What a splash this summer turned out to be! Nearly 400,000 guests, hailing from all 50 states, joined us at Zoombezi Bay to soak up the sun, share laughs with family and friends, and cool off in the waves. Whether you came for a quick afternoon escape or made Zoombezi Bay your go-to getaway all season long, we’re grateful you chose to make us part of your summer memories.

Conservation Tower Takes the Spotlight

This summer marked the exciting debut of the world’s first Conservation Tower, and it instantly became a guest favorite. The ride’s unique thrills earned rave reviews, and it quickly climbed the charts as one of the highest-ridership attractions in the park.

But Conservation Tower is more than just a waterslide. As part of our “waterpark with a purpose” initiative, the attraction highlights three of the Columbus Zoo’s Ohio-based conservation efforts: protecting hellbenders, freshwater mussels, and pollinators. Thanks to its international press coverage, this ride allowed us to share our conservation message with audiences around the globe, proving that a day of fun at Zoombezi Bay can also be a step toward protecting wildlife.

And behind the scenes? Conservation Tower is designed with sustainability in mind. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) control the pumps so that they use only the electricity needed in the moment. Plus, we retrofitted tower lights with LED floodlights to lower energy use during nighttime operation.

Coral Kitchen Brings Flavor and Views

The addition of Coral Kitchen added great food and became a destination all its own. Guests loved the shaded seating that provided a cool place to relax as well as the entertaining views of Baboon Lagoon. Families could refuel without missing a moment of the action, and the fresh new menu quickly became one of the most talked-about food experiences in the park.

Season Pass Holders: The Heart of Our Summer

This year, over 15,000 Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders and Columbus Zoo Gold Members called Zoombezi Bay their summer home. Whether you joined us once a week or nearly every day, your loyalty and energy filled the park with excitement. We love seeing familiar faces return season after season, and your continued support helps us grow and improve every year.

Hint: 2026 Season Passes will go on sale in October 2025!

The Seasonal Team Behind the Fun

Safety is always at the core of a great waterpark experience, and this season, guests were under the watchful eye of 303 lifeguards, who began training in the winter months and continued their work through the end of the season! Each one played a vital role in keeping our guests safe while ensuring everyone had fun. From calm guidance in the pools to keeping a watchful eye from the stands, their hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. The next time you spot a lifeguard at Zoombezi Bay, know you’re looking at a true summer hero.

We’re also incredibly grateful for our seasonal retail, food and beverage, grounds, maintenance, guest relations, slide attendant, and ride operator teams who brought so much energy and care to the park this season. Whether serving up favorite treats, helping families find the perfect souvenir, or ensuring the rides ran smoothly, they created countless moments of joy for our guests. Their efforts kept the fun going all summer long, and we couldn’t have done it without them.

A Waterpark With a Purpose

Zoombezi Bay is proud to stand apart as a waterpark with a purpose. Through Conservation Tower and our other initiatives, we’re connecting the joy of summer fun with the importance of protecting wildlife and wild places. Your visits directly supported conservation efforts both locally and globally, extending the impact of your day at the park far beyond the wave pool.

Looking Ahead to 2026

While the 2025 season is coming to a close, we’re already planning what’s next. The offseason will bring plenty of exciting updates, and we can’t wait to share more about what’s in store for 2026. Stay tuned for announcements—and get ready for another summer of laughter, adventure, and splash-filled memories.

From families and couples to friends and large work groups, every one of you made Zoombezi Bay part of your summer story—and we couldn’t be more thankful. Your support fuels everything we do. Here’s to a summer we’ll never forget, and to the adventures that await in 2026. Until then, thank you for choosing Zoombezi Bay, your waterpark with a purpose.