Zoombezi Bay Waterpark is one of the top fun spots during summertime in Central Ohio! Featuring thrilling water slides, roaring rapids, lazy river, wave pool, and so much more.
Whether you want to experience thrill and relaxation at Otter Banks, relax with adults only (and a beverage) in Crocktail Creek, or spend the day with your littles at Tiny Tides, it’s the perfect way to spend a hot summer day for all ages!
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Zoombezi Bay is located at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium just north of Columbus, and includes admission to the Zoo on the same day, so it’s automatically a 2 for 1 deal! Get there early so you can enjoy both attractions!
Yearly Events at Zoombezi Bay
Zoombezi Bay Sneak Peek Weekend for Military Families
May 18-19, 2019. Special sneak peek for military families to thank them for their service. Tickets can be reserved for $5 each, and you’ll receive a $5 Creature Cash to spend at the Zoo or waterpark. Include Zoo admission.
World’s Largest Swim Lesson
June 20, 2019. Basic 30 minutes swim lesson for kids ages 2-12. Participants get $10 admission for the day.
Zoombezi Bay Family Nights
Fridays, June 28 – August 2, 2019. Wild Tides Wave Pool stays open until 11 p.m. and features music, animals, character ambassadors, and Dive-in Movies. Regular admission covers the entire day/evening.
Christmas in July
July 22 – July 28, 2019. Christmas in July celebration will feature festive activities from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the waterpark staying open until 8 p.m. (or 11 p.m. during the Family Nights promotion). Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet guests at the turnstile at opening, and will host visits in their cabana at noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. Other activities include Wendy’s prize giveaways at 12:25 pm each day, holiday character meet and greets in Santa’s cabana, Club Kringle dance parties from 12 – 3 pm, and games. Christmas in July guests can also purchase special treats (while supplies last) such as peppermint ice cream and frozen hot chocolate, as well as receive discounts on select retail items during the celebration.
Stay late during Christmas in July on Friday, July 27 for Zoombezi Bay Family Nights promotion. Some favorite rides and attractions, including Cyclone, SoundSurfer, Big Boa Falls and more, will be open until 11 p.m. At 9 p.m., the Wild Tides Wave Pool will transform into an aqua-theater for a special showing of “The Grinch (2018),” a holiday favorite.
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Admission and Discounts
Admission is cheaper if purchased online in advance – you can even purchase on your phone when you arrive at the park, and show the receipt on your phone for entry. There is a $2 processing fee per online order.
- Children under 3: Free
- Children ages 3-9: $23.99 – $26.99
- Ages 10-59: $29.99 – $34.99
- Senior 60+: $23.99 – $26.99
- Parking: $10
Extras
- Lockers available to rent for $10-$20 per day (season pass available)
- Cabana Rental: $79-$249. These are totally worth the cost if you have a large group (especially if you can share the cost). Your cabana includes shade and space for 8-15 guests, lounge chairs, dining table/chairs, pin-code safe, and mini fridge. Standard and Deluxe cabanas also include free bottles of water, full food and drink menu, and private cabana attendant service.
- Zoompass: skip the wait in line, or skip the line with a regular or premium Zoompass. Pricing is $11.99 – $24.99.
Zoombezi Bay Admission for Columbus Zoo Members
- Children under 3: Free
- Children ages 3-9: $23.99
- Ages 10-59: $25.99
- Senior 60+: $23.99
- Parking: Free
Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay 2 day discount
Get admission to both parks for 2 different days with a big discount! For children ages 2-9 and seniors 60+, the combo price is $31.99, while ages 10 and up the price is $43.99 (price is for Franklin County residents – add $5 for non-Franklin). Zoombezi Bay tickets are only good through the operating season, which is September 2. See details here.
COTA Bus Service and Zoo Bus Discount
Ride the COTA Zoo Bus from downtown Columbus or at Griggs Dam Park and Ride or Dublin Park and Ride to save on admission. You’ll get $10 off admission to Zoombezi Bay, and $3 admission to the Zoo. See details and schedule here.
Season passes for Zoombezi Bay
Plan to go more often? Season passes are the way to go if you plan to visit 2+ times. Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders and Gold Members get early access to the waterpark starting at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Monday and Wednesdays, you can also take advantage of the Bring–A–Friend deal, for which you can bring up to 2 friends for $12.99/each to Zoombezi Bay.
Season Pass Early Bird Sale
Sale typically held in December (tba for 2020 season). Great Christmas present! Online prices Zoombezi Bay Season Pass range from $49.99 – $79.99 during this Early Bird Sale, and passes include admission to The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during waterpark operating season from Memorial Day – Labor Day. Passes include extra splash hours, Dive-In Movies, discounted guest passes, and parking. Upgrade for gold pass available.
Zoombezi Bay Hours
Opens at 10:30 am throughout most of the season, and closes between 6 pm – 8 pm on most nights. Wild Tides Wave Pool is open until 11 pm on select Friday nights through the summer for Family Nights. After August 18, its open on weekends only through September 2. Check here for full schedule.
Check out Columbus Zoo discounts and events here!
photos provided by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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