Stay Local for your Family Vacation This Summer – We Have You Covered Right Here in Ohio!

No flights. No stressful travel days. Just you, your family, and a road trip that leads straight to adventure.

Wherever you call home in Ohio — city, small town, or countryside — your unforgettable family vacation is closer than you think.

You’re a Tank of Gas Away from Incredible Memories!

Dreaming of a family getaway filled with adventure, relaxation, and memories that will last a lifetime — without the stress of long-distance travel?

Good news: You can build your dream vacation right here in Ohio with just one destination hub in mind — and it all starts with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, and The Wilds!

Whether you're coming from the heart of Columbus, the neighborhoods of Dayton, or the quiet roads winding through rural Ohio, your perfect summer vacation is just a short drive away. The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay are:

About 20 minutes from downtown Columbus
About 1.5 hours from Dayton
About 1 hour from Zanesville
About 2 hours from Toledo
About 2 hours from Cleveland
About 2 hours from Cincinnati
About 2 hours from Portsmouth
About 2.5 hours from Akron
About 2.5 hours from Lima
About 2.5 hours from Youngstown
About 3 hours from Marietta

Your Sample 5-Day Itinerary

Here’s just one way to build an epic 5-day family adventure — no passport required!

Day 1: Dive Into Zoombezi Bay

Kick off your vacation at the largest waterpark in Ohio!
Ride the brand-new Conservation Tower slides opening this summer.
Float along in our massive lazy river or tackle thrilling rides like Cyclone.
Upgrade your day with a private cabana or reserved lounge chairs for ultimate relaxation.
Wait out-of-line for our popular rides with a ZOOMPASS.

Pro Tip: Every Zoombezi Bay ticket includes admission to the Columbus Zoo! But for the full experience, we recommend planning a separate day for the Zoo to truly enjoy everything it offers.

BONUS TIP: Purchase your tickets online and early to get them at the lowest price of the season!

Zoombezi Bay

Day 2: Explore the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Meet animals from around the world — and right here at home. The Columbus Zoo is large (and there's a lot to see!), so we recommend a full day for this adventure!

Visit North America Trek, our newest region opening this summer!
Stroll through Heart of Africa and hand-feed giraffes.
Explore touch pools, sign up for a customized tour, and watch enrichment demonstrations in our vibrant Adventure Cove region.

Bonus Tip: Save even more when you take the COTA Zoo Bus! You'll get discounted admission and avoid parking costs.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Day 3: Tee Time and City Adventures

Parents, treat yourself to a morning round at Safari Golf Club, located right across the road from the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. It's a beautiful 18-hole public course with lush fairways and wildlife views!

In the afternoon, check out a few more Columbus favorites:

COSI (Center of Science and Industry) — hands-on learning and interactive exhibits.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus — a must for brick-building fans.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — a peaceful, breathtaking spot to recharge.

Day 4: Road Trip to The Wilds

Take a scenic two-hour drive to The Wilds, one of North America's largest conservation centers and an experience that guests talk about for years after they visit.

Hop on a tour bus for an Open-Air Safari to see rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and more endangered animals.
Add on ziplining, horseback riding, or a relaxing fishing excursion.
Spend the night at one of our woodsy cabins (with all the amenities included, of course!).

There's plenty of reasons why Forbes Magazine just called The Wilds one of the best destinations for a world-class safari!

The Wilds

Day 5: One Last Adventure (or a Well-Deserved Sleep-In)

Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at The Wilds.
Take a nature hike on your own Straker Lake trail, then check out The Big Muskie nearby…you won’t want to miss it!
Or, head back toward Columbus for one last splash at Zoombezi Bay, a quiet Zoo stroll, or another relaxing round at Safari Golf Club before heading home.