Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Adventure Nights: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay
Friday & Saturday nights | June 26 – July 25, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
This summer, Columbus gets something brand new — and it’s exactly what our evenings have been missing. Adventure Nights is the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay’s debut after-hours series, with music playing, movies rolling, rides lit up, and just enough going on to keep everyone happy until bedtime.
And the best part? This summer weekend fun at the Columbus Zoo is FREE.
What's Included?
Summer nights in Columbus are made for simple fun — music drifting through the air, lights coming on at dusk, and plenty to keep the whole family smiling. Adventure Nights brings that easy, all-ages energy to the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, with rides, movies, and after-hours fun included across both experiences.
Here’s what’s waiting for you at each location.
Adventure Cove
- FREE ADMISSION to Adventure Cove
- Family movies every Friday night - bring your picnic blanket!
- Live Music every Saturday night
- Amusement-style rides like Sea Dragon and Safari Stampede. Tickets and wristbands available for purchase.
- Food trucks and snacks
- Strolling entertainment & Zoo Character Ambassadors meet-n-greets and rolling celebrations
Columbus Zoo
- FREE ADMISSION to the Columbus Zoo
- Tasty bites and drinks from Village Tap, Village Coffee, and Auntie Anne's
- Zoo Marketplace for souvenirs
- FREE Sea Lion & Seal Tunnel experience
Zoombezi Bay
- Admission during Adventure Nights is only $24.95/ticket.
- Different thrilling slides each night
- Different Kid-friendly water attractions each night
- Snack stations
Parking
- FREE for Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders
- FREE for Columbus Zoo Members
- $12/vehicle for non-members
Extra Info
- Adventure Nights begins after the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium closes for the day
- General admission to the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay are not included
