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 2022
Zoombezi Bay opens weekends starting May 21, and daily starting May 28!
New entry for 2022!
Guests no longer need to enter the Zoo to access Zoombezi Bay! To expedite your arrival to the waterpark, head straight to the new park entrance located near Big Boa Falls and Python Plunge!
Guests can still access the Zoo through a new admission gate located between the Sandbar and Adventure Cove.
New shade structures are being added to the layout area near Otter Banks, and at the Sandbar, new shaded table seating with improved pool sightlines will greet guests this summer.
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.
River Day at Zoombezi Bay
June 20, 2022. Zoombezi Bay and 104.9 The River present River Day 2022, a live concert at the Wild Tides Wave Pool with artists tba. Included with daily Zoombezi Bay tickets, or season pass.
World’s Largest Swim Lesson
June 23, 2022. Basic 30 minutes swim lesson for kids ages 2-12. Participants get $10 admission for the day. Season pass holders and gold memberships are free as always. Guests accompanying the participants will need to pay regular admission or present a season pass. Register at the season pass gate.
Water Park After Dark
June 24 and August 5, 2022. Open 8 pm – 11 pm for guests 21+ only! Enjoy the slides and water rides without the kids running around! Details tba!
Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights
Fridays, July 1 – July 29, 2022. 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, and discounted admission will be available at the gate in the evening.
Wild Tides Wave Pool turns into an aqua-theater after dark featuring great movies!
July 1: Incredibles 2
July 8: Iron Man 2
July 15: Sing 2
July 22: The Santa Clause 2
July 29: Frozen 2
Christmas in July
July 23 – July 31, 2022. 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 10 p.m. during the Friday Summer Nights promotion).
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 30 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 holiday favorite, “Frozen 2”.
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Zoombezi Bay Sensory-friendly after hours
August 19, 2022 from 5 pm – 9 pm. These 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
ZOMBIEzi Bay
Returns Fall 2022. From the website: “Because next fall the waves of Zoombezi Bay will be replaced by waves of terror. Introducing ZOMBIEzi Bay, where the undead rule the night. Explore a wicked new 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 tba.
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: $33.99 – $36.99
- Ages 10-59: $38.99 – $42.99
- Senior 60+: $33.99 – $36.99
- After 4 pm admission – tba for 2022
- Parking: $10
Extras
Lockers available to rent for $10-$20 per day (season pass available)
Cabana Rental: $39-$309. 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 – $59.99. New for 2021, New this year, all slide reservations are completed on the wristbands themselves, from any location in the park.
Sitting at the wave pool? You can book a return time. Grabbing something to eat? You can book a return time. No more walking through the park looking for reservation kiosks!
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 $14.99/each to Zoombezi Bay, while supplies last and park capacity permits.
Season passes for Zoombezi Bay are $114.99 for ages 10 and up. 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 $154.99/$164.99.
Season Pass Early Bird Sale
Sale typically held in December. 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.
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 $39.99, while ages 10 and up the price is $49.99 (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. Program will continue in 2022, but details are tba.
COTA discounts will be honored at the Zoo’s Will Call window.
Zoombezi Bay Hours
Opens at 10:30 am throughout most of the season, and closes at 7 pm on most nights, except special events.
Wild Tides Wave Pool is open until 10 pm on select nights through the summer for Family Nights and Waterpark After Dark. Hours change after back to school week to special weekend hours. Check here for full schedule.
Check out Columbus Zoo discounts and events here.
photos provided by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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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.