Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For the past two years Darrick’s side of the family has planned a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. Last year our children were a lot smaller so we only went to the zoo but this year we did both sides of the park and had an AMAZING time!
If you have never been to the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, I suggest you add this to your list of family trips for the summer!! The parks are connected, so if you wanted to you could do both parks in one day!
The Zoo complex spans 588 acres, more than 200 of which have been developed as animal habitats and public spaces. The Zoo habitats are organized into six geographic regions: Asia Quest, Australia and the Islands, Congo Expedition, Heart of Africa, North America and Polar Frontier, and Shores. Heart of Africa, which debuted in 2014, is designed as a mixed species savanna spanning 23 acres.The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe.
Last year, we walked majority of the Zoo but somehow we missed Africa. So this year our mission was to hit Africa and see the animals from that continent.
We also stopped in North America…
I saw excited because I saw a Moose…okay, I know you are probably wondering whats the big deal about a Moose. Well out of all the times I have been to the Zoo I have never seen one, or seen one in person…
After visiting North America…we headed to Zoombezi Bay…
Zoombezi Bay was AWESOME!!!! We had a great time, from the smallest child to the oldest adult that went with us it was something for everyone and we all had a chance to spend time together. I didn’t get many pictures at the waterpark because I wanted to enjoy the moment, and we truly did that!
Zoombezi Bay is pretty big, and we had to map out what we wanted to try…
We all started by finding seats to place our stuff…and our first part of the attraction was Baboon Lagoon. We couldn’t get our stuff off fast enough and we all went and stood in front of the bucket on the Lagoon that dumped water on our heads!
Zoombezi Bay is owned and operated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its the home to exhilarating slides, a giant wave pool, interactive kiddie pools, relaxing rivers and rip-roaring rapids, Zoombezi Bay is central Ohio’s premier water park. The 22-acre water park is open during the summer months and is located on Columbus Zoo property.
Of all the attractions we spent most of our time in Tiny Tides and Wild Tides. Tiny Tides is a 4,000-square-foot splash pad area is perfect for little ones and features 12 marine animal play structures, small slides and gentle umbrella waterfalls. It also includes a pool that is 12- to 14-inches deep. Emma and DJ loved this area, and surprisingly they weren’t afraid of the slides at all! The first time down we held their hands, but after that they wanted to do everything independently. So usually one of us went up the slide with them and the other parent was standing at the end waiting for them. They could’ve stayed in this area the entire time!!!
Wild Tides is a 544,500 wave pool with a maximum depth of six feet features seven different waves, some of which can reach up to four feet high. Surprisingly the kids LOVED Wild Tides…we found a seat close to the “shore” but we were able to still feel the waves come in, the kids sat next to me and zoned out while playing with the water. They were very comfortable with feeling the waves coming in on their legs.
Another family favorite was the lazy river…we loaded up on rafts and floated along the river.
As I stated earlier there is something for EVERYONE at Zoombezi Bay! You can enjoy the attractions by age group or together as a group. And if you are like me where you love water but you are terrified at the same time there are lifeguards EVERYWHERE! And life jackets for all ages!
So…if you are close to the Columbus area or dont mind driving, I HIGHLY recommend taking a trip to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay!!!
I promise you wont be disappointed!!
