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Powell, OH – Summer fun returns to Zoombezi Bay as Central Ohio’s “Waterpark With a Purpose” kicks off the 2026 season with the first full season of its award-winning Conservation Tower, exciting new summer entertainment offerings, returning guest favorites, and special limited-time savings for families.
Zoombezi Bay will kick off the 2026 season during Opening Weekend on May 16 and 17, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The waterpark will then reopen for Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day on May 22 before beginning daily operations over Memorial Day weekend. Throughout the summer, guests can also enjoy extended evening hours during special events, including Adventure Nights and Water Park After Dark. Guests are encouraged to visit ZoombeziBay.com for the most up-to-date operating calendar, hours, and rates.
Award-Winning Attractions and Summer Fun
Now entering its first full season, Conservation Tower continues to make a splash after debuting in 2025 with three signature water slides, including two world’s first attractions and one Midwest exclusive. The attraction features The Hive, the world’s first water slide of its kind; Captina Falls, the world’s first RallyRACER with FlyingSAUCER elements; and Mussel Mayhem, a Midwest-exclusive experience.
Inspired by native wildlife and Zoombezi Bay’s broader support of conservation initiatives at the adjacent Columbus Zoo, Conservation Tower features high-thrill experiences inspired by species such as eastern hellbenders, pollinators, and freshwater mussels. Since opening, Conservation Tower has received national recognition, including being named among USA Today’s 10Best New Theme Park Attractions.
Guests can also continue enjoying returning favorites throughout the park, including Wild Tides Wave Pool, Baboon Lagoon, Cyclone, SoundSurfer, Croctail Creek, and more.
New for Summer 2026: $5 Days
From May 16 through June 7, 2026, Zoombezi Bay will offer “$5 Days,” providing families additional savings during select early-season dates. With the purchase of one regular-priced adult ticket online, guests can purchase a child’s ticket for just $5. Additional $5 food and beverage offerings will also be available during select afternoon hours, and discounted ZOOMPASS pricing and retail options will round out the $5 Days offerings. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Adventure Nights Debuts This Summer
New for 2026, the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay will launch Adventure Nights, a new summer evening experience held Friday and Saturday nights from June 26 through July 25, 2026.
Guests can enjoy free entry into the Zoo’s Adventure Cove region after 6 p.m. for live music, family movies, animal experiences, rides, entertainment, and more. Guests can also extend the evening at Zoombezi Bay with discounted evening admission, which includes access to Adventure Cove. Select Zoombezi Bay attractions, including Conservation Tower and Baboon Lagoon, will remain open during the event.
Returning Events and Seasonal Favorites
The 2026 season will also feature the return of several guest-favorite events and experiences throughout the summer, including the following events and more:
- Season Pass Appreciation Day on May 22, 2026 for Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders and Columbus Zoo Gold Members
- Water Park After Dark on June 19, August 7 and 21, and September 4, 2026, offering guests ages 21 and older an adults-only evening experience at the waterpark
- World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ on June 25, joining waterparks around the globe to help raise awareness about the importance of water safety and swim education
- Quiet Hours on August 28, 2026, providing a less stimulating experience for guests with sensory sensitivities
- Oktoberfest on August 29 and 30 and September 5, 6, and 7, 2026, featuring German-inspired food, local craft beverages, and seasonal entertainment
Zoombezi Bay Season Passes are also available and include exclusive events, discounts, and additional benefits throughout the season.
A Waterpark With a Purpose
As the only waterpark connected to a zoological park, Zoombezi Bay helps support the Columbus Zoo’s 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, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
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About Zoombezi Bay, A Waterpark with a Purpose
Zoombezi Bay is a 23-acre waterpark that features 21 state-of-the-art water attractions, including the award-winning, world’s-first Conservation Tower; 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 waterpark support the Zoo’s operation and mission. Please visit ZoombeziBay.com for more information.
