Enter if you dare
ZOMBIEZI Bay and other haunted houses opening
Brand-new haunted spaces join decades-old classic venues in Greater Columbus this season.
Newest is the transformation of Zoombezi Bay into ZOMBIEZI Bay, where the waterpark connected to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium becomes a haunted attraction.
“Honestly, it’s something we’ve been discussing in some form or fashion for about 10 years, almost as long as the park has been around,” said Anthony Sabo, the Vice President of Waterpark Operations and Guest Services.
“Being a waterpark in Ohio, we really have a very specific season, and we’ve always thought, how can we expand that season?”
“If you come to ZOMBIEZI Bay, and we didn’t at the
very least startle you, we didn’t do a good job,” Sabo said. “It’s meant to be a complement to Boo at the Zoo, which is a more family-friendly underage Halloween event.”
The park will include four different haunted houses, as well as two “scare zones,” “Decomposed” and “Photosynthesis,” where “scare actors” will jump out at visitors.
The rides at the park have also been converted for the event, from the roller coaster to the bumper cars.
“We’re upping the game for a bumpercar ride,” Sabo said.
Also on-site will be the “Brews and Bites” beer tasting and food festival.
“Not everybody is into haunted houses, so we wanted to make it a foodie event, too,” Sabo said.
h ZOMBIEZI Bay is at 4850 Powell Road, Delaware County. The attraction is open Fridays through Sundays in September, beginning on Sept. 17. September hours are 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. It is designed for those 13 and over. September admission is $28.99.
In October, the park will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays (starting Oct. 14) and 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission on Sundays and Thursdays in October will be $28.99, and admission on Fridays and Saturdays in October will be $32.99. Parking is $10. Masks are recommended indoors, and the park will adhere to all local and state mandates. For more information, call 614-724-3600 or visit zombiezibay.columbuszoo.org
More frights in store
h Fear Columbus took over the space of a previous attraction last year, and this year has completely renovated the space. “The Summoning” now escorts visitors through a house occupied by a demonic cult, and “Aftermath Anarchy” imagines a post-apocalyptic city with plenty of fearsome action. After the usual September and October season, Fear Columbus will continue into the first weekend of November, where guests will be allowed into the attraction with no lights, no guides and one glowstick.
Fear Columbus is at 2605 Northland Plaza Drive. Admission varies by date, from $19.99 to $29.99. See website for details. Tickets are timed, and must be purchased online. Fear Columbus will adhere to all local and state guidelines. For more information, call 614-344-4484 or visit fearcolumbus.com.
• Carnage Haunted House has taken over a new location, with 60,000 square feet of scares. Make your way through two zones, “The Bayou” and “The Entity.”
Carnage Haunted House, 3770 Refugee Road, opens on Sept. 17 and runs through Nov. 6. See website for dates and times. Tickets cost $25, and parking is free. Those younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For information, visit carnagehauntedhouse.com.
h Pataskala Haunted Forest has a motto: “Scaring is caring.” The forest has been creeping out families and raising money for service projects and community events, sponsored by the Pataskala Lions Club for 32 years now. “Grave digger” escorts keep groups socially distant. The trek through the woods takes 30 to 45 minutes, and is not recommended for small children.
Pataskala Haunted Forest, 8838 Refugee Road, Pataskala, will be open on Friday and Saturday nights in October, and tickets will be released a week ahead of time. Tickets are $15 and must be bought online. Masks are optional. For more information, call 740-755-9775 or visit pataskalahauntedforest.com.
h Haunted Hoochie and Dead Acres are not for the faint of heart or easily grossed-out. The indoor and outdoor attractions promise explicit content, graphic violence and “full sensory assault.” Unlike other local attractions, these do not have a “no touch” policy.
Haunted Hoochie and Dead Acres, 13861 Broad St. SW, Pataskala, are open Thursdays through Saturdays starting Sept. 16 and run through the end of October. Tickets cost $30. Masks are encouraged. For more information, visit www.deadacres.com.
h The Haunted Farm is celebrating 25 years of scares this year. The familyfriendly Pleasantville attraction offers a spooky hayride, a haunted barn maze, a bonfire and free entertainment.
The Haunted Farm, 5450 Old Millersport Road NE, Pleasantville,will be open from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays starting on Oct. 1 and running through Nov. 6. Tickets and ticket prices will be available on the website before the attraction opens. For more information, visit www.haunted-farm.com
Note: Check websites for any COVID-19 policies or restrictions.
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