Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay Highlight Upcoming Sensory-Friendly Events

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Powell, OH — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay continue to enhance their commitment to inclusion and sensory accessibility, offering special experiences that help guests of all ages and abilities connect with wildlife at the Zoo and enjoy the excitement of the waterpark at Zoombezi Bay. Through December, are invited to take part in a variety of sensory-friendly events, in addition to the Zoo’s ongoing Quiet Hours and other accessibility initiatives.

Quiet After Hours at Zoombezi Bay – Friday, August 22, 2025 (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Guests can enjoy the waterpark during a less stimulating time, without the added background sounds—such as music throughout the park—that can be challenging for individuals with sensory needs.

The Wave Pool will be available from 5–9 p.m. (The waves will be on between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.)
A limited number of sensory kits—including noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices—will be available at Guest Relations for a $10 refundable deposit.
Character Ambassadors will be available for meet-and-greets at select times.
A limited number of attractions, rides, and food and beverage locations will be open.
Space is limited, so reservations are required. Admission is included with a Zoombezi Bay Season Pass, though advance reservations are still needed to ensure a comfortable guest experience.

Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Sunday, September 7, 2025 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

In collaboration with Columbus Speech & Hearing, the Columbus Zoo will host a special day for guests to enjoy the Zoo in a more accessible environment for individuals who are Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind. Guests are encouraged to stop by the event information tent near the globe fountain just inside the entrance for event details and wayfinding assistance.

Highlights include:

Local community partners in Conservation Courtyard offering hands-on activities and learning experiences.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at all animal presentations and Keeper Talks, along with hearing devices for guests who have not reserved one in advance. Keeper Talks are presented by Fifth Third Bank.
Sensory kits with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices available at Guest Relations for a $10 refundable deposit.
Regular Zoo admission applies, and the Zoo will remain open to all guests during this event. Please note that necessary safety sounds/visuals will remain.

Animal Presentations with ASL Interpretation

11 a.m. – Sea Lion Training Tales (Lighthouse Theater, Adventure Cove)
12 p.m. – Encounter the Wild (Lighthouse Theater, Adventure Cove)

Keeper Talks with ASL Interpretation

9:45 a.m. – Tigers or Pallas’ Cats (Asia Quest)
10:30 a.m. – Lions (Heart of Africa)
11:15 a.m. – Polar Bears, Brown Bears, or Arctic Fox (Polar Frontier)
1 p.m. – Tasmanian Devils (Australia and the Islands)
1:45 p.m. – Orangutan (Australia and the Islands)
2:30 p.m. – Penguins or Aldabra Tortoise (Shores and Aquarium)

Ongoing Quiet Hours at the Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo offers Quiet Hours on the first Sunday of every month during the first four hours of operation, providing a more sensory-friendly experience with reduced sounds, music, and visual stimuli. Quiet Hours are included with regular Zoo admission and are complimentary for members.

More Upcoming Sensory-Friendly Events

Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll – November 18, 2025 (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) This event is open to everyone, and pre-purchased tickets required as space is limited.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience – December 7, 2025 (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) This event is open to everyone, and pre-purchased tickets required as space is limited.

Accessibility at the Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo offers a variety of accessibility resources year-round, including:

Social Stories and Sensory Maps to help guests prepare for their visit and identify sensory-friendly locations.
Sensory Bags with headphones, sunglasses, fidget items, and communication cards, available for checkout at Guest Relations (refundable deposit required).
ADA-Accessible Rides and Attractions, including the 4-D Theater, Columbus Zoo Train Ride, Grand Carousel, and more.
Adult Changing Station in the Adventure Cove family restroom, installed through a community-driven project led by a Westerville teen in honor of her brother.

Accessibility at Zoombezi Bay

Zoombezi Bay is committed to making the waterpark enjoyable for all guests, offering inclusive facilities, adaptive equipment, and sensory-friendly resources. Highlights include:

Accessible Routes connecting nearly all areas of the park.
Adult Changing Station (located in the Zoo’s Adventure Cove region; Zoombezi Bay admission includes Zoo admission).
Aquatic-Rated Wheelchairs for use in zero-entry pool areas.
KultureCity Sensory Bags with headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, visual cue card, and VIP lanyard (refundable deposit required).
Companion Policy providing complimentary admission for a caregiver assisting a guest with a disability (with documentation).
Nursing Station beside the EMS office.
Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals for mobility assistance within the park.

Guests are also welcome to bring personal wheelchairs and service animals (in accordance with AZA Service Animal Guidelines). For complete accessibility information, please visit Zoombezi Bay’s accessibility page or call 614-645-3400.

For more information about the Columbus Zoo’s events, conservation initiatives, educational programs, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org. Additional information about the Zoo’s inclusion initiatives can be found by visiting the Zoo’s Accessibility page or calling 614-645-3400.