
This isn't a criticism, but to truly enjoy it the most, I think you need to break it up in to 2 visits, because otherwise, as your legs and feet start to ache, you get progressively more annoyed when you get to an exhibit only to find it empty, or just one sad herd animal sitting by itself.įor my money, The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, has the Columbus Zoo beat. We skipped 2 areas, and still put in almost 20, 000 steps. It is off in the distance.Īnd the zoo is quite large. There is a nice savannah area but either we missed it or it isn't really designed for it to be easy to see. Some herd animals were completely alone, which just can't be mentally healthy for animals that are used to living with other animals. The polar bears were off display that day, which was ok, but I felt like there were lots of others off display as well. The aquatic /ocean area was pretty disappointing. It was a fine zoo, but honestly nothing all that special.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND WATERPARK TV
I guess, maybe, after hearing so much about the Columbus Zoo, and watching the Secrets of Zoo show on TV for a few years, Our expectations might have been too high. The zoo was clean ( except the bathooms), and food was pretty typical food you find at zoos or amusement parks. We had lovely interactions with some of the docents at the exhibits. Often we felt like we were the only ones there, which was fine. It was off season, ( late September) and we went on a weekday, so the crowds were very low. Then the next day we went to the big Columbus Zoo. We tend to visit zoos in most areas we travel to, being careful to only patronize well rated zoos and not roadside animal attractions that might not have the best interests of the animals at heart.įor this trip, we went to the Wilds first and had a great experience. Growing up, we went to Brookfield zoo about once a year. To view the park map click here.So, I've been to a lot of zoos. We offer nursing stations and family restrooms throughout the park. If you do not receive a hand-stamp you will not be permitted back into the park. You may exit and re-enter the park in the same day, just be sure to receive a hand-stamp on your way out. Wheelchairs, electric scooters, and strollers are available to rent, while supplies last.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND WATERPARK HOW TO
Under “Daily Tickets,” click the button that says “Bus Registration.” After your registration is confirmed, please be sure to follow the instructions on how to redeem the voucher at the Zoo’s ticket window.ĬOTA's Zoo Bus service is supported by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. To register, go to the "Make Your Reservation" button below and click on the orange “Tickets” tab. When COTA Zoo Bus customers make a reservation, they can receive a voucher for $3 Zoo admission, per person. and Nottingham Rd.) before it arrives at the Statehouse & High. and Nottingham Rd.) and Dublin Park & Ride before it gets to the Zoo.ĬOTA's Zoo Bus leaves from the Zoo at 8:59 AM, 10:29 AM, 3:45 PM, 5:15 PM, and 7:15 PM, making stops at Dublin Park & Ride and Griggs Dam Park & Ride (Riverside Dr. Front Street Griggs Dam Park & Ride (Riverside Dr. COTA Zoo Bus schedule:ĬOTA's Zoo Bus leaves from the Statehouse at 8:14 AM, 9:44 AM, 2:45 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6:00 PM, making stops at High & Broad W.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND WATERPARK FULL
The number of days per week that the Zoo Bus operates depends upon the time of year.Ĭheck back this spring for the full COTA bus schedule. Taking the Zoo's COTA bus will ensure a safe, convenient ride and will lower your admission cost to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to $3.

Guests are welcome to bring bags up to 22” long x 10” wide x 12” high, and coolers (hard and soft) up to 14” x 14.” Bags, suitcases and coolers on wheels are prohibited.


To help ensure that all guests enjoy a safe experience during their visit, only authorized bags will be permitted inside the gates at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay. Sunscreen is suggested, and sunglasses just look cool. Scooters and roller skates are not permitted. Wagons and strollers are permitted at the Zoo but please obey stroller parking signs at designated locations. Small children may appreciate a stroller for part of their adventure. There's a lot of ground to cover at the Zoo! Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather and sturdy walking shoes.

Some food and retail carts may not have credit card capabilities, but there are several ATMs throughout the the park for your convenience. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express at most of our locations. Directionsįood and retail options are available throughout the Zoo. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared for your adventure at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
