Special to 1808Delaware
In addition to offering fun in the sun, Zoombezi Bay is a water park with a purpose that is making a difference for wildlife conservation. Zoombezi Bay is the only water park connected to a zoological park, and proceeds from the water park help support the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s operations and mission of “Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.”
This season, guests can look forward to exciting highlights that include several new features and offerings that are sure to delight guests of all ages:
NEW FOR SUMMER 2024
Extended Hours. Zoombezi Bay fans, we heard you! Thanks to feedback we received from guests wanting more time to enjoy all the park has to offer, Zoombezi Bay will now remain open until 8 p.m. from July 5 – July 28.
Late Entry Ticket. Can’t get to the park until later in the day? We’ve got you covered! This year, Zoombezi Bay is offering a special late admission ticket for $19.99 for guests who arrive after 4 p.m.
Ride and Slide Pass. Experience endless waves of excitement by experiencing Zoombezi Bay AND unlimited amusement park-style rides at the Columbus Zoo with the new Ride and Slide pass.
Happy Hour. Guests are invited to relax and unwind during Happy Hour at Sandbar and Coconut Joe’s on Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. with $2 off domestic beer.
New Restaurant – “Bite.” Zoombezi Bay’s former Big Island Grill has been updated with a new concept. At Bite, delectable fan favorites will still be available, including burgers and chicken tenders, as well as fresh new items, including:
- Strawberry Pecan Salad
- Chilled BBQ Chicken Wrap
- Chilled Italian Hoagie
- Strawberries & Creme Dessert (vegetarian, gluten-free)
Select Seating Area. Guests can enhance their visit by reserving space in a new Select Seating area. This area offers a roped-off section with six cabana-style lounge chairs, one 12-foot funbrella that provides shade for private groups, one standard locker voucher, and easy access to Baboon Lagoon and Roaring Rapids to start the fun!
Upgraded Adults-Only Premium Loungers, presented by G&J Pepsi. Guests 21 years and older can experience ultimate relaxation by reserving newly-upgraded Adults-Only Premium Loungers at Croctail Creek. This reserved seating in our adults-only section of the waterpark includes private shade structures, exclusive concierge service, small lock box for storing valuables, and additional conveniences to ensure that guests enjoy their own “oasis” at Zoombezi Bay! New for 2024, this lounger rental for two people also includes:
- Reserved and exclusive tubes for use in Croctail Creek, the 700-foot, 160,000-gallon heated lazy river
- Complimentary towels for use during your visit
- Complimentary phone chargers for use for a refundable fee
- Select food and beverage menu and delivery straight to the loungers
SPECIAL OFFERS
- Early season online pricing. Get the lowest price of the season for a Zoombezi Bay day pass during our early season offer! From now through June 21, adult day passes are available starting at $34.99, and children’s day passes are available starting at $31.99. Prices are valid online only.
- Columbus Zoo Member Early Season Discount. From now through June 21, Columbus Zoo Members can purchase Zoombezi Bay day passes starting at $25.99—a savings of $7 off the regular price.
- 2-Day Ticket. Extend your stay with a 2-day pass to experience Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo! This pass includes admission to one day to the Columbus Zoo and one day to Zoombezi Bay. Zoombezi Bay admission also includes access to the Zoo on the same day.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
The 2024 season will also offer an action-packed line-up of family fun for Zoombezi Bay guests, including:
Kick Off to Summer. From May 28 – June 14, 2024, join us at the Wild Tides Wave Pool for our Kick Off to Summer celebration! Enjoy daily live entertainment, meet and greets with Character Ambassador Sam Pelican and his aquatic friends, larger-than-life inflatable games, and more. Specialty adult beverage will also be served up poolside Friday-Monday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Grab your friends, and help us welcome in a splash-tastic summer to remember!
Water Park After Dark, presented by G&J Pepsi. On June 21 and 29 and August 16 and 30, guests 21 years and older can enjoy some of Zoombezi Bay’s most popular water attractions after the sun sets! Water Park After Dark runs from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Summer Nights – Game On!, presented by Velvet Ice Cream. On Friday evenings from June 28 – July 26, Summer Nights – Game On! will provide guests the opportunity to enjoy extended park hours until 10 p.m., as well as exciting inflatable from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Select attractions will remain open while a family-friendly Dive-In Movie plays on the jumbo screen at the Wild Tides Wave Pool until 10 p.m. The show schedule is as follows:
- June 28, 2024 — Happy Gilmore
- July 5, 2024 — The Mighty Ducks
- July 12, 2024 — The Blind Side
- July 19, 2024 — Cars
- July 26, 2024 — Space Jam
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™. As guest safety is the top priority at the waterpark, Zoombezi Bay is once again joining forces with the world’s top water safety and training organizations to serve as a host site for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™. This event will be held simultaneously with hundreds of locations around the world on Thursday, June 20 from 9:15 a.m.-11 a.m. in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record. The event will offer a basic, 30-minute swimming lesson to children ages 2 through 12 years old (parents are also permitted to be in the water with their children) and is designed to help build awareness about the importance of teaching children how to swim in order to help prevent drowning. Registration includes access to the entire water park following the lesson, as well as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Registration is free for Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders.
Christmas in July. From July 19-22, Zoombezi Bay will be decking the halls and pouring on the holiday cheer during Christmas In July. This celebration will feature festive holiday activities, including visits with Santa Claus, meet and greets with Character Ambassadors, music, games, daily Christmas giveaways (while supplies last), specialty foods and gifts for sale, and more!
Zoombezi Bay Quiet After Hours Event. This Quiet After Hours event on August 23 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. is designed to meet the needs of those who may feel overwhelmed by a typical visit to the waterpark and want to enjoy the outdoors in a unique setting. Modifications to the Zoombezi Bay experience will include: smaller crowds due to limited ticketing; music will be turned off throughout the park; and sensory-friendly kits with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices will be available at Guest Relations for a $10 refundable deposit. Reservations are required.
Following the preview weekend, Zoombezi Bay is open to Season Pass Holders on May 24 and all guests daily May 25 – August 11. Zoombezi Bay will then be open on weekends only from August 12 – September 2. For additional updates about Zoombezi Bay’s attractions, events and more, visit the waterpark’s website, and follow Zoombezi Bay on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
Source: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
