• 'Tis the Season

    Bring the whole family to Wildlights!

    Come See the Lights
  • These Little Ones are Growing Fast

    Come see them soon!

    Visit Today
  • Make it a Family Affair

    Bring the kids, or grandkids, to the Zoo and travel the world in one day!

    Visit Today
  • Check out the Zoo, on the Go.

    Watch Wildlife and Wild Places with Tom Stalf, every Thursday on YouTube and Facebook!

    Watch. Like. Subscribe.
  • Our travel includes some amazing sights.

    Travel with the Zoo and discover wild places, new people, and perhaps even yourself. Space is limited!

    Make plans now
  • See the world that Jack loves.

    Thanks to Jack Hanna’s unique vision, serious commitment to animals includes serious fun for people.

    Plan a visit today
  • Their tomorrow depends on us today

    Sadly some animal species can’t survive without help from ours. Discover how you can be part of the solution with us.
    Make A Difference
  • Join the coolest family on earth

    With a Zoo membership, your family isn’t limited to just Homo sapiens. And the savings let you visit as often as you like.
    Join Us
  • Get a new perspective

    Live Zoo View Webcams by Nationwide Insurance reveal the society of animals and their fascinating behavior.
    View Animals
  • COTA Zoo Bus Service

    Leave the driving to COTA! Jump on the Zoo Bus and get a discount on your Zoo admission.
    Get More Info
  • WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO
    Tuesday Dec 08

    WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO

    Event Information
    Time
    –
    Location
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    Welcome!
    Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, 3 animated musical light shows, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year's event offers more holiday fun than ever before!

    Dates:      November 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016
    Times:     Zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m.
                     Wildlights activities operating:
                     Sundays through Thursdays:    5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                     Fridays and Saturdays:             5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Closed:    Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
                     Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25)
    Cost:        Regular Admission Rates Apply
                     Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Members
       
    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

    Animals:
    Here to see more than just lights? A few animals may be able to be seen in their outdoor habitat, but don’t miss the following attractions that have indoor viewing:
    - Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
    - Magnificent Giants (Asia Quest)
    - Discovery Reef (Shores Region)
    - Manatee Coast (Shores Region)
    - Reptile Building (Shores Region)
    - Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building (Australia and the Islands)
    Please Note: The gorillas, bonobos and polar bears go to sleep early and will be not available to view. Come before 4pm to see them before they settle in for the night.
     

    Seasonal Treats:

    Don't miss the opportunity to tempt your taste buds with our delectable holiday additions to our culinary offerings only available at Wildlights! Check the menu boards at each location for the selection.
       

    Private Tours:

    Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Wildlights after the crowds have gone. Travel the Zoo snuggled under a blanket, while sipping hot chocolate in the luxury of a golf cart. View the lights and stop in to visit a few animals friends as well! This is a great opportunity for families with children and grandparents or a holiday date night.

    Learn More View All Events
  • WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO
    Wednesday Dec 09

    WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO

    Event Information
    Time
    –
    Location
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    Welcome!
    Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, 3 animated musical light shows, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year's event offers more holiday fun than ever before!

    Dates:      November 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016
    Times:     Zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m.
                     Wildlights activities operating:
                     Sundays through Thursdays:    5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                     Fridays and Saturdays:             5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Closed:    Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
                     Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25)
    Cost:        Regular Admission Rates Apply
                     Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Members
       
    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

    Animals:
    Here to see more than just lights? A few animals may be able to be seen in their outdoor habitat, but don’t miss the following attractions that have indoor viewing:
    - Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
    - Magnificent Giants (Asia Quest)
    - Discovery Reef (Shores Region)
    - Manatee Coast (Shores Region)
    - Reptile Building (Shores Region)
    - Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building (Australia and the Islands)
    Please Note: The gorillas, bonobos and polar bears go to sleep early and will be not available to view. Come before 4pm to see them before they settle in for the night.
     

    Seasonal Treats:

    Don't miss the opportunity to tempt your taste buds with our delectable holiday additions to our culinary offerings only available at Wildlights! Check the menu boards at each location for the selection.
       

    Private Tours:

    Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Wildlights after the crowds have gone. Travel the Zoo snuggled under a blanket, while sipping hot chocolate in the luxury of a golf cart. View the lights and stop in to visit a few animals friends as well! This is a great opportunity for families with children and grandparents or a holiday date night.

    Learn More View All Events
  • WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO
    Thursday Dec 10

    WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO

    Event Information
    Time
    –
    Location
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    Welcome!
    Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, 3 animated musical light shows, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year's event offers more holiday fun than ever before!

    Dates:      November 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016
    Times:     Zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m.
                     Wildlights activities operating:
                     Sundays through Thursdays:    5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                     Fridays and Saturdays:             5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Closed:    Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
                     Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25)
    Cost:        Regular Admission Rates Apply
                     Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Members
       
    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

    Animals:
    Here to see more than just lights? A few animals may be able to be seen in their outdoor habitat, but don’t miss the following attractions that have indoor viewing:
    - Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
    - Magnificent Giants (Asia Quest)
    - Discovery Reef (Shores Region)
    - Manatee Coast (Shores Region)
    - Reptile Building (Shores Region)
    - Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building (Australia and the Islands)
    Please Note: The gorillas, bonobos and polar bears go to sleep early and will be not available to view. Come before 4pm to see them before they settle in for the night.
     

    Seasonal Treats:

    Don't miss the opportunity to tempt your taste buds with our delectable holiday additions to our culinary offerings only available at Wildlights! Check the menu boards at each location for the selection.
       

    Private Tours:

    Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Wildlights after the crowds have gone. Travel the Zoo snuggled under a blanket, while sipping hot chocolate in the luxury of a golf cart. View the lights and stop in to visit a few animals friends as well! This is a great opportunity for families with children and grandparents or a holiday date night.

    Learn More View All Events
  • DINE WITH SANTA
    Thursday Dec 10

    DINE WITH SANTA

    Event Information
    Time
    –
    Location
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    Enjoy a kid friendly healthy meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo's character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes and more!

    Menu:
    Tossed Salad with Italian or Ranch Dressing
    Spaghetti and Meatballs
    Turkey Meatloaf
    Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
    Corn
    Breadsticks
    Apple Cobbler
    Hot Chocolate
    Tim Horton's Coffee
    Fruit Punch
    Water

    If you have special dietary needs, please e-mail [email protected].

    Ticket prices are $30.00 per Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Member and $40 per Non-Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Member.(Children under 2 do not need a ticket unless they will be sitting on their own chair) Admission to the Zoo is Included. Tickets are NON-Refundable.

    Tickets are on sale NOW!

    Learn More View All Events
  • WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO
    Friday Dec 11

    WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO

    Event Information
    Time
    –
    Location
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    Welcome!
    Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, 3 animated musical light shows, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year's event offers more holiday fun than ever before!

    Dates:      November 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016
    Times:     Zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m.
                     Wildlights activities operating:
                     Sundays through Thursdays:    5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                     Fridays and Saturdays:             5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Closed:    Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
                     Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25)
    Cost:        Regular Admission Rates Apply
                     Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Members
       
    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

    Animals:
    Here to see more than just lights? A few animals may be able to be seen in their outdoor habitat, but don’t miss the following attractions that have indoor viewing:
    - Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
    - Magnificent Giants (Asia Quest)
    - Discovery Reef (Shores Region)
    - Manatee Coast (Shores Region)
    - Reptile Building (Shores Region)
    - Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building (Australia and the Islands)
    Please Note: The gorillas, bonobos and polar bears go to sleep early and will be not available to view. Come before 4pm to see them before they settle in for the night.
     

    Seasonal Treats:

    Don't miss the opportunity to tempt your taste buds with our delectable holiday additions to our culinary offerings only available at Wildlights! Check the menu boards at each location for the selection.
       

    Private Tours:

    Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Wildlights after the crowds have gone. Travel the Zoo snuggled under a blanket, while sipping hot chocolate in the luxury of a golf cart. View the lights and stop in to visit a few animals friends as well! This is a great opportunity for families with children and grandparents or a holiday date night.

    Learn More View All Events
  • WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO
    Saturday Dec 12

    WILDLIGHTS efficiently powered by AEP OHIO

    Event Information
    Time
    –
    Location
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    Welcome!
    Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, 3 animated musical light shows, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year's event offers more holiday fun than ever before!

    Dates:      November 20, 2015 to January 3, 2016
    Times:     Zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m.
                     Wildlights activities operating:
                     Sundays through Thursdays:    5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                     Fridays and Saturdays:             5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Closed:    Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
                     Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec 25)
    Cost:        Regular Admission Rates Apply
                     Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Members
       
    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

    Animals:
    Here to see more than just lights? A few animals may be able to be seen in their outdoor habitat, but don’t miss the following attractions that have indoor viewing:
    - Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
    - Magnificent Giants (Asia Quest)
    - Discovery Reef (Shores Region)
    - Manatee Coast (Shores Region)
    - Reptile Building (Shores Region)
    - Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse Nocturnal Building (Australia and the Islands)
    Please Note: The gorillas, bonobos and polar bears go to sleep early and will be not available to view. Come before 4pm to see them before they settle in for the night.
     

    Seasonal Treats:

    Don't miss the opportunity to tempt your taste buds with our delectable holiday additions to our culinary offerings only available at Wildlights! Check the menu boards at each location for the selection.
       

    Private Tours:

    Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Wildlights after the crowds have gone. Travel the Zoo snuggled under a blanket, while sipping hot chocolate in the luxury of a golf cart. View the lights and stop in to visit a few animals friends as well! This is a great opportunity for families with children and grandparents or a holiday date night.

    Learn More View All Events
Lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium