Columbus Zoo Winter Admission and Discounts

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

While the winter discount isn’t available for 2023, read about other Zoo discounts below!

The Zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. until March.

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

Columbus Zoo Winter Admission Prices

Franklin County Residents 
Under 3: Free
Ages 3-9 and ages 60+: $11.99
Ages 10-59: $16.99
*Zoo guests will be asked to 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 and 60+: $18.99
10-59: $24.99

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.  Tickets must be purchased at the Zoo 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.

Purchase tickets online

Save $1 or more per ticket by ordering online. Print your pass, or show the receipt on your smartphone. 

Family Access Membership 

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

The membership is $45 and includes free admission and parking, access to members-only events and a digital magazine, 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.

The Wilds’ Family Access Membership is $60, and includes free Open-Air Safari tours and parking, discounts on overnight accommodations and merchandise, access to The Wilds’ digital member magazine, and more.

Both the Zoo and The Wilds’ Family Access Memberships also provide discounted or free admission to more than 150 other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities.  

Purchase the Family Access Memberships to the Zoo and The Wilds onsite at the Columbus Zoo’s Membership and Season Pass Processing office. Families interested in a Family Access Membership at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are encouraged to check out the FAQ page for more information. An FAQ page with more about the Family Access Membership for The Wilds is also available here.

AZA Reciprocal Tickets

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a 50% discount on Zoo General Admission to members of the zoos and aquariums on the list.

Reciprocal members must present a valid membership card in their name 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. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, and is subject to change at any time.

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