Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Park Large zoo and aquarium focused on conservation programs

North of Columbus, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts diverse animal exhibits and conservation programs; families and wildlife enthusiasts come for aquarium displays, scheduled feedings and educational talks.

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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a large zoological park and aquarium complex located in Powell, Ohio, north of Columbus. It was established in 1927 and has grown into one of the major zoos in the United States.

The facility combines extensive outdoor habitats for mammals, birds and reptiles with an aquarium component for marine and freshwater species. Exhibits are arranged around themed regions and the site is used for family visits, educational programs and seasonal events.

Opened in 1927, the zoo expanded significantly through the 20th century and developed a national profile through public education and conservation initiatives. Over time it has added specialized exhibits and an aquarium to broaden its animal collections and visitor offerings.

Set in suburban Powell, the zoo lies to the north of Columbus, Ohio, and is accessed by road from the city and surrounding suburbs.

  • Established: Founded in 1927 and expanded over the 20th century into a large modern zoo and aquarium complex with active conservation programs.
  • Location: Located in Powell, north of downtown Columbus, Ohio, and commonly referred to simply as the Columbus Zoo.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065, United States
40.1559, -83.1224
Daily, typically 9:00am-5:00pm (seasonal variations)
Admission varies (general admission to main zoo: adults approx $20-$40 depending on season and special exhibits)

How to Get to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium #

The zoo is about 20-25 minutes north of downtown Columbus by car, along State Route 315 and local roads to Powell. Regional transit options are limited; most visitors drive. Ample parking is available on site.

Tips for Visiting Columbus Zoo and Aquarium #

  • Buy tickets online in advance and consider combination passes for the Safari Park and special exhibits.
  • Visit early morning for active mammals and calmer crowds; late afternoon is good for feeding times and keeper talks.
  • Check the zoo's calendar for seasonal events, such as the annual "Boo at the Zoo" or holiday light displays.

Best Time to Visit Columbus Zoo and Aquarium #

Visit in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and active animal viewing; book tickets ahead during peak summer.

Spring-Summer
Apr-Aug · 8-30°C (46-86°F)
Most facilities and exhibits open; peak visitor season.
Autumn
Sep-Oct · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Milder weather and fewer crowds; good for animal activity in cooler hours.
Winter
Nov-Mar · -5-8°C (23-46°F)
Some outdoor exhibits close or have reduced hours; indoor exhibits remain.

Weather & Climate near Columbus Zoo and Aquarium #

Climate

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (946 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 10°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 27°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 29°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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