The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Ohio, where you will find more than 7,000 animals across nearly 600 acres.
You’ll want to spend a full day there, if not multiple days. Thankfully, you can find discounted Columbus Zoo tickets through authorized sellers, so you have more to spend on fun extras like giraffe feedings and upgraded experiences.
Everything you need to know about purchasing Columbus Zoo discount tickets, along with helpful information for your visit, is listed below. This way, you don’t have to try promo codes, coupons, and other deals that don’t work.
Gate Prices for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The general gate pricing for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tickets for non-residents of Franklin County is as follows. Please note that prices may vary:
- Adults (ages 10–59): $36.99
- Child (ages 3–9): $29.99
- Ages 0–2: FREE
- Seniors (ages 60+): $34.99
If you purchase online through their website, you’d also pay a $2 processing fee and a $1 conservation fee. Guests are encouraged to pay the $10 parking fee online before arriving at the Zoo.
You can also purchase a 2-day package that includes admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for one day and to the sister attraction, Zoombezi Bay water park, on another day. The Zoombezi Bay operating season is from the beginning to the end of summer, so you can only buy this package in the summer when Zoombezi Bay is open.
To save on gate prices, review the discounts below to see how much you can save.
The Best Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Discount Ticket Options
As mentioned, you have multiple options for discounted Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tickets. The discount varies depending on when you visit and whether you meet some eligibility requirements.
1. Discounted Single-Day General Admission Tickets
One of the best ways to purchase tickets at a discounted rate is through aRes Travel. They are an authorized seller of Columbus Zoo tickets. We use them to sell tickets to Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo, and other major theme parks nationwide.
aRes Travel charges a $2 per ticket processing fee on top of the ticket prices below, but you will still come ahead.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Admission
General admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Valid on any general operating day; times are subject to change. Rides and parking are at an additional cost.
Price (includes taxes): $32.99/adult (ages 10–59), $26.99/child (ages 3-9), and $30/senior (ages 60+)
Parking
Valid for one car parking at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Price (includes taxes): $8/vehicle (usually $10/vehicle)
Just like the regular admission price for zoo entry, your ticket is valid any day the zoo is open, which is every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. You have considerable flexibility in using these discounted tickets.
2. Franklin County Resident Discount
If you live in Franklin County, you can receive discounted tickets to the Columbus Zoo.
Franklin County Residents can prove their residency with a valid driver’s license, state ID, or current utility bill. These resident discounts apply to general admission year-round.
- Adults (ages 10–59): $18.95
- Child (ages 3–9): $11.95
- Seniors (ages 60 and up): $16.95
- Ages 0–2: FREE
Additionally, this popular attraction offers occasional Franklin County Community Days throughout the year, during which county residents can purchase tickets at 50% off. Check the calendar for dates.
3. Columbus Zoo Membership Options
If you visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium regularly, a Zoo membership is the best way to save money. Multiple Zoo memberships and season pass options are available, including complimentary admission and parking.
You can also receive additional discounts and benefits, which can vary based on your membership category. Members can use seasonal Early Member Mornings to enter the Zoo before the general public.
Once you choose your membership, you can activate it online using your ticket or voucher number. Your membership card will be mailed to you, or you can pick it up in person at the Season Pass Processing Office. You can save an additional $5 per membership when you purchase online.
The total savings vary by membership, but after just a couple of visits, you will recoup the membership cost.
Gold individual
The Gold Individual membership is the best value, given all the benefits you get. In addition to free admission, you will also enjoy free rides, animal feedings, and admission to the theater and Zoombezi Bay. Membership is limited to one person.
Family Plus
The most popular membership at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the Family Plus membership, which provides benefits to two primary named adult members in the same household, plus either dependent children or their grandchildren, up to the age of 21. You also get admission for two additional named or unnamed adults.
Family
The Family Membership is similar to the Family Plus membership, but it does not include admission for the two additional adults. But it still provides admission for either dependent children or grandchildren.
Individual Plus
Another individual option, in addition to the Gold Individual membership, is the Individual Plus membership, which allows you to visit with one adult of your choice during every visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Individual
You can also opt for the individual membership, which allows you (and no guests) access to the Zoo throughout the year.
Family Access Membership
Finally, there is a Family Access Membership, a discounted membership category for families participating in programs such as WIC, Medicaid, and the Ohio Direction EBT Card.
You cannot purchase this membership online, as it requires proof of enrollment in one of the qualifying programs and a valid photo ID. This membership also allows access for primary named family members.
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Group Discounts
The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay both offer group discounts that you can take advantage of if you have 25 or more people visiting the zoo in your group. The following are options for group discounts.
Group Outings
Plan a group outing and save when you visit the park together!
For Groups of 30 – 99
- Adults (ages 10–59): $20.99
- Kids (ages 3–9): $16.99
- Kids (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $19.99
For Groups of 100 – 249
- Adults (ages 10–59): $19.99
- Kids (ages 3–9): $15.99
- Kids (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $18.99
For Groups of 250 – 999
- Adults (ages 10–59): $18.99
- Kids (ages 3–9): $14.99
- Kids (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $17.99
For Groups of 1,000+
- Adults (ages 10–59): $17.99
- Kids (ages 3–9): $13.99
- Kids (ages 0-2): Free
- Seniors (ages 60+): $14.99
School group discounts
There are also discounts to the zoo that schools can use if they are organizing a field trip. The qualifications for school group discounts are a little different than the other group discounts, and you only need 15 people in the school group.
Depending on when you visit, whether you have a state-certified curriculum, and whether you have proof of tax exemption (such as being a non-profit), your group rate will vary.
5. Seasonal Columbus Zoo Offers
You can also find Columbus Zoo tickets, which vary by season.
Wildlights
Wildlights is a special holiday event where the entire zoo is illuminated with Christmas lights. You will also be able to visit Santa and partake in other festive activities.
While there is no special discount for the event, you can use the offers listed in this article and receive access to additional events during the event.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience
In the past, this event was $5 for individuals with sensory needs and their families to participate. It includes a visit with Santa in a less stimulating environment. I do not see anything released for 2024 yet, but I would encourage you to check again closer to the holiday season. Click here for more information.
The capacity of the event is limited, and there are reduced sound levels. Kids who have sensory needs will enjoy seeing Santa with decreased visual stimulation.
6. Donor Memberships
You can also become a member of the Columbus Zoo with a donation. You can make multiple levels of donations and be invited to special events depending on your donor level.
Keepers Club
The Keepers Club, which requires a donation of $500. The donation grants you a Family Plus membership, offering year-long complimentary admission and invitations to exclusive events featuring educational experiences and personal encounters with animals and conservationists.
Colo Society
Next is the Colo Society, which is for those who donate $1,000 or more. This donation grants you a Family Plus membership, offering year-long complimentary admission and invitations to exclusive events featuring educational experiences and personal encounters with animals and conservationists.
7. Half-Price Winter Admission
I do not see anything released for 2025 yet, but I would encourage the client to check again closer to January.
8. AAA Discount to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo does not offer tickets specifically for AAA members, but you can visit your local AAA store or purchase tickets directly on the AAA website.
The discount on Columbus Zoo tickets for AAA members can vary, so contact AAA with any questions.
9. Military Discounts to the Columbus Zoo
Both active and non-active duty military members are eligible for a Columbus Zoo discount year-round. The discount is $2 off for up to six tickets.
Additionally, during Military Family Days at the Columbus Zoo, military personnel—both active and retired—receive free admission with a valid military ID. Family members also get discounted admission. This special offer is available on select dates only.
These discounted tickets can only be bought at the ticket windows, and you must show a valid military ID.
10. COTA Zoo Bus Customer Columbus Zoo Discount
The Columbus Zoo offers a discount to visitors who ride the seasonal COTA Zoo Bus, helping to keep the planet clean and safe for both the animals and us.
The Zoo Bus operates from early May to late October, with varying service times. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, services are seven days a week, so you can take advantage of the discount for COTA Zoo Bus customers whenever convenient. During the shoulder season, the zoo bus has limited service on weekends.
The Zoo Bus makes stops at the following places before dropping you off at the Zoo’s entrance:
- Statehouse
- High & Broad
- W. Spring Street and N. Front Street
- Griggs Dam Park & Ride
- Dublin Park & Ride
COTA Zoo Bus customers are eligible for a $3 admission to the zoo, which is one of the most significant discounts offered. You will receive your voucher for $3 admission when you register to ride the zoo bus. Then, you can redeem the voucher at the ticket window.
11. Reciprocal Admission — 50% Off
If you are a member of a zoo or aquarium on this list, you’ll receive 50% off general admission. Reciprocal members must present their zoo or aquarium membership card, along with a valid photo ID, at any ticket window.
The reciprocal discount for other zoos and aquariums doesn’t apply to parking or Zoombezi Bay tickets. Reciprocal Zoos and Aquariums include Cincinnati Zoo, Smithsonian National Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and many others.
12. Ticket Donations for Non-profits or Certain Government Agencies
While these aren’t cheaper tickets that you can buy, you can also request charitable donations for the Columbus Zoo. So, someone who can benefit can receive free tickets.
Ticket Donation Requests
Organizations can request four Columbus Zoo tickets for raffles and auctions, provided the requirements are met, including the location and tax status of the organization.
Group Grants
Organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits or government agencies with tax-exempt status located in Franklin County can also request blocks of tickets. Grants are subject to approval, and the tickets must help the group meet its goals in some way.
Other In-Kind Donations
If your request does not meet either of the above types of donation requests, you can request other donations, such as gift baskets, tours, and sponsorships.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Ticket Upgrades and Add-Ons
In addition to your admission ticket, you may incur other fees, such as parking, or choose to upgrade your stay with amenities like lockers.
Parking
Parking fee is $10 per car. There is no discounted parking option, and the parking rate is nonrefundable.
If you don’t have a car, want to avoid parking, or want to help the environment, you can take the COTA Zoo Bus for $2 each way. And, as mentioned above, you’ll receive a discount on Columbus Zoo tickets when you take the Zoo Bus.
Lockers
You can also pay to rent a locker for the duration of your day at the zoo. They have two locker sizes available to rent, small and large, and a $5 refundable deposit is required for each locker rented, regardless of size. The small lockers are $8 per day to rent, and the large lockers are $10.
Tours & Experiences
You can upgrade your day by booking a behind-the-scenes tour that will get you up close to wildlife, such as visiting the reindeer habitat, helping to give elephants baths, and learning more about cheetahs. You can even book a VIP tour and have your own personal tour guide and golf cart.
Important Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Tips for Visiting
You will have a great time at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, especially if you buy discounted tickets.
Make sure you wear good walking shoes, as the Zoo is big and there are over 800 animal species to see. You can rent a manual wheelchair or electric scooter if you need help getting around. Service dogs are allowed in the park, and there are nursing stations, adult changing stations, and sensory bags available to help make the Zoo grounds a welcoming place for everyone.
You can also use Creature Cash, which is like normal cash that you can spend throughout the Zoo. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but there are also ATMs around the park.
Other than seeing all the animals or visiting Zoombezi Bay, there are a lot of attractions at the Zoo. Make sure to check out some of the following:
- The Grand Carousel Ride (Shores Region)
- The North America Train Ride (North America region)
- Dinosaur Island Boat Ride (Australia and Island region)
- Pony Encounter ride (North American region)
- Shores Play Park (Shores region adjacent to Discovery Reef)
- Discovery Reef
- Stingray Bay
- Safari Golf Club
You are allowed to re-enter the Zoo on the same day as long as you receive a hand stamp when you exit and show it at the Zoo’s entrance when you come back.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fun fact: Zookeeper and TV personality Jack Hanna was the director of Columbus Zoo for many years.
Does the Columbus Zoo offer a Kroger discount?
Yes. Kroger is the official grocer of the Columbus Zoo, so they offer various discounts and memberships for their customers. You can find discounted tickets to the zoo and Zoombezi Bay by visiting your local central Ohio Kroger.
Does the Columbus Zoo offer a discount for the WildLights annual event?
No. The rate for admission to the Columbus zoo stays the same for the Wildlights event, which takes place at the end of every year. You can use the discounts above for tickets to the Wildlights annual event.
Does the Columbus Zoo offer a teacher discount?
No. The Columbus Zoo does not currently offer discounts for teachers.
What discounts outside of Columbus Zoo do members receive?
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members get additional discounts to other places and events in Columbus as a further benefit to their membership.
The Wilds
Members of the Zoo receive 50% off Open Air Safari Tours.
Member Advantage
As a zoo member, you can save $3 on admission to many museums and history centers throughout Columbus. You just need to show your Zoo card to receive the discount.
Columbus Crew
There are select games during the Columbus Crew season where Zoo members are offered special pricing.
Ohio State University
Zoo members receive discounts on certain OSU sporting events.
See also how to buy discount:
Katie Dillon
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