Zoombezi Bay
Zoombezi Bay: A thrilling water park with world-first slides, a relaxing adult-only lazy river, and fun for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Zoombezi Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zoombezi Bay: A thrilling water park with world-first slides, a relaxing adult-only lazy river, and fun for all ages.
"A beautiful, relaxing atmosphere with awesome rides for all thrill types."
🎯 Book Cabanas Early
Reserved padded lounge chairs in shade are worth the fee for comfort and convenience. Book online in advance!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet on wet, high-traffic surfaces. Essential for comfort throughout the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Conservation Tower Slides
Conservation Tower
Experience world-first slides like The Hive and Captina Falls, plus the Midwest's only Mussel Mayhem.
Adults-Only Lazy River
Cocktail Creek
Unwind in the 21+ lazy river for a more relaxed, adult-focused water park experience.
Big Wave & Tornado Slides
Main slide complex
Thrill-seekers will love these high-adrenaline slides promising maximum excitement and speed.
Kidz Zone
Kidz Zone area
A safe and fun environment for younger children to play and explore with age-appropriate attractions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Smart Spending & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Cabanas Early
Reserved padded lounge chairs in shade are worth the fee for comfort and convenience. Book online in advance!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet on wet, high-traffic surfaces. Essential for comfort throughout the day.
💧 Stay Hydrated (Free!)
Grab free water cups throughout the park. Drinks can be pricey, so this is a lifesaver.
🚗 Strategic Parking
Park on the left side for closer access to the Zoombezi entrance, avoiding the longer walk from the zoo side.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Cabanas Early
Reserved padded lounge chairs in shade are worth the fee for comfort and convenience. Book online in advance!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Protect your feet on wet, high-traffic surfaces. Essential for comfort throughout the day.
💧 Stay Hydrated (Free!)
Grab free water cups throughout the park. Drinks can be pricey, so this is a lifesaver.
🚗 Strategic Parking
Park on the left side for closer access to the Zoombezi entrance, avoiding the longer walk from the zoo side.
🍔 Bring Your Own Food
Get a hand stamp to leave, eat in your car, and return. Saves money on park food.
☀️ Sunscreen is Key
On-site sunscreen is expensive ($30 for 6oz). Bring plenty from home!
🎟️ Look for Deals
Keep an eye out for special ticket offers, especially at the start of the season. 
🔞 Adults-Only Nights
Experience 'Waterpark After Dark' for a 21+ event with a different vibe. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zoombezi Bay is generally well-loved for its variety of attractions catering to both families and adults, with unique slides and an adult-only area. While parking and food can be pricey, tips like bringing your own food and utilizing free water stations help manage costs. Some visitors note occasional crowding and mixed experiences with food quality.
"I enjoyed my time there. Kid and adult friendly. Parking only $10 and they have all day rental lockers for an affordable rate. I do recommend wearing water shoes to avoid walking barefoot on high traffic wet areas. It is first come first serve for the tubes at the lazy river but still very enjoyable. They have a “fast pass” option which I thought was nice. Drinks were a little pricey, but they do hand out water cups to make sure everyone is staying hydrated. I thought the burger and fry meal was reasonably priced. You can also bring your own food, get stamped, go out to your car and eat, and come back at no fee. All and all I will definitely go again! Super easy to get to as well!"
Darion
"We had a great time. We got there when the park opened and rented a 21+ lounger space on the same day, but they do advise to book in advance online. For reserved padded lounge chairs in the semi private shade, access to the wait staff and a safe large enough to fit a large shoulder bag, we felt that the $100 fee was worth it. Since a large locker is $22 already. And since we also came in from out of town, the day use of towels included with the lounge rental were a nice bonus.
The staff running the bar in that area were friendly and helpful.
I would also advise to go to the left side of the parking lot when you arrive for close access to the Zoombezi entrance. If you follow the masses, you are going to end up on the zoo side with a considerable walk ahead of you.
Take sunscreen. If this is the one thing you forget, the standard 6oz size spray is $30 on site. 30-40oz of heavily tequila laden margaritas is cheaper than 6oz of sunscreen here."
Jim Mattingly
"Cashless isn't always convenient. Especially for a young person working and having cash they can't spend or having to purchase a card to purchase some over priced and mediocre food. Our pizza was overpriced and was terrible. Pool was shut down nobody knew why I don't know just filled on the organized"
Joseph Greene
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zoombezi Bay is located at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Follow signs for Zoombezi Bay upon arrival. For closer access, aim for the left side of the parking lot.
No, parking is not free. It costs around $10 per vehicle. However, if you purchase an annual Gold Pass, parking is included.
While specific public transport routes directly to Zoombezi Bay might vary, the Columbus Zoo is generally accessible via local bus lines. Check COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Yes, Zoombezi Bay is an adjacent water park to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. You can purchase separate tickets for the water park or a combined ticket that includes both attractions.
For the closest access to the Zoombezi Bay entrance, aim for the left side of the parking lot. Following the main crowd might lead you to the zoo side, requiring a longer walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Zoombezi Bay tickets online through their official website, at the gate, or sometimes through third-party retailers like Kroger for potential discounts.
Yes, look for deals at the start of the season or through partners like Kroger. Special offers are sometimes available for specific dates or events.
Operating hours vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Zoombezi Bay website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. You'll need to get a hand stamp to leave the park, eat in your car, and then re-enter.
Yes, Zoombezi Bay offers a 'Fast Pass' option to reduce wait times on popular attractions, which can be a nice addition if you want to maximize your ride time.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Thrill-seekers should try the Conservation Tower slides like The Hive and Captina Falls, as well as Big Wave and Tornado. For relaxation, the adult-only lazy river is popular.
Yes, Zoombezi Bay features 'Cocktail Creek,' an adults-only area with a lazy river and bar, perfect for those without children.
Yes, all-day rental lockers are available for an affordable rate. Renting a padded lounge chair in the 21+ area can also include a safe large enough for a shoulder bag.
'Waterpark After Dark' is a special event, often 21+, where the park stays open later with a different atmosphere. Tickets can sell out quickly. +1
Absolutely! Zoombezi Bay has a dedicated 'Kidz Zone' with attractions designed specifically for younger children, ensuring a safe and fun experience for them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Zoombezi Bay offers various food options, including burgers, fries, and pizza. While some meals like burgers and fries are reasonably priced, other items like pizza can be overpriced and mediocre.
Yes, drinks can be quite pricey. However, the park provides free water cups to help guests stay hydrated.
You can bring your own food, but it's recommended to pack it in a way that's easy to manage. You'll need a hand stamp to exit and re-enter if you plan to eat outside the park.
Yes, there is a bar, particularly in the adults-only 'Cocktail Creek' area, offering a selection of drinks.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. While some meals like burgers and fries are considered reasonably priced, pizza has been described as overpriced and not great.
📸 📸 Photography
The Conservation Tower with its unique slides offers striking visuals. The vibrant colors of the slides and the general park atmosphere provide many photo opportunities.
It's generally not recommended to bring phones or cameras on most high-speed slides due to safety regulations and the risk of losing them. Check specific ride rules.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of other guests' privacy. Professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always check the park's official policy.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photos, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Evening events can also offer unique photographic opportunities.
The entrance to the park, the various themed slide structures, and the lazy river are popular spots for capturing memories. The unique Conservation Tower slides are a must-capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park features a variety of slides and attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring everyone has a fun-filled day. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and consider the free water cups to keep everyone hydrated. To make your family's visit smoother, arrive early to get a good spot, especially if you plan to rent a locker. Bringing your own food can also help manage costs, as park food can be expensive.
💸 Budget Travelers
+1 While drinks are pricey, the free water cups are a lifesaver. If you live locally and plan to visit multiple times, an annual Gold Pass can be a great investment as it includes free parking.
🥂 Adults & Couples
For a unique evening out, check out the 'Waterpark After Dark' events, which are often 21+ and offer a different ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrills of Conservation Tower
Visitors looking for extreme water slides will find these attractions particularly exciting. The innovative designs ensure a memorable experience that you won't find at other water parks. It's a testament to Zoombezi Bay's commitment to offering novel and engaging attractions for all its guests.
When planning your visit, make sure to allocate time for the Conservation Tower. These slides are popular, so consider riding them earlier in the day or utilizing any available 'Fast Pass' options to minimize wait times and maximize your enjoyment of these record-breaking rides.
Adults-Only Oasis: Cocktail Creek
Reviews suggest that while the adult lazy river can get crowded, it's generally considered a wonderfully relaxing experience for those who appreciate a more mature setting. The availability of a bar within this section further enhances the appeal, allowing guests to enjoy refreshing beverages while floating along.
It's advisable to book loungers or cabanas in this area in advance, especially during peak season, as they are highly sought after. This ensures you have a comfortable base to relax and enjoy the amenities of Cocktail Creek throughout your visit.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips & Tricks
Smart spending is also crucial. While on-site drinks can be pricey, the park offers free water cups, so take advantage of that to stay hydrated.
For those who want to minimize wait times, the 'Fast Pass' option is available for popular rides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit