The Columbus Aquarium and Zoo Are Two Different Places

Yes, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are separate facilities with different locations, though they are operated by the same organization. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one combined property located in Delaware, Ohio, about 10 miles north of downtown Columbus. The aquarium section is not a standalone building across town—it is part of the zoo grounds.

If you are planning a visit, you do not need to choose between them. Both the aquarium exhibits and the zoo animals are accessible with a single admission ticket when you visit the main property. The aquarium occupies its own dedicated building within the zoo's 588-acre park, so you will see both marine life and land animals during one trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium operate as one facility on the same grounds in Delaware, Ohio, not as separate locations.
  • A single admission ticket covers access to both the zoo animals and the aquarium exhibits.
  • The aquarium is housed in its own building within the zoo property, so you can visit both in one day.
  • The organization that runs both is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a nonprofit that also manages the Wilds, a separate wildlife conservation center.

What You Will See at the Aquarium Section

The aquarium portion of the Columbus Zoo features freshwater and saltwater exhibits. You will find fish, sea turtles, jellyfish, and other marine animals in climate-controlled indoor tanks. The exhibits focus on different water environments—rivers, coral reefs, and open ocean habitats—so the animals and plants change as you move through the building.

The aquarium building is open year-round along with the rest of the zoo. Hours and seasonal changes are the same for both sections, so you do not need to check separate schedules. Admission prices are also combined—there is no separate ticket for just the aquarium.

How the Zoo and Aquarium Are Organized

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is run by a nonprofit organization that also operates the Wilds, a 9,000-acre wildlife conservation center located in Cumberland, Ohio. The Wilds is a separate property about 70 miles southeast of Columbus where you can see large animals like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras in open habitats. That facility requires its own separate admission.

Within the main zoo property in Delaware, the aquarium and zoo sections are managed as one operation. Staff, facilities, and ticketing are unified, even though the animals and exhibits are housed in different areas of the grounds. The zoo's main entrance and parking serve both sections.

Planning a Visit to Both Sections

Most visitors spend between four and six hours at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium combined. If you want to see both the aquarium exhibits and the zoo animals thoroughly, plan for a full day. The aquarium building alone typically takes one to two hours to walk through, depending on how long you spend at each tank.

The zoo grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes. You can walk the entire property or use the Sky Ride, a chairlift system that moves across the zoo and saves walking time. The aquarium building is centrally located, so it is straightforward to reach from the main parking areas and entrance.

Admission and Hours

Admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium covers both sections. Prices vary by season—peak season (spring and summer) costs more than off-season visits. Children, seniors, and members receive discounts. The zoo is open year-round, though hours change seasonally, typically opening between 9 and 10 a.m. and closing between 4 and 6 p.m. depending on the time of year.

The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. On other holidays, hours may be extended or adjusted. Check the official website before you visit to confirm current hours and any special events happening that day.

Getting There and Parking

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located at 9990 Riverside Drive in Powell, Ohio (a suburb north of Columbus). Free parking is included with admission. The property is accessible by car from Interstate 270 and Route 23. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most practical way to reach the facility.

The parking lot is large, but it fills up on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early in the day, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, gives you better parking options and shorter lines at the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit just the aquarium without seeing the zoo?

No, admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a combined ticket that covers both sections. You cannot purchase a ticket for only the aquarium. However, you can spend as much or as little time as you want in each section during your visit.

Is the aquarium indoors or outdoors?

The aquarium building is indoors and climate-controlled, so it is a good option on hot or cold days. The zoo exhibits are mostly outdoors, though some animal habitats have covered viewing areas. The aquarium provides a break from outdoor walking if you need one.

Are there restaurants or food options at the zoo and aquarium?

Yes, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has multiple food vendors and dining options throughout the property. You can bring your own food and eat in designated picnic areas, or purchase meals and snacks at various locations. Prices are typical for zoo concessions.

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?

Reservations are not required, but purchasing tickets online in advance can save time at the entrance. During peak season weekends, arriving early or buying tickets ahead helps you avoid long lines. Check the website for current ticket prices and any special offers.

What is the Wilds, and is it part of the same visit?

The Wilds is a separate 9,000-acre wildlife conservation center operated by the same nonprofit organization, but it is located 70 miles away in Cumberland, Ohio. It requires its own separate admission and is not part of a single-day visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The Wilds focuses on large African animals in open habitats.