Water Parks In Columbus: A Huffington Post Travel Guide

Water Parks In Columbus: A Huffington Post Travel Guide

Water parks in Columbus, Ohio offer a great way to beat the scorching summer heat and to escape the snowy, Midwest winters. Columbus water parks have it all -- visitors can relax along a lazy river or test their bravery with the tallest waterslides. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Columbus water parks.

Zoombezi Bay Water Park

Located northwest of Columbus and adjacent to the Columbus Zoo is
, which features 22 acres of water fun. The park, open from late May to early September, features more than a dozen water attractions, a variety of dining options and private cabanas where visitors can relax in style.

Take The Plunge

Added in 2011, the
is the signature attraction at Zoombezi Bay. This thrill ride takes guests up a waterfall before plunging them into a 70-foot landing pool.

Other Attractions

In addition to Python Plunge,
features 16 other water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, an action river and a kiddie pool.

Snacks And Bar Drinks

Zoombezi Bay offers nine dining options throughout the park, and menu items range from grilled burgers, chicken and pork at the Big Island Grill to kids' favorites at the Blue Pelican to a full selection of bar drinks at the adults-only Croctail Island.

Safety Record

Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Zoombezi Bay Water Park.

Address: 9990 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065Phone: 614-645-3550Hours: Zoombezi Bay is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Hours vary weekly. Check the website for current information.Price: Children and adults ages 10 to 59, $32.99; seniors 60 and older and children 2 to 9, $24.99; children younger than 2, free. Parking is $5.

Fort Rapids Ohio Indoor Water Park And Resort

Located on the east side of Columbus, just off of Interstate 70, Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park is a great place to unwind year-round. The facility is more than just a water park. Families can stay the night -- or the weekend -- in one of the resort's 277 guest rooms, including the family suites that sleep 12 people and include a fun bunkroom for kids.

Slide Tower

The
at Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park is the 40-foot slide tower, home to four water slides -- Black Out Pass, Ambush Alley, Shootout Racer and Raging Bull.

Other Attractions

In addition to the slide tower, Fort Rapid Indoor Water Park features a lazy river, a 30-person hot tub, an activity pool and the Kiddie Korner. Kids will also love the 40-foot-tall interactive water playground.

Concessions

Fort Rapids Water Park has its own concession stand, D.B. Sidewinder's Cafe. The stand offers classic park favorites like hot dogs, pizza and fries.

Safety Record

Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park.

Address: 4560 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus, OH 43232Phone: 614-868-1380Hours: Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park is open from early May through December. Hours vary frequently. Check website for current information.Price: Day pass rates (available after 10 a.m. each day): Monday through Friday, $23.95; Saturday and Sunday, $29.95; after 4 p.m., $21.95; spectator pass, $9.95.

Other Noteworthy Parks Near Columbus

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