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Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Adventure Nights: Columbus Zoo 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 in the Adventure Cove region, with music playing, movies rolling, rides lit up, and just enough going on to keep everyone happy until bedtime.
Adventure Nights is hosted exclusively in the Adventure Cove region, with the rest of the Zoo closing at 6 p.m.
And the best part? Admission to Adventure Nights at the Columbus Zoo is FREE. Guests who also wish to visit Zoombezi Bay can purchase discounted admission, while Gold Members and Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders receive free entry to the waterpark.
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.
Visit Adventure Cove at the Zoo for a free night of fun or make a splash at Zoombezi Bay for a special ticket price—either way, after the rest of the Zoo closes at 6 p.m., you’ll have access to everything Adventure Cove has to offer during this exciting event.
COLUMBUS ZOO's Adventure Cove
- FREE ADMISSION to the Adventure Cove region once the Zoo closes for the day
- FREE Family Movies every Friday night in Conservation Courtyard. Films will begin at 7:30 p.m.
- FREE Live Music every Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Conservation Courtyard
- FREE Animal Experiences like the Sea Lion and Seal Tunnel and Stingray Bay
- FREE Strolling entertainment & Zoo Character Ambassadors meet-n-greets and rolling celebrations
- Thrilling rides like Sea Dragon and Safari Stampede. Tickets and wristbands available for purchase.
- Tasty bites and drinks from Food Trucks, Village Tap, Village Coffee, Auntie Anne's and More
- Zoo Marketplace for souvenirs
Zoombezi Bay
- Admission during Adventure Nights is only $24.95/ticket.
- FREE Zoombezi Bay admission for Gold members and Season Pass holders!
- Select thrilling slides each night, like Conservation Tower, Cyclone, Soundsurfer, and more!
- Exciting atmosphere created by upbeat DJ IQ and DJ Kenny Lectro
- Select Kid-friendly water attractions each night like the wave pool, Baboon Lagoon, and more.
- Food and retail opportunities
- Access to the Zoo's Adventure Cove region to experience ALL the fun!
Summer Entertainment Schedule
| Date | Time | Entertainment |
| JUN 26 | 7:30pm | MOVIE: The Goonies (1985) - PG |
| JUN 27 | 7pm | LIVE MUSIC: Angela Perley |
| JUL 3 | 7:30pm | MOVIE: National Treasure (2004) - PG |
| JUL 4 | 7pm | LIVE MUSIC: Cassette Mindset |
| JUL 10 | 7:30pm | MOVIE: Muppet Treasure Island (1996) - G |
| JUL 11 | 7pm | LIVE MUSIC: Three Ton Toad |
| JUL 17 | 7:30pm | MOVIE: Jungle Cruise (2021) - PG13 |
| JUL 18 | 7pm | LIVE MUSIC: The Thirsty Travelers |
| JUL 24 | 7:30pm | MOVIE: How to Train Your Dragon (2025) - PG |
| JUL 25 | 7pm | LIVE MUSIC: Riley Burke Band |
BONUS OPPORTUNITY: Want a VIP tour of a Columbus Zoo region during Adventure Nights? Get more info here.
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
