Directions To Columbus Zoo

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting day trip, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the perfect destination. Located in Powell, Ohio, just north of Columbus, the zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals from around the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo-goer, there’s always something new to discover at the Columbus Zoo.

Top Attractions

The Columbus Zoo is home to a number of top attractions, including:

The Heart of Africa exhibit, which features lions, zebras, giraffes, and other African animals.
The Asia Quest exhibit, which features endangered species like tigers and red pandas.
The Polar Frontier exhibit, which features polar bears, arctic foxes, and other animals from the Arctic.
The Shores region, which features sea lions and other aquatic animals.
The Congo region, which features gorillas, bonobos, and other primates.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions at the Columbus Zoo are certainly worth visiting, there are also some hidden gems that you won’t want to miss. These include:

The Manatee Coast exhibit, which features gentle manatees and sea turtles.
The Animal Encounters Village, where you can get up close and personal with animals like kangaroos and lorikeets.
The Dinosaur Island exhibit, where you can see animatronic dinosaurs come to life.

Food Scene

The Columbus Zoo offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast food to fine dining. Some of the must-try foods at the zoo include:

Elephant ears, a fried dough pastry covered in cinnamon and sugar.
Soft pretzels, served warm with mustard or cheese dip.
Corn on the cob, roasted over an open flame.
Grilled sausages, served with sauerkraut and mustard.

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re trying to save money on your trip to the Columbus Zoo, there are a few things you can do:

Visit on a weekday, when admission is cheaper than on weekends or holidays.
Bring your own food and drinks to avoid paying for expensive snacks at the zoo.
Take advantage of free parking at the zoo.

Outdoor Adventures

The Columbus Zoo isn’t just a place for animal lovers. It’s also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the outdoor adventures you can enjoy at the zoo include:

The Sky Ride, which takes you on a scenic tour of the zoo from above.
The Adventure Cove playground, which features slides and water features for kids.
The Zoombezi Bay waterpark, which is located adjacent to the zoo and features water slides, wave pools, and more.

Historical Landmarks

The Columbus Zoo is a historic landmark in its own right, having been founded in 1927. But there are other historical landmarks in the area that are worth visiting as well. These include:

The Ohio Statehouse, which was completed in 1861 and is home to the Ohio government.
The Columbus Museum of Art, which features works by local and national artists dating back centuries.
The Ohio History Center, which features exhibits on Ohio’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Columbus Zoo is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. Some of the family-friendly activities you can enjoy at the zoo include:

The Zoo School, which offers educational programs for kids of all ages.
The Jungle Jack’s Landing amusement park, which features rides and games for kids.
The Animal Safari ride, which takes you on a tour of the zoo’s animals.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had at the Columbus Zoo. These include:

The Kangaroo Walkabout, where you can walk among the kangaroos and wallabies.
The Stingray Bay exhibit, where you can touch and feed the stingrays.
The Lorikeet Aviary, where you can feed the colorful birds nectar.

Natural Wonders

The Columbus Zoo is home to a number of natural wonders, from lush gardens to beautiful waterfalls. Some of the natural wonders you can see at the zoo include:

The Butterfly Biome, which features hundreds of butterflies from around the world.
The African Savanna, which features grasslands and watering holes.
The North American River Otter exhibit, which features a waterfall and stream.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Columbus Zoo isn’t just a destination for daytime fun. There are also plenty of nightlife options to explore. Some of the top nightlife spots in the area include:

The Short North Arts District, which features galleries, bars, and restaurants.
The Arena District, which features sports bars and live music venues.
The Ohio Theatre, which hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.

Local Markets

If you’re looking for a taste of local flavor, there are plenty of markets in the area where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and more. Some of the top local markets include:

The North Market, which features dozens of vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to seafood.
The Worthington Farmers Market, which is held on Saturdays and features fresh produce and handmade goods.
The Clintonville Farmers Market, which is held on Saturdays and features locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Beaches and Mountains

While the Columbus Zoo is located in a relatively flat area of Ohio, there are still beaches and mountains within driving distance. Some of the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts include:

South Bass Island, which is located in Lake Erie and features sandy beaches and water sports.
Hocking Hills State Park, which is located about an hour southeast of Columbus and features hiking trails and waterfalls.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is located about two hours northeast of Columbus and features mountains, rivers, and wildlife.

Cultural Immersion

The Columbus Zoo is a great place to learn about different cultures from around the world. Some of the cultural immersion experiences you can enjoy at the zoo include:

The Asian Lantern Festival, which takes place every summer and features colorful lanterns and live performances.
The Dia de los Muertos celebration, which takes place every fall and features music, food, and art from Mexico.
The Irish Festival, which takes place every summer and features traditional Irish music, dance, and food.

Art and Music Scene

Columbus is a vibrant city with a thriving art and music scene. Some of the top destinations for art and music lovers include:

The Wexner Center for the Arts, which features contemporary art exhibits and performances.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, which performs throughout the year at the Ohio Theatre.
The Newport Music Hall, which is the longest continually operating rock club in the country.

Walking Tours

If you’re interested in exploring the city on foot, there are plenty of walking tours to choose from. Some of the top walking tours in the area include:

The Columbus Landmarks Foundation walking tours, which explore the city’s architecture and history.
The Columbus Food Adventures walking tours, which explore the city’s food scene.
The Short North Arts District walking tours, which explore the city’s art scene.

Architectural Marvels

Columbus is home to some stunning architecture, including several buildings designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Some of the top architectural marvels in the area include:

The Ohio Statehouse, which features Greek Revival architecture and marble floors.
The Wexner Center for the Arts, which features a striking aluminum and brick exterior.
The Westcott House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and features a unique Prairie School design.