The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds strive every day to achieve our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. We believe everyone deserves a chance to experience our parks, and to do this we created the Family Access Membership and joined the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass Program in 2021.

The Family Access Membership is a discounted membership category for families who live in Ohio and qualify for certain government assistance programs. The Family Access Membership admits up to two primary named members in the same household, plus either dependent children or grandchildren up to age 21 (not both) to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The membership receives the same benefits as our Standard Family membership, which includes free admission and parking, and other discounts that come with being members. The Wilds’ Family Access Membership includes free Open-Air Safari tours and parking. Both Family Access Memberships can only be purchased onsite at the Columbus Zoo’s Membership and Season Pass Processing Office during normal Zoo hours.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium joined the collaborative project with the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) through the Culture Pass program. At select CML locations, library cardholders can check out a Culture Pass, which will grant them a free visit to the Zoo. At check out, CML cardholders receive a yellow Zoo Culture Pass (valid for two days), which they take to the Zoo’s entrance. The pass can be redeemed for up to six adults and/or children. The Culture Pass can be returned to one of the Zoo’s team members, so guests do not need to return the pass to the library.

Additionally, in August 2022 Muskingum County Library cardholders can now check out Open-Air Safari tours at the Muskingum County Library. Passes are available to be checked out only on weekdays at all six library locations until October 31. Each pass can be redeemed for one adult and/or child, and guests do not need to return the pass to the library.

We are proud to partner with our local library systems and work with our community to ensure all families can enjoy our parks. Since the launch of these programs in the spring of 2021, more than 10,000 Family Access memberships have been purchased and another 10,000 Zoo tickets have been redeemed through the Culture Pass program. We are continuously looking for opportunities for growth and inclusion at all of our parks.

To learn more about the Family Access Membership visit columbuszoo.org and to learn more about the Culture Pass Program visit https://www.columbuslibrary.org/ and check out the video below!