Movies, Music, and Summer Magic: Adventure Nights Debuts This Summer

By: Amanda Winget
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School’s out. The sunscreen is permanently living in the car. Bedtimes are getting a little more flexible. And this summer, the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay are giving families a brand-new reason to stay out after sunset.

Introducing Adventure Nights.

On Friday and Saturday evenings from June 26 through July 25, 2026, Adventure Cove, nestled in-between the Zoo and the water park, transforms into a free summer entertainment destination packed with outdoor movies, live music, rides, animal experiences, food, and after-hours fun that feels straight out of a classic summer break memory.

One night, your family could be watching The Goonies under the stars with popcorn in hand. The next, you could be listening to live music while riding a roller coaster at sunset, or walking through the sea lion and seal tunnel as the golden hour glows over Adventure Cove.

And, because admission into Adventure Nights is free, families can build an entire summer evening around the experience without the pressure of planning a major summer getaway.
Whether you stop by for a movie, stay for the music, or turn it into a full Zoo and Zoombezi Bay day, Adventure Nights is designed to help families make the most of summer while creating new traditions together right here in Central Ohio.
 

Adventure Nights graphic

How Adventure Nights Works

Adventure Nights takes place every Friday and Saturday from June 26 through July 25, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Adventure Cove at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay.

Admission is FREE.

The event begins after regular Columbus Zoo operations close for the day, creating a completely different atmosphere than a typical daytime visit. Families can slow down, enjoy the evening weather, grab dinner or snacks, listen to music, and experience Adventure Cove after dark.
 

Admission into Adventure Cove during Adventure Nights is free, making it an easy option for families looking for affordable summer activities in Central Ohio.

  • Guests can access Adventure Nights by entering the Columbus Zoo’s main entrance. Parking is $12 (unless you're a Zoo member or Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holder...then it's free!)
  • Families who already spent the day at the Zoo can simply continue their evening in Adventure Cove without needing to leave and come back. The rest of the Zoo will close at 6 p.m. 
  • Heading to Zoombezi Bay instead of the Zoo? Enjoy discounted admission to the water park after 4 p.m., and walk right over to Adventure Nights once you’re all dried off and ready for the evening fun. 

Adventure Nights is designed to feel flexible. Some families may stay for a movie and snacks, while others may turn it into a full evening with rides, live entertainment, and a late-night visit to Zoombezi Bay.
 

mascots on roller coasterride at the Columbus Zoo

What’s Included During Adventure Nights

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy the atmosphere of Adventure Cove while exploring animal experiences, entertainment, shopping, and select attractions. Families can:

  • Walk through the sea lion and seal underwater viewing tunnel 
  • Explore Adventure Cove after sunset 
  • Enjoy live entertainment and themed activities 
  • Visit shops and food locations 
  • Watch outdoor movies on Fridays 
  • Enjoy live music on Saturdays 

Several rides and attractions, including the historic wooden roller coaster, Sea Dragon, will also be available during Adventure Nights. Some attractions require separate tickets or wristbands. Guests should check the official event page before visiting for updated attraction availability and entertainment schedules.

Adventure Nights Main Page
 

Friday Nights = Outdoor Movie Nights

Friday nights during Adventure Nights are built around free outdoor movies beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The movie area is designed to feel relaxed and family-friendly, with space for guests to spread out on their blankets while enjoying a summer movie night inside Adventure Cove.

This year’s lineup includes:

  • June 26: The Goonies 
  • July 3: National Treasure 
  • July 10: Muppet Treasure Island 
  • July 17: Jungle Cruise 
  • July 26: How to Train Your Dragon

Families may want to arrive early to grab food, explore Adventure Cove, ride attractions, or find a good spot before the movie begins. Add other items (putt putt, etc)

Because the films start later in the evening, Adventure Nights gives parents an option for older kids who want to stay up a little later and enjoy a true summer night out.

Saturday Nights = Live Music and Summer Energy

Saturday evenings during Adventure Nights shift into a live music atmosphere with performances from local musicians and bands from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.!

Get ready for a casual and energetic vibe, with guests moving throughout Adventure Cove while music plays across the area. Families can relax at tables, dance with kids near the stage, grab food and drinks, or take a spin on your favorite ride (bumper cars, anyone?) throughout the evening.

Unlike a traditional music venue, Adventure Nights keeps the focus on flexibility and family fun. Guests are not expected to stay in one place all evening. Instead, the music becomes part of the overall atmosphere while families build their own experience around it!

The Saturday night lineup also creates a different feel from the Friday movie nights, giving guests reasons to return multiple weekends throughout the summer.

Turn Adventure Nights Into a Full Summer Experience

Families looking to maximize their visit can combine Adventure Nights with daytime Zoo admission or special evening admission at Zoombezi Bay.

That means families could:

  • Spend the day at the Zoo 
  • Cool off at Zoombezi Bay 
  • Stay for movies or live music in Adventure Cove 
  • Ride attractions after sunset 
  • Finish the night with snacks and entertainment 

For many guests, Adventure Nights may become an easy alternative to planning a full summer vacation while still creating those same memorable summer moments close to home.

Columbus Zoo Tickets Zoombezi Bay Tickets
 

mother and child at water park

Even MORE to Do. 

Two-Day Pass. Want to spend a full day at each park? We have an option for that! 

Purchase 2-Day Combo Ticket

Zoombezi Bay + ZooMore ticket. Includes admission to Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo on the same day. Includes a one-day ZooMore rides wristband for all Adventure Cove and Columbus Zoo rides. Rides are open during Columbus Zoo operating hours, enjoy them as much as you want in that time!

Purchase a Zoombezi Bay + ZooMore Ticket

Daytime Animal Experiences at the Columbus Zoo. Heading to the Zoo before Adventure Nights? There are plenty of free animal experiences included with admission. 

Ultimate Family Guide: Animal Experiences at the Zoo
 

Empowering People.
Saving Wildlife.

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