I’ve visited countless zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries across the United States and abroad. Yet, when I first stepped foot in the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, I was instantly captivated. Nestled in Powell, Ohio, just north of downtown Columbus, this institution is more than just a zoo—it’s a world-class destination that combines conservation, education, entertainment, and sheer joy for visitors of all ages.
I’ll share three personal experiences I had while exploring the zoo, as well as four other highly recommended activities for anyone planning a visit. I’ll include locations, directions from the airport and city center, ticketing information, recommended platforms for booking, plus services, pros, cons, and my honest, first-hand impressions. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why I consider the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium one of the best in the U.S..
Planning Your Visit
Location: 4850 Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065.
Getting There:
• From John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): 25–30 minute drive north via I-670 and I-270; rideshare approximately $35–40.
• From downtown Columbus: 20–25 minutes via I-71 north. Parking is plentiful, but $15 per vehicle on-site.
Hours: Typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m., but hours vary seasonally. Some special events like ZooLights or summer concerts extend hours to 9 p.m.
Admission & Booking:
• Adults (ages 10–59): $23
• Seniors (60+) & military: $20
• Children (ages 2–9): $17
• Children under 2: Free
• Online pre-booking available through the official Columbus Zoo & Aquarium website or via authorized ticket platforms like TripAdvisor Experiences. Discounts are occasionally offered through AAA, Kohl’s, and local bank partnerships.
Personal Experience 1: African Savanna Safari
One of the first areas I visited was the African Savanna, a sprawling habitat where giraffes, zebras, and antelope roam across seemingly endless grasslands. I had booked the “Safari Adventure” experience, which costs around $40 per person in addition to general admission.
My Experience
Walking through the safari enclosure, I felt transported to Africa. Giraffes gracefully stretched their necks toward the feeding stations; I had the opportunity to hand-feed one with the guidance of a zookeeper. Its massive, gentle eyes stared at me curiously, and I remember thinking, this is a moment I’ll never forget. The zebras and wildebeest grazed nearby, almost oblivious to our human presence, giving me a sense of true immersion.
Recommended Animals & Spots
- Giraffe Feeding Station: $10 for a small packet of lettuce; watching them bend their long necks to reach you is mesmerizing.
- African Elephant Viewing Area: These massive creatures are both majestic and humbling; zookeeper talks happen daily at 11 a.m.
- Cheetah Habitat: Observing these sprinters in their enclosures is thrilling—they are the fastest land animals on Earth, and seeing them stretch and run is breathtaking.
Services & Facilities
• Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the safari area.
• Benches and shaded rest areas near major enclosures.
• On-site café with African-themed snacks ($8–12 per item).
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Up-close experiences, immersive habitat design, knowledgeable zookeepers.
• Cons: Safari experiences are ticketed separately; weekends can be crowded.
My Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
The African Savanna feels like stepping into another continent without leaving Ohio. I returned twice during my visit simply because I couldn’t get enough of the giraffes.
Personal Experience 2: Aquarium Exploration
Next, I moved to the Aquarium section, which is integrated seamlessly into the zoo. Here, the Polar Frontier and Pacific Tide Pool exhibitions were my highlights.
My Experience
The Polar Frontier transports visitors to Arctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Penguins waddled along icy paths while walruses lounged majestically on ice platforms. I was mesmerized by the underwater viewing tunnels where polar bears swam overhead; it’s like being inside their natural environment. I spent nearly an hour simply watching their graceful movements, feeling both awe and deep respect for these incredible animals.
The Pacific Tide Pool offered a completely different experience. Starfish, sea urchins, and small rays were visible through interactive tanks. I even had the opportunity to gently touch a starfish under staff supervision. For $5 extra, you can participate in a touch tank session, which is ideal for families but equally magical for adults like me who wanted a tactile connection to marine life.
Recommended Exhibits
- Sea Turtle Habitat: The turtles are active and fascinating to observe for long periods.
- Shark Tunnel: Sharks glide just above you, making for an adrenaline-tinged experience.
- Otter Enclosure: Their playful antics made me laugh; watching them swim underwater is surprisingly hypnotic.
Services & Facilities
• Indoor climate-controlled environment; great for summer or rainy days.
• Café nearby with sandwiches and smoothies ($7–12).
• Gift shop featuring aquatic plush toys and conservation-themed souvenirs.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Clean, well-maintained, excellent educational signage, interactive exhibits.
• Cons: Can get crowded during school holidays; touch tank sessions are limited in capacity.
My Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
The aquarium portion of the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is world-class. Even after several hours, I felt like I could spend a whole day just exploring aquatic life.
Personal Experience 3: Adventure Cove and Ride Experiences
After several hours of animal observation, I decided to explore Adventure Cove, the zoo’s section dedicated to rides and family-friendly activities. I particularly enjoyed the Zoombezi Bay Water Park rides and Wildlife Carousel.
My Experience
The Wildlife Carousel featured hand-painted animals modeled after actual zoo residents. Riding on a zebra felt surreal after having watched real zebras earlier in the day.
For thrill-seekers, the Adventure Ropes Course ($15 for a 30-minute session) was incredible. Suspended above ground, I navigated rope bridges and swings while a zookeeper guided the experience. It’s both physically challenging and mentally exhilarating.
Recommended Activities
- Carousel: Perfect for photo ops and a gentle break.
- Ropes Course: Great for adults and teenagers seeking adventure.
- Zoombezi Bay Water Park: Tickets around $35–40; ideal for summer to cool off.
Services & Facilities
• Lockers available for personal items ($5).
• Food stands with pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream ($6–12 per item).
• Bathrooms and shaded rest areas.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Combines entertainment with education, perfect for families.
• Cons: Additional fees for rides; water park seasonal.
My Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆
The Adventure Cove adds a playful dimension to the zoo experience, balancing education with recreation.
Recommended Activities Not Yet Explored
Even if you can’t do all three personal favorites, I highly recommend:
- Zookeeper for a Day Program
• Experience: Learn behind-the-scenes care for specific animals.
• Price: Around $250 for half-day sessions.
• Why Try: Offers a unique educational and hands-on experience; limited slots, book online in advance. - Safari Night Tours
• Experience: Evening guided tours through select animal habitats.
• Price: $35–40 per adult.
• Why Try: See nocturnal animals in action; cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. - Camel Rides and Pony Rides
• Experience: $10–12 per ride.
• Why Try: Fun for families, great photo opportunities. - Bird Shows and Keeper Talks
• Experience: Free with admission, typically scheduled throughout the day.
• Why Try: Educational, entertaining, and offers rare glimpses of animal behavior.
Services and Facilities Across the Zoo
• Parking: $15 per vehicle; preferred parking $25.
• Dining: Multiple cafés and food stands; average meal $8–12.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller rentals available; all paths accessible.
• Gift Shops: Souvenirs, plush toys, books, and apparel.
• First Aid & Safety: Multiple stations; well-trained staff.
Pros and Cons of Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Pros:
• Vast and diverse animal collection
• Immersive and realistic habitats
• Interactive experiences for all ages
• Educational signage and staff talks
• Seasonal events and water park access
Cons:
• Extra fees for special experiences
• Can get crowded on weekends and holidays
• Water park seasonal, so not year-round
Walking through the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, I felt a blend of wonder, joy, and respect for the natural world. Hand-feeding a giraffe, watching polar bears swim overhead, laughing at playful otters, and even enjoying carousel rides — it all combined to create an unforgettable experience. This zoo doesn’t just showcase animals; it immerses visitors in the diversity and majesty of life on Earth.
From its convenient location north of Columbus to its ticketing options and world-class exhibits, I can confidently say that this is a destination worth traveling for, whether you’re a solo traveler, family, or wildlife enthusiast. Every corner offers something to marvel at, learn from, or photograph — and I left feeling both inspired and incredibly satisfied.
If you’re planning a trip to Columbus, make the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium a priority stop. Book your tickets online, plan your itinerary around the animal talks and adventure experiences, and allow yourself at least a full day — preferably two — to truly appreciate everything this gem has to offer.
