Zoombezi Bay vs Long's Retreat Family Resort
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Zoombezi Bay | Long's Retreat Family Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Zoombezi Bay
- wave pool
- gift shop
- surfing simulator
- group rates
Only at Long's Retreat Family Resort
- hiking trails
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Zoombezi Bay
Ohio
Zoombezi Bay sits right next to the Columbus Zoo in Powell, making it easy to combine both attractions in one trip. This 22.5-acre water park has a solid mix of attractions that work well for families with kids of all ages. The Typhoon Tower is the centerpiece - a four-story complex with multiple slides including body slides and tube slides. Point Break is their surf simulator where you can try your hand at flowboarding, though expect to wipe out a few times before getting the hang of it. The lazy river here is longer than most, winding around a good portion of the park and passing through some shaded areas that feel great on hot Ohio summer days. Little kids gravitate toward Croctail Creek, a large play structure with smaller slides, water buckets, and plenty of interactive features. The wave pool generates decent waves every few minutes and has a gradual entry that works for younger swimmers. What sets Zoombezi Bay apart is its animal theme carried over from the zoo next door - you'll see crocodile and tropical decorations throughout, plus the naming follows the safari theme. The park feels well-maintained and the staff keeps things moving smoothly. Get there when gates open to claim your spot early, especially on weekends. The concrete gets scorching hot by midday, so water shoes are practically mandatory. Cabanas go fast during peak season and are worth booking ahead if you want shade and a place to store your stuff. Food options are…
Read the full Zoombezi Bay guide →Long's Retreat Family Resort
Ohio
Long's Retreat Family Resort sits on a sprawling property in rural Latham, Ohio, and it's exactly what the name suggests - a genuine family retreat that happens to have some excellent water attractions. This isn't your typical massive commercial water park with towering slides visible from the highway. Instead, it's more like a summer camp for families, where the water features are just one part of a bigger outdoor experience. The main pool area centers around a good-sized swimming pool with a separate shallow end that works perfectly for younger kids. You'll find a couple of moderate water slides - nothing that'll terrify a 7-year-old, but fun enough to keep tweens entertained for hours. The real gem here is how uncrowded it stays, even on busy summer weekends. While other parks have you waiting 20 minutes for a slide, you can usually walk right up here. The lazy river winds through some nicely landscaped areas, and they've done a smart job incorporating natural shade trees rather than building expensive structures. Kids love the splash area with its smaller slides and water features designed for the under-10 crowd. What sets Long's Retreat apart is the full resort experience. You're not just getting water park access - there are picnic areas, hiking trails, and that relaxed atmosphere where parents actually seem to unwind instead of stress about logistics. The food situation is basic but reliable - think burgers, hot dogs, and pizza rather than gourmet options. Pricing stays reasonable because they're not…
Read the full Long's Retreat Family Resort guide →Ready to visit Zoombezi Bay?