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, there’s something for everyone!
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!
Big News! Zoombezi Bay New Attraction, Conservation Tower!
image: mockup of Zoombezi Bay Conservation Tower opening expected by mid-June 2025
Conservation Tower is replacing Dolphin Dash this summer, and is expected to open in June 2025! As part of a $10 million investment, this 3 attraction tower features 2 slides that are the first of their type in the WORLD, and a 3rd slide that is first of its type in the Midwest!
These slides are open to riders 42″ and above, which makes it a great replacement for Dolphin Dash, and a perfection neighbor of Baboon Lagoon. Each attraction on Conservation Tower has a conservation theme, which is in line with Zoombezi Bay’s mission to support the Columbus Zoo.
The Hive: This attraction is the first of its kind in the world! This two-person tube ride sends riders through two massive beehive-shaped helixes, hitting extreme positive G-forces as you fly through 720 degree helixes.
Captina Falls: This one is also the only waterslide of its kind in the world! Race a friend head-first on mats through enclosed tubes, rally points, and high speed turns on the only RallyRACER with FlyingSAUCER 8’S in the entire world!
Mussel Mayhem: The first of its kind in the Midwest, this is the longest slide attraction, clocking in at 30 seconds. Riders be face-to-face in a two-person tube, as they turn 180 degrees in 2 halfpipe cutbacks and go through 2 mini-tunnels.
The area around Conservation Tower will also be home to more seating, including 4 cabanas. You’ll also find the new Coral Kitchen right around the corner, featuring hand-breaded chicken tenders, Pepsi oasis, and a 70 seat covered roof structure where guests can eat in the shade.
What happened to Zoombezi Bay Dolphin Dash?
Do you miss Dolphin Dash? In line with the Zoo’s conservation and recycling efforts, the attraction has been moved to a theme-park in Missouri. (which according to a quick search, is allegedly Big Surf Waterpark in Lake of the Ozarks).
Zoombezi Bay 2025
Zoombezi Bay opens weekends starting May 17, and daily starting May 24, 2025!
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 17-18, 2025
Season Pass Appreciation Day
May 23, 2025 For Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders and Columbus Zoo Gold Members! Giveaways, DJ, animal meet and greets, and more. See details.
photo: Grahm S. Jones
World’s Largest Swim Lesson
June 19, 2025. Basic 30 minutes swim lesson for kids ages 2-12. Participants and their guardians get discounted admission for the day (price tba). Season pass holders and gold memberships are free as always. Details here.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay
Water Park After Dark
June 21, June 28, August 8, and August 29, 2025. Open 8 pm – 11 pm for guests 21+ only! Enjoy the slides and water rides without the kids running around! Details tba closer to summer on website.
Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights
Fridays, June 27 – July 25, 2025. 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.
Christmas in July
TBA2025. Christmas in July celebration features festive activities during the day.
Stay late during Christmas in July on Friday, July 18 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.
photo: Grahm S. Jones
Zoombezi Bay Sensory-friendly after hours
August 22, 2025 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 $31.99 – $43.99
- Adult $34.99 – $46.99
- After 4 pm admission – $19.99
- Parking: $10
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. Check back closer to the swimming season.
During the regular summer season, admission to includes the Columbus Zoo, and proceeds from the water park support the Zoo’s operation and mission.
Adult (ages 10-59): tba
Child/Senior (ages 3-9 & 60+): tba
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 $24.99/each, while supplies last and park capacity permits.
Season passes for Zoombezi Bay are $139.99 for ages 10 and up, and $129.99 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 $194.99/$214.99.
Season Pass Sale
Save $10 on Season Passes now through February 25.
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 $56.99, while ages 10 and up the price is $59.99 (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. 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 a discount on admission to Zoombezi Bay, and discounted admission to the Zoo. See details and schedule here.
Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay
August 30, 31, Sept 1, 6, & 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Slide into the world of German music, enjoy pumpkin and fall-flavored beers on tap courtesy of local breweries, and savor Bavarian-style food. Select rides and attractions are open, like the Wild Tides wave pool, Cyclone, Croctail Creek, and more!
$24.99 per ticket for all ages (which includes a $1 donation to wildlife conservation)
Season Pass holders and Columbus Zoo Gold members get in for free and can bring up to two friends for $19.99 each!
photos provided by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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Zoombezi Bay
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.