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Visit Local Institutions

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus OH
Approximately 20 minutes from downtown

Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife and wild places.

Attendees of the 2023 AZA Annual Conference will receive the following, Saturday, September 9-Friday, September 15. Present your conference lanyard at the ticket window.
  • Complimentary admission and parking at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  • 25% discount on food and beverage (excluding alcohol) at any location
  • 25% discount on retail purchases at any location
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is hosting Zoo Day on Thursday, September 14, 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm. One ticket is included in a full registration. Daily registration DOES NOT include a ticket. Additional tickets are available for $95 each. 
The Wilds, Cumberland, OH
Approximately 90 minutes from Columbus

Experience The Wilds! Open to the public since 1994 and sitting on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed, surface-mined land that has been transformed into one of the world's largest and most innovative conservation centers. Guests will experience vast pastures of rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and many other rare and endangered animals. You will experience first-hand our living laboratory of international and local conservation scientists, which has a strong emphasis on Restoration and Wildlife Ecology. You will be sure to agree that The Wilds is the best-kept secret in Ohio for adventure seekers and for those who yearn for a connection to the natural world.

Attendees of the 2023 AZA Annual Conference will receive the following, Saturday, September 9-Friday, September 15. Present your conference lanyard at the parking booth reservation window at the Johnson Center.
  • Complimentary Open-Air Safari Tour and parking
  • 25% discount on food and beverage (excluding alcohol) at any location
  • 25% discount on retail purchases at any location
The Wilds is hosting a Pre-Conference Tour on Saturday, September 9 and a Post-Conference Tour on Friday, September 15. Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person. Fee includes lunch and transportation.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH
Approximately 90 minutes from Columbus

While exploring the greenest zoo in the nation, you’ll have the opportunity to see 3,000 unique plant species and over 400 different species of invertebrates, reptiles, birds, mammals, fish, and amphibians. Come see why the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is nationally recognized as one of the top zoos in the country! AZA attendees can use code AZA23 for $5.00 off admission when booking online. The Cincinnati Zoo operates on a plan ahead pricing model, so the further out you book, the more you’ll save! 

Cincinnati Zoo is hosting a Pre-Conference Tour on Saturday, September 9. Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person. Fee includes lunch and transportation.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, OH
Approximately 1 hour from Columbus

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a children’s museum, a natural history museum, a science and technology center, a planetarium, and an accredited zoo! Conference attendees can show their badge for complimentary admission to Boonshoft Museum and SunWatch Village, September 9-15.

Boonshoft Museum is hosting a Pre-Conference Tour on Saturday, September 9. Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person. Fee includes lunch and transportation.
Akron Zoo, Akron, OH
Approximately 2 hours from Columbus
 

Explore the Akron Zoo, while coming nose-to-nose with more than 1,000 exotic and endangered animals in amazing habitats. Akron Zoo will offer free entry to conference attendees from September 9-16, 2023. Present your conference badge to receive admission to the zoo. The Zoo is open from 10:00 – 5:00 daily.

Akron Zoo is hosting a Post-Conference Tour on Friday, September 15. Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person. Fee includes snacks, lunch, and transportation.


Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH
Approximately 2 hours from Columbus

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is offering free entry for conference attendees. Present your badge for admission.