Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Enhance Accessibility with New Sensory-Friendly Events

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, along with its neighboring waterpark Zoombezi Bay, are furthering their commitment to inclusion and accessibility with a series of sensory-friendly events and ongoing initiatives designed to make visits more comfortable for guests of all abilities. From quieter hours in the waterpark to enhanced accessibility at animal presentations, the goal is to create meaningful experiences for everyone.

Quiet After Hours at Zoombezi Bay – August 22, 2025

Guests looking to enjoy Zoombezi Bay in a calmer environment will have the chance during Quiet After Hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event reduces background noise, including turning off park-wide music, to create a less stimulating atmosphere.

Highlights include:

Wave Pool access from 5–9 p.m. (with waves on from 7–9 p.m.)
Limited attractions, rides, and food locations open
Character Ambassador meet-and-greets
Sensory kits with headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices available at Guest Relations ($10 refundable deposit)

Reservations are required, and admission is included with a Zoombezi Bay Season Pass.

*Blind, Deaf and DeafBlind Accessibility Day 2024 – Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium*

Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Day – September 7, 2025

In collaboration with Columbus Speech & Hearing, the Columbus Zoo will host a day dedicated to enhancing accessibility for individuals who are Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features:

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at all animal presentations and Keeper Talks, with hearing devices available
Hands-on activities in Conservation Courtyard led by community partners
Tactile tables with biofacts for interactive learning
Sensory kits with headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices available at Guest Relations ($10 refundable deposit)

Animal Presentations with ASL Interpretation

11 a.m. – Sea Lion Training Tales (Adventure Cove)
12 p.m. – Encounter the Wild (Adventure Cove)

Keeper Talks with ASL Interpretation

9:45 a.m. – Tigers or Pallas’ Cats (Asia Quest)
10:30 a.m. – Lions (Heart of Africa)
11:15 a.m. – Polar Bears, Brown Bears, or Arctic Fox (Polar Frontier)
1 p.m. – Tasmanian Devils (Australia and the Islands)
1:45 p.m. – Orangutan (Australia and the Islands)
2:30 p.m. – Penguins or Aldabra Tortoise (Shores and Aquarium)

Regular Zoo admission applies, and the Zoo will remain open to all guests during this special day.

*Zoo Quiet Area – Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium*

Ongoing Quiet Hours and Seasonal Sensory-Friendly Events

The Zoo also hosts Quiet Hours on the first Sunday of every month during the first four hours of operation, providing reduced sounds and visual stimuli for a more sensory-friendly visit.

Upcoming events include:

Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll – November 18, 2025 (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience – December 7, 2025 (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.)

Both events require pre-purchased tickets due to limited space.

Accessibility Resources at the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay

The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay offer a wide range of permanent accessibility features year-round, including:

Social Stories and Sensory Maps for visit planning
Sensory Bags with headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, and communication cards
ADA-accessible rides such as the Grand Carousel, Zoo Train, and 4-D Theater
Aquatic-rated wheelchairs in zero-entry pool areas
Nursing stations, adult changing stations, and mobility rentals
Companion policy providing free caregiver admission for guests with disabilities

Guests may also bring personal wheelchairs and service animals in accordance with Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) guidelines.

*Sensory Inclusive Bag – Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium*

A Mission of Inclusion and Conservation

Home to more than 600 animal species, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium serves as both a recreational destination and a global leader in wildlife conservation. The Zoo complex includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark and Safari Golf Club, and also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center in southeastern Ohio. By expanding sensory accessibility and inclusive programming, the Zoo is continuing its mission to make meaningful connections between people, wildlife, and wild places.

For tickets and more details for the upcoming events, accessibility resources, and conservation initiatives, visit the official Columbus Zoo website.

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