Ohio Zoos: Your Sweet Escape from the Ordinary
Craving a sweet escape from the everyday hustle and bustle? Look no further than Ohio’s delectable array of zoos! The Buckeye State is a treasure trove for animal lovers, boasting a diverse range of zoos that cater to all interests. Whether you crave a classic zoo experience or a more immersive adventure, this guide will help you plan your perfect visit to some of Ohio’s finest animal institutions.
Are you a total zoo fanatic like us?
If so, Ohio is your dream vacation spot! I mean, seriously, six zoos? It’s crazy! And let me tell you, the Cincinnati Zoo and Columbus Zoo are absolute must-sees. They’re always topping those best-zoo lists. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
We’re lucky enough to live just a short drive from the amazing Cincinnati Zoo. As long-time members, we’ve lost count of the hours spent exploring its incredible exhibits. But we haven’t stopped there! We’ve been fortunate to experience all six Ohio zoos and can’t wait to share our favorite spots and insider tips with you.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: A Historic Confection
This historic zoo is a sweet blend of animal magic and botanical beauty. Lose yourself in the serene gardens as you visit over 17,000 animals (over 500 species).
The Cincinnati Zoo spans 75 acres, and while you can cover the main attractions in about 3-4 hours, we recommend you allow a full day at this amazing zoo. Navigating the hilly terrain can be challenging, especially for those with wheelchairs, wagons, or strollers, so allow yourself time to take breaks to enjoy lunch, play at the playground, or ride the train.
Must-See Exhibits at the Cincinnati Zoo
Fiona and Fritz – Cincinnati Zoo’s Famous Hippos
No visit to the Cincinnati Zoo is complete without saying hello to the zoo’s hippo superstars, Fiona and Fritz in Hippo Cove.
Fiona, born prematurely in 2017, captured hearts worldwide with her fighting spirit and playful personality. Now, along with her little brother Fritz, born in 2022, these charismatic hippos splash and play in their habitat, delighting visitors with their aquatic antics.
On your way to see these cuties, be sure to take time to view the painted dogs and meerkats. Kids will have fun viewing the meerkats from an underground tunnel.
Don’t miss these other habitats:
- Manatee Springs: Come face-to-face with gentle giants! Watch in awe as these magnificent creatures glide through the spacious indoor tank. Every manatee here has been rescued, nursed back to health, and is awaiting release back into the wild. It’s a truly inspiring experience.
- Roo Valley: You’ll have to traverse a rather long, steep hill to get down to Roo Valley, but it’s worth it. You’ll get to walk along a path among Kangaroos and witness the playful nature of Little Blue Penguins. It’s also home to the Dornette Kanga’ Klimb Aerial Adventure Course which offers thrilling challenges and breathtaking views of the kangaroo exhibit.
- Don’t miss Wolf Woods! This hidden gem is home to the majestic Mexican Wolf and the playful antics of otters. Before you reach these incredible animals, be sure to explore Spaulding’s Children’s Zoo. Here, kids can pet gentle farm animals, burn off energy on the playground, peek into the zoo’s nursery, and meet the one-and-only Rico, the zoo’s beloved Brazilian porcupine.
- Coming in summer 2024, the zoo will unveil Elephant Trek, a sprawling five-acre habitat. This ambitious project will feature a 660,000-gallon pool and an elevated boardwalk, offering visitors unprecedented views of these gentle giants in a naturalistic setting. We can’t wait!
Tips for visiting the Cincinnati Zoo:
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds and maximize your zoo experience by arriving early. Not only will you likely snag a closer parking spot under the shade of their solar-powered canopy, but you’ll also witness the animals at their most energetic and engaging. If you arrive in the afternoon, you may have to use an offsite parking lot which will ad a lot of extra unnecessary walking to your day.
- For a truly unforgettable experience, head straight to Gibbon Island to hear the incredible vocalizations of these swinging superstars as they wake up for the day.
- Catch a Hippo Happening: For the best chance to see hippos at their most active, time your visit for either the zoo’s opening or closing hours. Whether it’s their grand entrance or dramatic exit, watching these gentle giants is always a highlight.
- Get Ready for a Workout! Cincinnati and its zoo are known for their hills. Be prepared for some uphill climbs as you explore the 75-acre park.
- Check out the Zoo’s special events calendar for unique experiences like Zoo Babies in May, the PNC Festival of Lights during the holidays, and the Jack-O-Lantern Glow.
Sweeten Your Zoo Experience
- Craving something cool and creamy? Head to Graeter’s Ice Cream, conveniently located near Jungle Trails. Trust me, the Raspberry Chocolate Chunk is a must-try!
- Kids will go wild for Dip’n Dots! Find this frozen treat delight in Historic Vine Street Village, right across from the Safari Train and next to LaRosa’s Pizzeria (our favorite zoo food).
From hippo happiness to elephant excitement and gorilla greatness, the Cincinnati Zoo offers a wild escape that’s sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: A Menagerie of Sweet Surprises
Embark on a wild and wonderful adventure at the Columbus Zoo! With over 10,000 enchanting creatures, this 406-acre wonderland is a sugary treat for the senses.
From playful polar bears to cuddly koalas, there’s a delightful surprise around every corner. Savor every moment of this full-day escapade and create memories as sweet as honey!
Must-See Habitats at the Columbus Zoo:
- Polar Frontier: Enjoy breathtaking views of polar bears swimming and playing from above and below. Be sure to go underground to see the bears playing in the water. They may just swim directly overhead.
- Australia and the Islands: It’s hard to pick a favorite area of this large zoo, but I cannot miss visiting the koalas, kangaroos, and orangutans.
- Adventure Cove: Dive into a world of playful fun at Adventure Cove! Get up close and personal with charming sea lions and harbor seals in this delightful spot near the zoo’s entrance.
- Heart of Africa: Take a breathtaking journey through the savanna, where you can encounter majestic lions lounging on a crashed airplane, hyenas frolicking in ponds, and velvet monkeys hanging around.
Tips for visiting the Columbus Zoo:
- Arrive early! The parking lot is HUGE and you’ll save yourself a lot of extra walking if you can park up close.
- Plan to spend a minimum of 6 hours if you hope to see all of the 10,000+ animals. It’s a lot of walking, so wear good athletic shoes and stay hydrated.
- Map out your route and plan where you’d like to have lunch. There’s a lot of walking between exhibits and it’s easy to find yourself far from the nearest food.
- Visit Wildlights in winter for a magical holiday light display. Conservation Lake is particularly beautiful all lit up.
- Take advantage of the free app for maps, schedules, and animal info.
- Ride the Dinosaur Island boat ride for a prehistoric adventure. This is particularly fun for the kiddos.
- Don’t miss the daily sea lion shows at Adventure Cove. It’s so fun!
Sweet Zoo Treats:
- Wendy’s Frosty Cart: This is a frozen dessert lover’s paradise, offering unique Frosty combinations like Oreos® and Lucky Charms™ that you can’t find anywhere else.
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels – Enjoy a sweet cinnamon sugar pretzel twist and a refreshing lemonade.
Construction at the zoo:
The Columbus Zoo is undergoing a major transformation! The North American section is currently under construction and will remain so through the summer of 2025. I know the wait will be worth it when the stunning new North America exhibit opens but for now, be prepared for some exhibit-less walking.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: A Primate Paradise
Get ready to embark on a jungle journey at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo! Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the Rainforest, where exotic birds flutter and playful primates swing through the canopy.
Encounter majestic lions and graceful giraffes on the African Savanna, or cool down with the playful sea creatures in the Aquatics building. With thrilling experiences around every corner, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a wild adventure waiting to unfold.
Must-See Exhibits at the Cleveland Zoo:
- Primates, Cats, and Aquatics Building and Outdoor Habitats: You must make it up to this area of the zoo to see the Gorilla troop. Currently (in 2024), they have two babies, Jameela and Kunda, and one hilarious toddler, Kayembe. I could spend all day watching these playful primates.
- Australian Adventure: Even though the Koalas spend most of the day sleeping, I can’t resist visiting them.
- Susie’s Bear Hollow, a new tropical bear habitat, has opened at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This immersive space offers guests unique viewing opportunities, including a treehouse with a climbing structure for kids, allowing everyone to experience the world from a bear’s perspective.
- Rainforest: Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise filled with colorful birds, playful orangutans, silly otters, and more. I could watch the orangutans swing all day! It can get hot inside this indoor exhibit, so bring some water. A handheld electric fan is nice to have too!
Tips for visiting the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo:
- Take the Tram: Get to the zoo early, jump on the tram, and ride up a steep long hill to the Primate Forest. You can walk it, but it’s a long strenuous walk. The gorillas and cheetahs are must-see attractions.
- Attend the Asian Lantern Festival if you visit in the summer.
- Check out the daily animal demonstrations, especially the elephant baths.
- Don’t miss the unique opportunity to watch beavers above and below the water at the zoo. This incredible exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the underwater world of these fascinating creatures.
- Be sure to walk across the street to the Rainforest to see the Orangutans, Otters, and Porcupines. It’s easy to miss this area, but we hope you don’t!
- Behind the Scenes Tour: If you can afford it, take the Inside Traks Tour. We did and it was incredible! We went behind the scenes in the koala exhibit, watched grizzly bears being fed, got to feed porcupine, and more.
Sweet Snacks:
- Honey Hut Ice Cream: Indulge in delicious, locally made Honey Hut Ice Cream in a variety of flavors and sizes, conveniently located in Wade Hall and African Elephant Crossing.
- Jack Frost Donuts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious glazed or filled donut from this tent located near the entrance of the zoo.
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium: A Well-Rounded Treat
With over 720 species and a focus on conservation, the Toledo Zoo offers a satisfying zoo experience. Sink your teeth into the award-winning Africa exhibit, or get hands-on at the interactive Arctic Encounter.
This compact 51-acre zoo offers a quick and enjoyable experience, easily explored in just 2-3 hours.
Must-See Exhibits at the Cleveland Zoo:
- Arctic Encounter: We absolutely adore the polar bear exhibit! Watching these cubs grow from tiny fluffballs into majestic bears has been a heartwarming experience. Plus, the playful seals and sea lions always bring a smile to our faces. It’s our favorite spot at the zoo!
- Kodiak Ridge: Enjoy watching the grizzly bears play in the water or relax in the shade from two convenient viewing areas.
- Kingdom of the Apes: Encounter fascinating primates like gorillas and orangutans.
- Promedica Museum of Natural History: Explore the wonders of the natural world through interactive exhibits.
- Cassowary Crossing: Encounter the prehistoric-looking cassowary up close in the immersive Cassowary Crossing exhibit.
- Aviary: Discover a colorful world of birds in this stunning indoor space.
Tips for visiting the Toledo Zoo:
- Consider parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail Parking Lot to save money and avoid the crowds. This lot offers convenient access to the less crowded Arctic Encounter entrance.
- Enjoy a healthy meal at Monarch Marketplace. They have delicious salads, sandwiches, snacks, and more.
- Although there are signs posted about not bringing in outside food, you can bring in water bottles and snacks. Just no coolers!
- Experience the aerial adventure course at the Tree Top Trail if you dare. It offers incredible overhead views of the giraffe.
- Visit during the Lights Before Christmas event for holiday magic.
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about animal care. You can feed a lemur, cassowary, ostrich, or turtle or get up close and personal with red pandas, elephants, or brown bears.
Sweet Indulgences:
- Timberline Bakery: Grab a sweet treat inside the North Star gift shop, conveniently located in the Zoo Entry Plaza at the Anthony Wayne Trail entrance. Enjoy baked goods, hot snacks, donuts, fudge, and drinks.
- Polar Chill: Located on your way to Tembo Trail, this convenient spot offers a variety of icy treats, sweet snacks like cotton candy, and savory cinnamon roasted nuts.
The Akron Zoo: A Bite-Sized Delight
This smaller (35 acre), yet charming zoo offers a personalized animal encounter experience that’s as sweet as honey. Participate in animal feedings, and educational talks, and get up close to certain animals through special programs. Don’t miss the Komodo dragon habitat – it’s the spice that gives this zoo its unique flavor.
Must-See Exhibits at the Akron Zoo:
- Wild Asia: This immersive exhibit transports you to the heart of Southeast Asia. The gibbons are absolutely adorable, swinging effortlessly through the trees with playful abandon. And don’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of the equally sweet little red panda. She’s most active in the morning so make this your first stop.
- Grizzly Ridge: Watch in awe as majestic grizzly bears roam their spacious habitat. These powerful creatures are a sight to behold. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The playful river otters are a delightful surprise. Their acrobatic antics and underwater frolics are sure to bring a smile to your face.
- The Humboldt Penguin Exhibit is a delightful underwater spectacle! Watch in wonder as these sleek birds effortlessly glide through the water, their bodies a blur of black and white. It’s a captivating display of nature’s grace and power.
Tips for visiting the Akron Zoo:
- The Rise and Shine Safari Tour is a must for any zoo enthusiast! This early morning adventure offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at amazing animals like grizzly bears, penguins, lemurs, and red pandas. We loved getting an up-close experience before the zoo opened!
- Visit the Curious Creatures area for unique animal encounters.
- Don’t miss the Keeper Talk at the Gibbon Habitat! It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures and watch a fun training session.
- Parking is conveniently located directly in front of the zoo. Unless the zoo is having a special function, you should have no trouble finding a spot.
Sweet Snack Stops:
- Dippin’ Dots: Find these frozen treats either at Legends of the Wild or in Pride of Africa.
The Wilds: A Safari-Flavored Adventure
The Wilds is an expansive open-range conservation center is the ultimate escape for those craving a taste of the wild.
Unlike traditional zoos, you’ll explore 10,000 acres of open range on an open-air tour bus. For an even more intimate experience, book a Wildside Tour and get up close with animals in a small, customized truck.
Observe rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, Persian Onegers, and more roaming freely across vast plains – it’s as close as you can get to an African safari without leaving the Midwest!
Tips for visiting The Wilds:
- Book a Wildside Safari Tour for an intimate, off-road safari experience. You’ll explore the property with a maximum of 8 guests in an open-air truck. You’ll drive right up next to some of the animals and even get a chance to feed some of them.
- Stay overnight in a Yurt or cabin for a unique wilderness adventure. You can fall asleep to the sounds of the animals on the plains.
- If you enjoy exciting adventures, try ziplining for a bird’s-eye view of the animals.
- Visit the Butterfly Habitat for a serene nature experience.
- Check out the specialty tours like Fishing Safari or Horseback Tours.
Sweet Endings:
- Grab some ice cream from the Safari Snack Depot or a dessert at the The Overlook Café.
It’s time to treat yourself to an Ohio zoo escape – where every visit is guaranteed to be sweet!
Tips for a Successful Zoo Escape in Ohio:
- Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking off all those animal-watching calories!
- Pack sun protection for those sweet, sunny days.
- Bring water and snacks to keep your energy levels up for all the excitement.
- Use zoo maps to plan your route – it’s like a treasure map for animal lovers!
- Respect the animals and maintain a safe distance – they’re the main ingredient in your zoo adventure.
- Most importantly, savor every moment and enjoy connecting with the amazing world of animals!
Ohio’s zoos offer a buffet of wild experiences that cater to every animal enthusiast’s taste. So, pack your sense of adventure and embark on a delicious tour through the Buckeye State’s incredible animal kingdom.
