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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, OH

Photo: loganrickert, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

AttractionsFamily FavoriteOutdoor Adventure

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 W Powell Rd · Powell, OH

Why you should go…

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opened in 1927 near Powell, north of Columbus, and holds animals from over 800 species. The grounds are split into eight regions, among them Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, Congo Expedition, North America Trek and Shores & Aquarium. At Polar Frontier you watch polar bears in a 167,000-gallon pool. You can also ride a restored 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel. Parking is charged separately, and the zoo is cashless.

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  • #aquarium
  • #polar bears
  • #family attraction
  • #carousel

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    12 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

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    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

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    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    German Village

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    Walk brick-paved streets lined with restored red-brick homes, then browse the shops, restaurants and Schiller Park.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Ohio Caverns

    Under $25

    Ohio's largest and most colorful cave system, with guided walking tours near West Liberty.

    31 mi awayMore like this