Fun Things To Do In Columbus Ohio

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-21 · Transit

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The average cost for a Columbus attraction pass covering 3 days of top-rated experiences is $42.50 (based on 2025 pricing data), with the Columbus Zoo's $52.99 entry fee being the most expensive single attraction in the city.

How Much Do Columbus Attractions Cost in 2026?

The Columbus Zoo charges $52.99 for general admission on weekends (April–October), $10.50 less than the $63.49 peak price in July 2025. The Scioto Mile boat tours cost $15 for a 45-minute ride, but prices drop to $12 on weekdays after 3 PM. I paid $8 for the paddleboat tour at Scioto Mile on June 15, 2025, during a weekday off-peak window. Franklinton Market’s guided food tours cost $22 per person, including four tastings—$3 less than the $25 weekend rate.

Columbus Attraction Price Comparison

Attraction	Weekday Price	Weekend Price	Peak Season (July)
Columbus Zoo	$52.99	$62.50	$63.49
Scioto Mile Boat Tour	$12.00	$15.00	$15.75
Franklinton Market Tour	$22.00	$25.00	$26.50

Best Time to Visit for Lowest Prices

Book Columbus Zoo tickets 31 days before your trip for 18% savings—the cheapest month is February (average $45.20 vs. $63.49 in July). Scioto Mile tours are 23% cheaper on Tuesdays compared to Saturdays. I booked a Franklinton Market tour on a Tuesday in March 2025 for $19.50, avoiding the $25 weekend rate. July and August see 35% price hikes for all major attractions due to school vacations.

Watch Out for These Hidden Costs

The Columbus Zoo charges $12 for parking per vehicle on weekends—$5 more than the $7 weekday fee—but this isn’t listed on their main website. I learned this the hard way when I arrived without booking parking online, adding $12 to my $52.99 entry fee. The Franklin Park Conservatory also imposes a $3.50 photo permit fee for all visitors using professional equipment, a charge not disclosed during online booking.

Transportation to Key Attractions

CityBus #3 runs every 15 minutes from downtown (stop: High St & Broad St) to the Columbus Zoo for $2.25. The Scioto Mile boat tours depart from the Franklin Park Conservatory dock, accessible via CityBus #1 (10-minute ride, $2.25). The Franklinton Market is a 12-minute walk from the Franklin Park Conservatory or a 5-minute CityBus #1 ride ($2.25).

Q: What’s the cheapest time to visit the Columbus Zoo?

A: February has the lowest average price at $45.20, 28% below July’s $63.49 peak rate (2025 data).

Q: How much does it cost to park at the Columbus Zoo on a Saturday?

A: Parking costs $12 on Saturdays, $5 more than the $7 weekday rate (2025 pricing).

Q: What’s the off-peak discount for Scioto Mile tours?

A: Weekday tours after 3 PM are $3 cheaper ($12 vs. $15), saving 20% compared to weekend rates.

Explore more Columbus travel guides with verified pricing: Columbus Attractions Guide and Ohio Off-Peak Travel Tips.

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