Publisher’s Note and Update (as of February 2026). This article is from 2020. This was a past promotion only.
Current Hours and Admission details for the Zoo can be found here — https://www.columbuszoo.org/hours-and-rates.
On Presidents’ Day, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is continuing the tradition of offering free admission on this holiday originally created in honor of our nation’s first president, George Washington. On Monday, this special promotion, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will be extended to every guest to enjoy the Zoo and see their favorite animal friends.
The free admission offer will be valid on February 17 during regular Zoo operating hours (10 AM to 4 PM) and the standard parking fees ($10 per vehicle; free for Zoo members) will apply. In addition, guests can enjoy half-priced Zoo admission through the remainder of February.
“We are proud to offer this special promotion on President’s Day as a way to show our gratitude for the valuable support we receive from the community. It’s also another opportunity to share engaging and educational experiences with our guests as we work together to protect the future of wildlife for generations to come,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Executive Vice President of External Affairs Janelle Coleman.
Open 363 days a year, the Columbus Zoo offers guests a variety of opportunities to view wildlife, even in the colder months. Many animals are still visible from the comfort of heated, indoor shelters including Discovery Reef, Manatee Coast, Congo Expedition, the reptile building, the habitats at Vanishing Giants and the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center in the Asia Quest region and the nocturnal building in the Australia and the Islands region. Additionally, many animals are fans of the colder temperatures, such as those living in the North America region like the polar bears and Mexican wolves.
