Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 600 species from around the world, and it has welcomed visitors since its founding in 1927. Its largest area, Heart of Africa, covers 43 acres and is known for lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests, with a marketplace and drumming that set the scene. Cheetah training sessions take place there daily, and on weekends a zookeeper meets guests at 10:30 a.m. to introduce a lion.

The zoo welcomes over 2 million guests each year and is open all year, with seasonal events that change through the year. Memberships include unlimited visits and free parking, and gift cards are available. Animal experiences can be reserved throughout the zoo, including in Heart of Africa. The zoo is in Powell, just north of Columbus.