Zao Island looks forward to exciting 2021 summer with both new and fan-favorite attractions

With warm weather here to stay, people are looking for fun attractions to keep them active and get them outside to enjoy the summer sun. For the Valparaiso community, look no further than Zao Island and the new attractions it has coming this summer.

Zao’s mini golf courses recently received a refresh, featuring new red and blue carpets. What hasn’t changed, though, is the course that was voted as one of USA Today’s most unique mini golf courses complete with Zao’s pirate ship, waterfalls, a haunted house, and, of course, the 30-foot dragon that can be seen from the U.S. Route 30 highway.

For those looking for a bite to eat or a place to host a birthday party or special event, Zao Island’s new Zao Pizza Bar is ready and eager to welcome guests. Zao recently rebranded from its longtime restaurant, Coladas, to Zao Pizza Bar, complete with a new sign on the main building that celebrates Zao’s new era.

Guests can enjoy fresh-made, build-your-own, and specialty pizzas, appetizers, wings, and grinders, which are Zao’s version of delicious subs. Guests can also enjoy 35 of the top craft and specialty beer and wine options at the bar, featuring refreshing drinks like the Banana Bread Beer that’s perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

Alligators are back! Starting at the end of May, Zao’s Alligator Exhibit will once again be home to 45 American alligators all the way from Florida, a fan-favorite educational exhibit that gives guests an up-close chance to see these stunning creatures. The exhibit is free, but guests can purchase bags of food for $3 to toss into the exhibit.

Along with its established fan favorites like laser tag, batting cages, and go-karts, Zao Island’s new attractions add excitement and adventure to summer in the Region. Zao Island is located off of U.S. Route 30 in Valparaiso and is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 12 p.m. to 10 pm., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information about Zao Island and its attractions, visit its website at zaoisland.net.