
Columbian Park Zoo
A charming, affordable zoo and park combo offering animal encounters, a huge playground, and seasonal fun for the whole family.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

Columbian Park Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, affordable zoo and park combo offering animal encounters, a huge playground, and seasonal fun for the whole family.
"For just three dollars, you can’t beat the value. The experience is perfectly sized and engaging."

🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy the scenery by bringing your own food. Plenty of shady spots available!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the zoo, playground, and trails.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wallaby Walkabout
Zoo Enclosure
Get up close with these unique marsupials in a special walk-through exhibit.

Baby Goat Yard
Zoo Enclosure
Interact with playful and adorable baby goats – a guaranteed hit with kids.

Expansive Playground
Adjacent Park Area
A massive playground with diverse attractions, perfect for letting kids burn off energy.

Seasonal Paddle Boats
Park Lake
Enjoy a leisurely ride on the water, offering a different perspective of the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Family Fun
Beyond the Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy the scenery by bringing your own food. Plenty of shady spots available!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the zoo, playground, and trails.
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
Look out for special events like 'Boo at the Zoo' and 'Reindeer Rendezvous' for unique fun.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water bottles. There's also an ice cream shop nearby!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Save money and enjoy the scenery by bringing your own food. Plenty of shady spots available!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the zoo, playground, and trails.
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
Look out for special events like 'Boo at the Zoo' and 'Reindeer Rendezvous' for unique fun.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water bottles. There's also an ice cream shop nearby!
🐧 Check Animal Availability
Some animals may be off-exhibit due to weather or avian flu precautions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Columbian Park Zoo's incredible value and family-friendly atmosphere. The low admission price, engaging animal exhibits, and expansive playground make it a perfect outing for all ages. While some animals might be off-exhibit seasonally, the overall experience is consistently positive, with many planning return visits.
"We wanted to go on the paddle boats but they weren’t open yet so we checked out the zoo. The animals are well cared for. We got there right when they opened. It was a bit busy but plenty of room to see the animals. We enjoyed the goats and monkeys the most. The penguins were not out so that was a little disappointing. But overall we had a lot of fun and the price is amazing."
Muggle Family
"For just three dollars, you can’t beat the value. The experience is perfectly sized and engaging enough to be worthwhile but not so overwhelming that young children get exhausted.
I’d suggest packing a lunch and finding a shady spot under one of the trees to relax and eat. The adjacent park is fantastic, offering numerous playground attractions that kids love. As a bonus, there’s an ice cream shop just a short walk away. We’ll definitely be back for another visit."
Bryan Hartsock
"The zoo is small but really nice, clean, well run. Many of the birds are away now due to the avian flu in the area, but the llama and the goats and the prairie dogs were fun to see! My son and I had a fun hour or so exploring and will very likely return again!
UPDATE: We went back today! Played with the Prairie Dogs and had a good day!"
Raven Maddox
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Columbian Park Zoo is located at 1915 Scott Street, Lafayette, Indiana. It's about an hour's drive from Indianapolis. Ample parking is available within the park.
Information on public transportation options to Columbian Park Zoo can be found on the Lafayette Parks Department website or by contacting local transit authorities.
Columbian Park offers extensive parking areas throughout the park, making it easy to access the zoo, playground, and other attractions.
Yes, the park and zoo pathways are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, allowing for easy navigation for all visitors.
Typically, pets are not allowed inside the zoo enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals and other visitors. Check the park's official policy for specific rules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Columbian Park Zoo is very affordable, priced at just $3 per person. This makes it an excellent value for families.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Columbian Park Zoo website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
For general admission, advance booking is usually not required due to the low entry fee. However, for special events like 'Reindeer Rendezvous,' advance ticket purchase is recommended.
The already low admission price of $3 makes it highly accessible. Special event pricing may vary, so check their website for details.
General admission grants access to all the animal exhibits within the zoo. Special attractions like paddle boats or the train may have separate fees or be seasonal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo features a variety of animals, including wallabies, goats, monkeys, prairie dogs, and various birds. Some animals may be off-exhibit seasonally or due to health advisories.
Yes, Columbian Park has a large and highly-rated playground that is a major draw for families.
Absolutely! The park offers walking trails, a large playground, and seasonal attractions like paddle boats and a train.
The Wallaby Walkabout is an immersive exhibit where visitors can walk among the wallabies, offering a unique up-close experience.
Columbian Park Zoo hosts popular seasonal events such as 'Boo at the Zoo' in October and 'Reindeer Rendezvous' in December.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the zoo itself may have limited concessions, the adjacent park area often has snack stands or is close to local eateries. Packing a picnic is a popular and recommended option.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, especially for picnics. There are many shaded areas perfect for dining.
Yes, there is an ice cream shop located a short walk from the zoo, making it a perfect treat after exploring.
Concessions, if available, usually offer typical park fare like hot dogs, snacks, and beverages. It's best to confirm offerings closer to your visit.
Columbian Park is equipped with numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds, providing convenient spots for families to enjoy their meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wallaby Walkabout offers unique close-up opportunities. The colorful playground and scenic park views also make for great shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged within the Columbian Park Zoo for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour lighting for photography, while early mornings can offer fewer crowds and more active animals.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and zoos to ensure safety and prevent disturbance to wildlife. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Yes, photography is usually permitted during special events, allowing you to capture the festive atmosphere and costumed visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Columbian Park's Attractions
For a unique perspective, consider the seasonal paddle boats available on the park's lake. While not always operational, they provide a fun way to spend an afternoon. The park also historically featured a train ride, which adds to the nostalgic charm, though its availability can be intermittent. Checking the status of these attractions before your visit is recommended to manage expectations.
Seasonal Events and Festivities
In December, the 'Reindeer Rendezvous' offers a festive holiday celebration. Visitors can meet reindeer, enjoy holiday-themed activities, and often purchase special treats. These events are highly anticipated and often require advance ticket purchases, so it's wise to check the zoo's website for dates, times, and ticketing information well in advance.
Value and Family-Friendliness
Reviewers frequently highlight how well-cared-for the animals are and the overall clean and well-maintained environment of the park. The combination of affordable pricing, manageable size, and a variety of attractions like the zoo and playground makes it a top recommendation for family fun in the Lafayette area.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit