Call us biased, but the Buckeye State really is the best state. Not only is it a wonderful place to call home, but Ohio is also a fabulous place to raise a family. For proof of this, one need only venture to our state’s capital city, where a duo of epic attractions promises a fun-filled, family-friendly outing in Ohio.

Why choose between a day at the water park…

Zoombezi Bay/Facebook

…and a day at the zoo? In Columbus, Ohio, you can have both!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook

Widely regarded as one of the country’s premier zoos, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for families.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA

Curious about the natural world? The Columbus Zoo offers some of the most up-close, one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences with its animal residents.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook

In fact, the zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species from around the globe, providing a world of wonder to Ohio residents.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook

In addition to the wild adventures, the zoo features loads of kid-friendly fun like a carousel, boat rides, and a 4D theatre!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook

When the heat and humidity of summer in Ohio starts getting to you (and it will), you don’t have to go far to cool off.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook (You will have to a bit farther than these elephants, though!)

During the summer, the zoo operates Zoombezi Bay, a 22.7-acre water park designed for all age groups.

Zoombezi Bay/Facebook Zoombezi Bay, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA

This place is unlike any water park you’ve ever experienced. The park’s attractions include the newly renovated SoundSurfer, the first waterslide in the country to incorporate light and audio effects, and Baboon Lagoon, an imaginative, multi-level play structure with a 1,000-gallon bucket dump.

Zoombezi Bay/Facebook

Zoombezi Bay also features 17 state-of-the-art water slides, wave and kiddie pools, action and lazy rivers, private cabanas, and more, all guaranteeing an epic day of water park fun in the sun.

Zoombezi Bay/Facebook So the next time you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly outing in Ohio, look no further than the wild and wonderful Columbus Zoo!

Don’t pass up the chance to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during the summer when Zoombezi Bay is open; this is perhaps the most fun-filled, family-friendly outing in Ohio.

Zoombezi Bay/Facebook

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA

(You will have to a bit farther than these elephants, though!)

Zoombezi Bay, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA

So the next time you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly outing in Ohio, look no further than the wild and wonderful Columbus Zoo!

The only thing better is stopping for ice cream at Jeni’s afterward. Talk about the cherry on top of a perfect Buckeye State day.

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