NOTE TO MEDIA: Images are available through this link. Photo credits are contained in the file name (Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
Powell, OH – Summer fun is heating up at Zoombezi Bay, Central Ohio’s “Waterpark With a Purpose,” as the park kicks off its 2025 season with a wave of excitement—including new world’s first attractions, special pricing, and returning favorites that guests of all ages can enjoy. Zoombezi Bay will open this weekend, May 17-18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The waterpark will begin daily operations starting on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with weekend-only operations returning in mid-August—including Labor Day weekend. For the most up-to-date hours and rates, visit zoombezibay.com/hours-and-rates.
New for 2025
Coming June 2025: Conservation Tower
This year, Zoombezi Bay will offer triple the thrills with the debut of Conservation Tower, featuring three all-new water slides you won’t find together anywhere else on Earth—including two world’s firsts and one Midwest exclusive. From racing drops to twisting funnels and face-to-face raft rides, each slide offers a unique adventure inspired by local conservation efforts. Opening this June, Conservation Tower brings next-level excitement—and a splash of purpose—to Zoombezi Bay.
Coming June 2025: Coral Kitchen
A flavorful new dining option, Coral Kitchen opens in June near Baboon Lagoon and Croctail Creek. Guests can enjoy fresh, fast options and shaded seating, with convenient self-service kiosks. Voted on by fans, the name reflects both the fun and mission-driven spirit of Zoombezi Bay.
Other Updates for 2025
Zoombezi Bay is Now Cashless. In support of its mission to Empower People. Save Wildlife., Zoombezi Bay has transitioned to a fully cashless payment system to streamline and provide a secure guest experience. For those who prefer to use cash, pre-paid debit card machines are available at the Zoombezi Bay ticket building and outside of Sea Star Sundries. These machines allow guests to load cash onto a pre-paid Mastercard, which can be used throughout the park—and anywhere Mastercard is accepted—with no fee to convert.
Sunshine Guarantee. When Ohio’s unpredictable weather interrupts the fun, Zoombezi Bay’s Sunshine Guarantee ensures guests can return to enjoy their visit. Guests may be eligible for a return ticket if:
- Inclement weather causes an early closure or significantly shortens operating hours.
- Rides are closed for over 60 consecutive minutes due to lightning or similar weather conditions.
- Requests must be submitted within one week of the original visit, and eligibility is limited to standard admission tickets.
Season Pass holders, Gold Members, Bring-a-Friend ticket holders, complimentary ticket users, and some promotional offers are excluded.
Extended Hours – More Time for Summer Fun. Based on guest feedback, Zoombezi Bay will stay open until 8 p.m. daily from July 5 through August 2. This extension gives guests even more time to enjoy their favorite attractions during the heart of summer.
Special Offers
Gold Membership Sale – Ends May 16. Buy four or more Columbus Zoo Gold Memberships and save $20 per pass (up to six per transaction). Discount applied automatically at checkout.
Ride and Slide Combo Pass – Coming Soon. Double the fun! With the Ride and Slide Pass, guests can enjoy a full day of waterpark thrills at Zoombezi Bay and unlimited amusement park-style rides at the Columbus Zoo, including the Sea Dragon wooden rollercoaster, Grand Carousel, and Dinosaur Island boat ride.
Events and Activities
The 2025 season will also offer an action-packed lineup of family fun and themed experiences at Zoombezi Bay, including:
Water Park After Dark, presented by G&J Pepsi. On June 20 and 28 and August 8 and 29, guests ages 21 and older can enjoy an exclusive, adults-only evening as some of Zoombezi Bay’s most popular water attractions remain open after the sun goes down. Water Park After Dark runs from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., offering a fun, social, and splash-filled night under the stars.
Summer Nights – Dive-In Movie Series. On select Friday evenings from June 27 through July 25, Zoombezi Bay extends its hours until 10 p.m. for Summer Nights, featuring entertainment, select attractions, and a Dive-In Movie experience on the jumbo screen at the Wild Tides Wave Pool. Movies begin at dusk, and select attractions remain open through the show.
2025 Dive-In Movie Lineup:
June 27 – Wicked
July 5 – Guardians of the Galaxy
July 11 – Finding Dory
July 18 – Barbie
July 25 – Zootopia
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ – Zoombezi Bay will once again join hundreds of waterparks around the world to host the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™—a global effort to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim. On Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 9:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., children ages 2–12 (with parents welcome in the water) will receive a free, 30-minute swimming lesson. Registration includes full-day access to Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Free for Season Pass Holders.
Quiet After Hours – On August 22, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Zoombezi Bay will host a Quiet After Hours event designed to create a less stimulating environment for guests with sensory sensitivities. Music will be turned off throughout the park, attendance will be limited, and sensory-friendly kits—including noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices—will be available at Guest Relations with a refundable $10 deposit. Reservations are required.
Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay – Celebrate the season with a splash as the park transforms into a festive fall destination. On August 30 and 31 and September 1, 6 and 7, 2025, guests can enjoy traditional German music, pumpkin and fall-flavored beers on tap from local breweries, and delicious Bavarian-style food. With exciting water attractions and cheerful autumn vibes, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets go on sale in Summer 2025.
Zoombezi Bay is the only waterpark connected to a zoological park, and proceeds from the waterpark help support the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s operations and mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. For additional updates about Zoombezi Bay’s attractions, events and more, visit the waterpark’s website, and follow Zoombezi Bay on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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About Zoombezi Bay, A Waterpark with a Purpose
Zoombezi Bay is a 22.7-acre water park that features 19 state-of-the-art water attractions, including the aquatic adventure area, Otter Banks; themed water slide, SoundSurfer; the multi-level play structure, Baboon Lagoon; the Pelican Point interactive water playground for the youngest guests; a wave pool; an action river; a lazy river; and more. During the regular summer season, admission to Zoombezi Bay includes the Columbus Zoo, and proceeds from the water park support the Zoo’s operation and mission. Please visit ZoombeziBay.com for more information.
