COLUMBUS ZOO AND ZOOMBEZI BAY LAUNCH ADVENTURE NIGHTS, A NEW EVENING EVENT FOR SUMMER 2026
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay are introducing a brand-new way to enjoy summer evenings with the debut of Adventure Nights, a new summer event connecting both parks and offering added savings for families.
Held Friday and Saturday nights from June 26 through July 25, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., this new, family-friendly event takes place in the Adventure Cove region at the Columbus Zoo, the area between the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. Entry to Adventure Cove is FREE after the rest of the Zoo closes for the day! Guests can also extend their evening at Zoombezi Bay with discounted admission, which includes access to Adventure Cove.
“Adventure Nights brings a different kind of energy to summer evenings and is all about bringing people together in a way that feels easy and relaxed,” said Anthony Sabo, Vice President of Zoombezi Bay and Columbus Zoo Operations. “It’s a chance to experience something new, enjoy a nice evening, and make the most of time with family and friends at a great value.”
EVENING FUN IN ADVENTURE COVE
The Columbus Zoo’s Adventure Cove region, presented by OhioHealth, will serve as the hub for Adventure Nights.
Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the evening, including:
- Free family movies every Friday night
- Free live music every Saturday night
- Animal experiences, including the sea lion and seal tunnel and Stingray Bay
- Arcade games and a 9-hole miniature golf course
- Strolling entertainment and Character Ambassador appearances
- Food and drinks available for purchase
Select Adventure Cove rides, including the Sea Dragon and Tidal Twist roller coasters, will also be open during Adventure Nights, with ride tickets and wristbands available for purchase.
Adventure Nights at the Zoo is hosted exclusively in the Adventure Cove region; other Zoo areas close at 6 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES
Adventure Nights features a lineup of free family-friendly movies each Friday, including:
- June 26 – The Goonies
- July 3 – National Treasure
- July 10 – Muppet Treasure Island
- July 17 – Jungle Cruise
- July 24 – How to Train Your Dragon
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC
Adventure Nights features a rotating lineup of live music each Saturday, including:
- June 27 – Angela Perley
- July 4 – Cassette Mindset
- July 11 – Three Ton Toad
- July 18 – The Thirsty Travelers
- July 25 – Riley Burke Band
EXTEND THE EVENING AT ZOOMBEZI BAY
Guests looking to add even more to their evening can visit Zoombezi Bay, which offers discounted Adventure Nights admission for $24.95. Gold Members and Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders receive free entry.
Select water attractions, including the award-winning Conservation Tower waterslides and Baboon Lagoon, a play area designed for younger children, will be open each night, along with DJs, food, and retail offerings.
Zoo Bus Returns for Summer 2026 With Daily Service and Big Savings for Families
Skip the Parking, Catch the Adventure and Save Big on Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Admission
Summer adventures just got easier and more affordable. The Zoo Bus is officially back for Summer 2026, giving families a convenient, budget-friendly way to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay all season long.
Beginning Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will offer daily Zoo Bus service from downtown Columbus to the Zoo and waterpark through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. After Labor Day, service will continue Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31, 2026.
The Zoo Bus provides guests with a stress-free way to enjoy a full day of family fun while taking advantage of incredible savings. Riders receive admission to the Columbus Zoo for just $5 or $10 off admission to Zoombezi Bay.
A family of five can spend the entire day at the Zoo for under $50 when taking advantage of the Zoo Bus program.
The Zoo Bus will operate five trips daily, with the first departure leaving State and High Streets downtown at 8 a.m. The final bus will depart the Zoo at 6:15 p.m., returning downtown at approximately 7 p.m.
Guests can board the Zoo Bus at:
- Statehouse downtown (State and High Streets)
- Griggs Dam Park & Ride
- Dublin Park & Ride
Zoo Bus fares are:
- $2 each way for adults
- $1 each way for children under 12
- Free for children under 5
To receive discounted admission, riders should ask the COTA Operator for a Zoo Bus coupon. Coupons will be distributed one per customer and must be presented at the Zoo or Zoombezi Bay admission window to get discount.
For more information about Zoo Bus, visit COTA.com/ZooBus or call COTA Customer Service at (614) 228-1776. Admission prices and hours can be found by visiting the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay websites at ColumbusZoo.org and ZoombeziBay.com.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Parking is $12 per vehicle. Parking is free for Columbus Zoo members and Zoombezi Bay Season Pass holders. Guests can experience the rest of the Zoo by visiting earlier in the day, as those areas close before Adventure Nights begins. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit ColumbusZoo.org and ZoombeziBay.com. For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s 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.
