Columbus Zoo Earth Day Celebration and recycling drives

The Columbus Zoo celebrates Mother Earth with an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20-21, 2024, 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

OSU Bugmobile

The Bugmobile is a one-of-a-kind collaborative project between Airstream and The Ohio State University’s Entomology Department. Come meet the arthropods from the Ohio State Insectary, along with experts that will help you get acquainted!

The activity will take place on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Party for the Planet Dance Party

Learn about the importance of being green while taking part in this high-energy dance party and other activities!

This activity will take place in front of Lakeside Pavilion at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

GreenSpot and the Dots Story Time

Join us at Character Cottage located in the North America region for story time! Follow GreenSpot as he travels throughout Columbus to find out what makes spots green and inspires his friends to take care of the environment.

activity will take place in the front yard of Character Cottage at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m.

How to Grow a Garden With Sydnee Koala

Enjoy this self-guided activity in Adventure Cove, presented by your favorite Character Ambassador from Down Under, Sydnee Koala. At each stop, locate the hidden letter and unscramble them to crack the code.

Once you know what the secret word is, stop by the Earth Day information tent to collect your plant-tastic prize!

Character Ambassador Meet and Greets

The Zoo’s Character Ambassadors will be out and about to celebrate with you. Be sure to stop by Lakeside Pavilion and say hello to get a memorable photo with your pals! This attraction will be moved inside Lakeside Pavilion in the case of inclement weather.

Character Ambassador Rolling Celebrations

Now’s the time to party with our Character Ambassadors as they roll through the Zoo on a musical train that’s out of this world!

Times are weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

Keeper Talks, presented by Fifth Third Bank

Learn about some of the Zoo’s animals from the people who know them best—our Animal Care team!

Schedule for both days (subject to change):

• 9:45 a.m. – Tigers (Asia Quest)
• 10:30 a.m. –Lions (Heart of Africa)
• 11:15 a.m. – Bears (Polar Frontier)
• 1 p.m. – Koalas (Australia and the Islands)
• 1:45 p.m. – Orangutans (Australia and the Islands)
• 2:30 p.m. – Penguins (Shores and Aquarium)

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

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

Handheld Electronics Recycling Drive: April 23
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. 

Styrofoam Recycling Drive: April 24, 11 am – 3 pm 
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 25, 10 am – 3 pm
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 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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 and discounts, and Spring events

Find more Earth Day Celebrations