Columbus Zoo Winter Admission and Online discount

You may feel like hibernating in the cold weather, but winter is the perfect time to visit the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

Not only is it one of the best time to go, you’ll get a discount by purchasing tickets online in advance through mid-March!

The Zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through February, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. through March. 

The winter months are an excellent time to visit the Zoo to see the animals who thrive in the colder weather. There are plenty of indoor habitats to check out while you get a break from the cold.

Many of the animals are even MORE active in the wintertime, and with less crowds, you can enjoy your favorites.

Columbus Zoo Online Discount for Winter

Priced valid through March 14. Tickets are $4-$5 more per ticket at the gate.

Franklin County Residents 
Under 3: Free
Ages 3-9: $11.99
Ages 10-59: $17.99
Guests ages 60+: $16.99
*Provide a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or a current utility bill to receive the Franklin County pricing.

Residents Outside of Franklin County: General Admission Rates
Under 3: Free
Ages 3-9: $20.99
10-59: $27.99
Ages 60+: $25.99

Columbus Zoo/Zoombezi Bay Parking Rates
Car: $10.00

Zoo Discounts include:

AAA Zoo Discount

AAA members receive a $1 discount off the purchase of their ticket when they present a valid membership card. Tickets must be purchased at the Zoo front gate. 

Military Zoo Discount

Active and non-active duty military personnel receive a $2 discount on up to 6 tickets when they show a valid military ID.  Purchase tickets at the front gate. 

Free Zoo Culture Passes at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries

Additionally, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is taking part in a collaborative project with the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) through the Culture Pass program.

At select CML locations, cardholders can check out a Culture Pass, which will grant them a free visit to the Zoo. At check out, CML cardholders receive a yellow Zoo Culture Pass (valid for two days), which they take to the Zoo’s entrance.

The pass can be redeemed for up to six adults and/or children. The Culture Pass can be returned to one of the Zoo’s team members, so guests do not need to return the pass to their library. Read more about the Culture Pass program here.

Discovery Family Membership (formerly Family Access)

The Family Access discount membership category is for families who live in Ohio and qualify for government assistance. The membership admits 2 primary named members in the same household, plus up to 6 dependent children or grandchildren up to age 21 years (not both).

The membership is $64.99 and includes free admission and parking, access to members-only events and a digital magazine. Plus, discounts on educational classes and camp offerings, a 10% discount in gift shops, discounts on Zoombezi Bay single-day waterpark tickets and Season Passes, and discounts at Safari Golf Club and The Wilds. 

Families interested in a Discovery Family Membership at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium should check out the website. Details here. 

AZA Reciprocal Tickets

Get a 50% discount on Zoo General Admission to members of the zoos and aquariums on the list.

Present a valid reciprocal membership card and photo ID for each adult listed on the membership.

Present your membership card at any open ticket window to receive this discount.

The reciprocal discount does not apply to Zoombezi Bay tickets, and does not include parking. Parking is $10 per vehicle and is non-refundable.

If you do not have a valid membership card, please contact your Zoo’s membership office for a replacement. 

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