Waves of Fun, Putnam County vs Zoombezi Bay
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 | Waves of Fun, Putnam County | Zoombezi Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | ||
| Lazy River | ||
| Water Slides | ||
| Kiddie Area | ||
| Tube Rentals | ||
| Surfing Simulator | ||
| Cabanas | ||
| Food & Dining | ||
| Gift Shop | ||
| Parking | ||
| Picnic Area | ||
| Birthday Parties | ||
| Splash Pad | ||
| Season Passes | ||
| Swimming Pool |
Only at Zoombezi Bay
- Lazy River
- Cabanas
- Gift Shop
- Tube Rentals
- Surfing Simulator
- Splash Pad
- Birthday Parties
- group-rates
- Season Passes
Both parks share 7 amenities including Wave Pool, Water Slides, Kiddie Area, and 4 more.
About Each Park
Waves of Fun, Putnam County
West Virginia
Waves of Fun sits on a pleasant stretch of land in Putnam County, West Virginia, and it's exactly what you'd expect from a well-run municipal water park. The centerpiece wave pool generates decent-sized waves every few minutes, creating that ocean-like experience that kids absolutely love. I've watched families spend hours here just riding the waves and floating around when the pool goes calm between cycles. The water stays surprisingly clean for a public facility, and the lifeguards actually pay attention. Beyond the wave pool, you'll find a solid collection of water slides that range from gentle slopes perfect for younger kids to a few steeper drops that'll get your heart pumping. The children's area features smaller slides and interactive water features that keep the little ones busy while parents can actually relax nearby. What really sets Waves of Fun apart is how well-maintained everything feels. The grounds are clean, the facilities work properly, and the staff seems to genuinely care about the place. It's not going to compete with the massive commercial water parks, but for a county-run operation, they've nailed the balance between fun attractions and family-friendly atmosphere. The pricing reflects its municipal nature, making it accessible for families who want a full day of water fun without breaking the bank. Pack your own snacks if possible since concession options are limited, and arrive early during summer weekends when local families pack the place. The parking lot fills up fast, but it's free. This park works best for families…
Read the full Waves of Fun, Putnam County guide →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 →Ready to visit Waves of Fun, Putnam County?