Little girl watching flamingos at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Known nationwide from National Geographic’s Secrets of the Zoo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the city’s defining attractions. More than 10,000 animals representing 600 species live here, including dozens that are threatened or endangered, making a visit truly one-of-a-kind!

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Two children watching a giraffe at the Columbus Zoo

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General Admission to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

About the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

A day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium feels like a magical journey through the world’s many ecosystems. It’s consistently recognized as one of the best zoos in the country, ranking #3 in the nation in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Heart of Africa stretches into a sweeping savanna, while Asia Quest introduces the fauna of the continent’s dense jungles, and the Shores & Aquarium brings together marine life with one of the country’s only manatee rehabilitation programs.

All these habitats are designed with room to roam, shaded paths that open into new environments, and regular keeper talks and demonstrations that give visitors a glimpse into animal care and conservation work.

Animals and Exhibits You Can’t Miss

The zoo is enormous and offers endless possibilities to explore, but several areas consistently stand out, and if you’re a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss some top attractions. Heart of Africa’s giraffes and zebras set the tone with dramatic views across the Veldt. Meanwhile, Polar Frontier remains one of the most visited regions for its bears and foxes, while Asia Quest introduces tigers, elephants and red pandas in a “walk-through” experience that mixes outdoor habitats with shaded indoor spaces.

Family-Friendly Experiences & Animal Encounters

As with most zoos, the Columbus Zoo is designed with families in mind, balancing large-scale habitats with hands-on experiences. Keeper chats, giraffe feedings and pop-up demonstrations offer easy opportunities to learn more about the animals you’re meeting.

Play areas, shaded rest stops, splash zones and stroller-friendly routes keep the day relaxed, and cafés throughout the park make breaks simple when traveling with younger visitors.

Seasonal Events & Festivals at the Zoo

The Zoo’s event calendar is packed, giving each season its own festive flavor.

Summer brings outdoor concerts, community evenings and special programming that makes lingering after hours especially memorable. Winter brings Wildlights, when millions of twinkling lights and animated displays turn the zoo into one of Central Ohio’s most spectacular holiday experiences.

Jun 20

Zoom Duck Derby

Zoombezi Bay

Jun 26

Adventure Nights

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Jul 01

Military Family Days at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Jul 12

Run Wild 5K

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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Explore The Wilds: Open-Range Conservation Adventures

Operated by the Columbus Zoo and located about an hour outside the city, The Wilds is a natural companion experience for visitors seeking something beyond traditional zoo exhibits. Spread across thousands of acres, it’s one of the largest open-range conservation centers in North America.

Guided safaris bring guests close to rhinos, giraffes, antelope and other rare and endangered species roaming free across rolling hills. Zipline tours, horseback rides, birdwatching trails and overnight stays make the adventure even bigger!

Plan Your Visit

Address: 4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH
Parking: On-site parking for a daily fee
Hours: Vary by season; extended hours during summer and major events
Tickets: General admission with optional add-ons for rides, programs and Zoombezi Bay, and special prices for local visitors.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible pathways, rental strollers/scooters, quiet zones and sensory-friendly resources

Arriving early offers the quietest pathways and the best chance to see many animals at their most active, especially in areas like Heart of Africa, which tends to be liveliest before midday. The Aquarium provides an easy cool-down stop during warm months, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes to make walking the zoo’s expansive grounds far easier.