zoo members are supplied particular pricing.
The Ohio State University
Zoo members obtain reductions on sure OSU sporting occasions.
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