Columbus Zoo Earth Day Celebration and recycling drives

The Columbus Zoo celebrates Mother Earth with an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26-27, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn about little things that you can do in your daily life that will add up to make a big difference for all living creatures.

photo: Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Earth Day Celebration at the Columbus Zoo

There will be lots of Earth Day activities focusing on conservation, including games, crafts, Animal Enrichment, Character Ambassadors and Meet & Greets, and more!

Watch the animals receive special Earth Day treats and enrichment throughout the day.

Conservation Activity Stations

In the Zoo’s Entry Village, visit with environmentally-focused local organizations and learn more about protecting the environment in a fun, interactive way.

photo: Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Other fun activities for the Earth Day Celebration

• Party for the Planet: Party Times: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Character Ambassador Meet and Greets
• Character Ambassador Rolling Celebrations
• Keeper Talks

The Party for the Planet celebration is included in the price of Zoo admission or membership. Check out the website for details.

Parking is $10 per car for non-members.

photo: Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Earth Week Donation Drives at the Zoo

Handheld Electronics Recycling Drive: April 21, 2025
Donate handheld electronics to benefit Gorillas on the Line! Items accepted include: cellphones, tablets, smart watches, MP3 players, e-readers, digital cameras, and handheld gaming systems. Admission NOT required. Drop off in the parking lot. 

Battery Donation Drive: April 22, 2025
The Zoo is collecting old single use alkaline batteries so that they can be properly recycled. Admission required. 

Styrofoam Recycling Drive: April 23, 2025
The Zoo and SWACO to host a Styrofoam recycling drive in celebration of Earth Day. Expanded polystyrene (packaging materials, foam coolers, etc.).  Please remove tape, paper, labels and any other contaminates.  

Electronics Recycling Drive: April 24, 2025
Partnered with Accurate IT Services, you can repurpose old electronics in a planet-friendly way. Select items may incur a charge. No admission required; drop off in parking lot. Details. 

Item Donation Drive: April 25, 2025
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is partnering with Goodwill to host an item donation drive in celebration of Earth Day. Instead of sending good condition items you no longer use to the landfill, donating them to Goodwill gives these items the chance to be reused by others. No admission required; drop off in the parking lot! 

Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

Find more Earth Day Celebrations