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.
You’ll never run out of things to do at Zoombezi Bay, and your admission include Zoo admission for the day!
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Whether you want to experience thrill and relaxation at Otter Banks, relax with adults only (and a beverage) in Croctail 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!
Zoombezi Bay 2023
Zoombezi Bay opens weekends starting May 20, and daily starting May 27, 2023!
New for 2023!
PELICAN POINT: BIG FUN FOR OUR TINIEST GUESTS!
Toddlers can experience new interactive water features, fun aquatic animals, and small waterslides that are perfect for waterpark fans in-training. Caregivers can relax in new lounge chairs in the shade…perfect for those hot summer days!
CELEBRATE 15 YEARS OF THRILLS!
Largest (and longest!) waterpark party to celebrate 15 years of sun-soaked fun! The party starts with the “15th Splash Bash,” running from May 27 – June 15.
This kickoff event will feature appearances by character ambassadors, a DJ, and specialty food, drink, and merchandise opportunities.
MORE SHADE!
Six new shade structures are being added to Zoombezi Bay in 2023. Lounge in new shady relaxation at the Wild Tides wave pool, Cyclone pool area, and Pelican Point.
Croctail Creek
Visits to Zoombezi Bay and Columbus Zoo
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! See details about the Zoo here.
Yearly Events at Zoombezi Bay
All of these events are subject to change or cancellation. See calendar for updates.
Preview Weekend
May 20-21, 2023
Season Pass Appreciation Day
May 26, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Season Passholders and Gold Members get to kick off the 15th Anniversary first! Special commemorative give-a-ways while supplies last. Live entertainment at the wave pool featuring the rhythmic sounds of the Island Breeze Trio.
Sam Pelican and his character ambassador friends make themselves available for meet and greets near the Blue Pelican food stand. Specialty 15th Anniversary themed food and retail items available for purchase.
Zoombezi Bay 15th Anniversary Splash Bash
May 27 – June 15, 2023
Celebrate Zoombezi Bay’s 15th Anniversary! They’ll be celebrating everyday, with extra fun between 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Details.
Enjoy live entertainment at the wave pool with DJ IQ. Character Ambassador friends are available for meet and greets near the Blue Pelican food stand at various times. On the weekends of this celebration, the Ambassadors will open the park with a musical party on wheels to make a big splash while kicking off each weekend day.
This celebration is included with a daily Zoombezi Bay admission ticket, Zoombezi Bay Season Pass or Gold Membership.
World’s Largest Swim Lesson
June 22, 2023. Basic 30 minutes swim lesson for kids ages 2-12. Participants and their guardians get $17 admission for the day. Season pass holders and gold memberships are free as always. Details here.
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Water Park After Dark
June 23, August 18, and September 1, 2023. Open 8 pm – 11 pm for guests 21+ only! Enjoy the slides and water rides without the kids running around! Admission is $35 and includes 2 drinks, live music, and more. Details on website.
Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights
Fridays, June 30 – July 28, 2023. Wild Tides Wave Pool stays open until 10 p.m. and features DJ, select attractions, and Dive-in Movies. Regular admission covers the entire day/evening.
Wild Tides Wave Pool turns into an aqua-theater after dark featuring great movies! Details here.
June 30 – Kung Fu Panda
July 7 – The Incredible Hulk
July 14 – Bolt
July 21 – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
July 28 – Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Christmas in July
July 21 – July 28, 2023. Christmas in July celebration features festive activities from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Celebrations include daily giveaways at 12:25 pm, Holiday Rolling Celebration, Elves on Vacation, specialty food and gifts for sale, and more.
Stay late during Christmas in July on Friday, July 28 for Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights promotion. Some favorite rides and attractions, including Cyclone, SoundSurfer, Big Boa Falls and more, will be open until 10 p.m.
At 8 p.m., the Wild Tides Wave Pool will transform into an aqua-theater for a special showing of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Zoombezi Bay Sensory-friendly after hours
August 25, 2023 from 5 pm – 9 pm. Sensory-friendly hours are designated for those who are living with sensory sensitivities, and would feel overwhelmed during regular days at the waterpark.
- Limited tickets will be available to ensure smaller crowds
- Music will be turned off throughout the park
- Sensory kits will be available with a $10 deposit
Details here; reservations open soon.
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
- Child/Senior $36.99 – $41.99
- Adult $39.99 – $44.99
- After 4 pm admission – tba for 2023
- Parking: $10
SAVE $7! Tickets only valid May 20-21, May 30-31, June 1-2, June 5-9, and August 7-11. Must be purchased online to receive discount.
Discounted Zoombezi Bay tickets valid any day through aRes
Get discounted General admission tickets to Zoombezi Bay water park, which includes all water slides and attractions.
During the regular summer season, admission to Zoombezi Bay includes the Columbus Zoo, and proceeds from the water park support the Zoo’s operation and mission.
Adult (ages 10-59): $39.99
Child/Senior (ages 3-9 & 60+): $35.99
Rides are extra cost at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Valid any general operating day, times subject to change. Cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. No refunds. No copies of voucher will be accepted.
Extras
Lockers available to rent for $10-$20 per day (season pass available)
Cabana Rental: $49-$339. 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.
Zoompass: skip the wait in line, or skip the line with a regular or premium Zoompass. Pricing is $14.99 – $69.99. All slide reservations are completed on the wristbands themselves, from any location in the park.
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 – Wednesdays.
On Monday- Wednesdays, you can also take advantage of the Bring–A–Friend deal, for which you can bring up to 2 friends for $21.99/each to Zoombezi Bay, while supplies last and park capacity permits.
Season passes for Zoombezi Bay are $124.99 for ages 10 and up, and $114.99 for Zoo members. Gold Individual Membership (includes FREE entry to the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, FREE rides, FREE animal feedings and FREE admission to the 4-D Theater) are $174.99/$194.99.
Season Pass Early Bird Sale
LIMITED TIME SALE now through May 19, 2023 save $10 off regular price and pay $114.99 for Season Pass.
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 $55.99, while ages 10 and up the price is $58.99 (price is for Franklin County residents – add $5 for non-Franklin).
Zoombezi Bay tickets are only good through the operating season, which is through Labor Day weekend. Zoombezi Bay closed select days in August/September. Please check our Hours page before your purchase. 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.
2023 COTA SCHEDULE:
May 13-18, 2023: Weekend service
May 29-September 3, 2023: 7-day service
September 8-October 29, 2023: Weekend service
Zoombezi Bay Hours
May 20-21: 10:30am – 6pm*
May 27-August 6: 10:30am – 7pm
August 7-11: 10:30am – 6pm
August 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, September 2-4: 10:30am – 7pm*
Check out Columbus Zoo discounts and events here.
photos provided by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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ZOMBIEzi Bay
Weekends, September 22 – October 29, 2023. The waves of Zoombezi Bay are replaced by waves of terror at ZOMBIEzi Bay, where the undead rule the night.
Explore a wicked world with four haunted houses, two scare zones, the Sea Dragon roller coaster, other non-water rides and plenty of sinister surprises – if you dare.” Ages 13+. More details coming. See website.
photo credit: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Val says
Hi – I’m not affiliated with the Zoo, but here’s the page about cabana rentals, or you could call them to discuss options. Thanks! https://zoombezibay.columbuszoo.org/home/visit/enhance-your-experience/cabana-rental
Katie says
Hello! I have a quick question about party rentals. I am from an orthodontic office and we were looking to rent out some space for a party for our patients.