Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4.7(42K)google
4.3(705)yelp
FamilyWildlife
Overview
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located near Powell in Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio, United States, north of the city of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Powell Road. It has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration5-12 hours
Best TimeThis internationally acclaimed wildlife mega-complex peaks beautifully from May to September across its expansive savannah tracks. Arriving at the gates at 8:45 AM (15 minutes before opening) is highly advised to head directly to the Heart of Africa loops and the Manatee Coast aquarium pavilion to watch the animals during their energetic morning routines.
Getting ThereSituated northwest of Columbus in Powell at 4850 W Powell Rd. Driving is mandatory given the massive suburban resort setting: take the I-270 bypass north, merge onto Sawmill Road heading north, and follow the direct zoo wayfinding markers onto Powell Road. The park features a monumental paid surface parking plaza built for high capacity.
Travel Tips
- The expansive main lot excludes parking fees from entry tickets; budget an extra 10 USD online. Route long RV rigs via the wide outer toll lanes.
- The adjacent Zoombezi Bay water complex demands independent entry. Standard zoo passes fail; purchase a bundled two-park pass online to avoid premiums.
- The winter Wildlights festival creates extreme mid-afternoon traffic bottlenecks after 16:00. Park your vehicle before 15:00 to dodge infinite highway lines.
Reviews
Positive
- One of the absolute top-tier zoos in America! It is massive, segmented by continents, with spacious animal habitats mirroring nature.
- A single ticket grants entry to both the zoo and aquarium; the underwater polar bear window and manatee rescue center are beautiful highlights.
- Park logistics are robust with restrooms, nursing pods, and bins everywhere; despite massive crowds, cleanliness remains immaculate.
- Educational outreach is dynamic; scheduled zookeeper presentations across habitats offer professional and deep wildlife learning.
Heads up
- Because the physical layout is astronomically vast, pure walking takes at least 5-6 hours, which is brutal on your feet and stamina.
- Though a water park and amusement rides are attached, those features require distinct combo ticketing, driving up supplemental spending.
- During peak summer break slots, entry queues and food court lines move desperately slow, consuming hours meant for viewing animals.
- Parking fees keep rising, and the outer lots are distant from deep exhibits like the African safari wing, challenging elderly visitors.