Enjoy a day or weekend with the whole family in one of the best zoos in Ohio. There are six cities in this state that feature zoos. Kids and adults alike have countless opportunities to witness exotic animal species and learn about their lifestyles.
All zoos in the state offer unique and memorable experiences, from educational exhibits to interactive events. Maximize your visit to Ohio by getting a ticket to one of these establishments and enjoy their fascinating facilities.
This page features the best features of Ohio zoos while helping you prepare for visiting one of them. Consider this guide to make the most out of your visit to the state by enjoying one of the most exciting activities its cities have to offer.
Cities That Have a Zoo in Ohio
Six cities in Ohio have a zoo that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you visit the state with your family or friends, planning your trip around one of these cities guarantees that you have something exciting to look forward to. Here are the Ohio cities with thrilling zoos featuring exotic animals from around the world.
African Safari Wildlife Park – Port Clinton
This Ohio city is home to the Midwest’s only drive-thru safari! Visit the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton to experience a wildlife adventure like no other from the comfort of your vehicle. While in your car, you can meet and feed exotic animals, including alpacas, bison, camels, deer, elk, giraffes, and zebra.
Be sure to keep the tops on and doors closed if you drive a convertible or a jeep. However, you can roll down your windows to get up close and personal with the animals in the park. Park officials will provide cups for you to feed the animals if you want to. It maintains that you must not feed the animals with your hands or even bring outside food for them.
You can also join the walk-thru safari if you want to visit without a car. This adventure allows you to walk among different wildlife to witness different animals and plants in nature. Admission to this package gives you access to several activities, including an educational vacation program, a wild hog experience, and an aviary adventure. Outside of animal activities, you can visit the Safari Café for snacks. This zoo’s snack bar also has an Ice Cream Counter for cold deserts. Consider enjoying your meal from the café’s outdoor deck seating. This way, you have a perfect view of several exhibits.
Akron Zoo – Akron
Be among the 400,000 annual visitors of the Akron Zoo when you’re in the city! This non-profit zoo stretches over 50-acres or 20-hectares on the western side of downtown Akron, Ohio. With over a thousand animals from a hundred different species, there is always a new attraction just lurking in the next corner.
Akron Zoo has accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is dedicated to the commitment of such establishments to education, conservation, and science. This zoo is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is dedicated to animal care and welfare. This zoo’s involvement in the conservation of biodiversity allows it to feature some of the most interesting creatures. There are ten habitats in this zoo, each of which offers unique opportunities to learn about exotic animals and plants.
As one of the largest zoos in the state, Akron Zoo strives to make its facilities as accessible to every visitor as possible. As such, it is sensory-inclusive, allowing guests with specific sensory processing needs to enjoy the zoo’s amenities as much as everyone else.
Cincinnati Zoo – Cincinnati
Being open since 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo in America. This establishment features different habitats for its many land mammals and a decent number of aquatic species, spreading across its 64.5-acre or 26.1-hectare property.
Throughout the zoo’s years in operation, it received two accreditation awards and was America’s best zoo in two different years. In addition, officials appointed the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden a National Historic Landmark. Once you visit this zoo, expect to witness over 500 animals in various exhibits, including an elephant reserve, reptile house, rain forest, and jungle. This establishment’s different habitats also feature over 3,000 plant species. Some plants are even for sale at botanical events.
Other events are already planned for months, making it easy for you to plan your trip to this historic zoo. In addition, its website offers a handy feature allowing you to plan your entire visit. This comprehensive feature details the different animal encounters and experiences you prefer and ensures you have a place to stay while in the city.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Cleveland
Go on a deep, eventful wildlife adventure in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for an experience of a lifetime. This 183-acre or 74-hectare dive into a wildlife adventure from different areas of the world in one convenient location. This zoo is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system, assuring its visitors that they are dedicated to the preservation of Greater Cleveland’s natural habitats.
Also known as the Cleveland Zoological Park, this establishment has one of North America’s largest primate collections. In addition, it features several different areas that feature unique animal exhibits, including Australian Adventure, African Savanna, and Asian Highlands. You can enjoy these attractions anytime as the zoo keeps its exhibits open year-round.
Among its educational initiatives, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers a Summer Day Camp program and overnight camps for children between the ages of five and 14. Through these opportunities, kids can learn about the importance of conserving resources and encourages them to be more conscious of the natural world. Other events that this zoo hosts occur in the summer and fall months. Consider planning your trip to this zoo to align with appropriate seasonally appropriate events, like dinosaur exhibits and Halloween-themed activities.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Columbus
Columbus is one of Ohio’s biggest cities. As such, it makes sense for this place to have one of the largest zoos and aquariums in the state. Encompassing 234 hectares or 580 acres of land, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is also one of the country’s biggest zoos and aquariums.
This establishment is home to over 7,000 animals from over 800 species. It serves as a conservation center as much as it is a site for animal attractions. Kids and adults alike can enjoy different activities centered around education on preserving different animal habitats. Its habitat exhibits include a cove featuring California sea lions and harbor seals, a North American region containing wetlands and an aviary, and even a polar display containing arctic foxes and polar bears. Depending on your visit, you might be in time for an event allowing you to interact with different animals.
Columbus itself has countless other activities in store for anyone visiting the city. Even so, be sure to include a trip to the city’s zoo and aquarium in your itinerary to maximize your time in the area.
Toledo Zoo and Aquarium – Toledo
Toledo has a zoo and aquarium that is home to over 10,000 individual animals covering 720 species. One ticket to the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium gives you access to the establishment’s many exciting facilities, guaranteeing a productive and eventful trip to the zoo.
This zoo has 19 individual exhibits that feature specific animals unique to the habitat. Some habitats include an African safari, a giant aquarium, an arctic region, a wide aviary, a reptile house, and a tiger trail. You can also enjoy your trip to this zoo by participating in one of their many events. Throughout the year, you can expect the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium to host attractions, such as summer concerts and nighttime activities that align with cultural events.
Be sure to add this zoo to your itinerary when visiting Ohio. Meanwhile, you might want to consider signing up for the zoo’s membership promo. As a member, you can enjoy unlimited admission to the zoo’s facilities and never miss an activity.
Guide to Visiting Zoos in Ohio
Consider these important tips when preparing for a trip to a zoo in Ohio:
- Plan Your Ride: Secure your mode of transportation in getting to the zoo before anything else. You could commute to the nearest zoo because most zoos in Ohio are easily accessible through public transportation. Meanwhile, you could drive there yourself to avoid potential traffic on the main roads. However, consider the possibility of limited parking spaces.
- Arrive in the Establishment Early: Come into the establishment as early as you can regardless of your mode of transportation. Early arrival gives you more chances of securing a good parking spot. Similarly, you can avoid time-consuming queues when you come in ahead of the rest of the guests. Some establishments also feed their animals in the morning, which you just might be in time to witness.
- Purchase Your Tickets Online: Avoid any lines to enter the zoo altogether by buying tickets in advance. Buying your ticket online gives you easy access to the different facilities by simply scanning to enter. Maximize the time of the day of your trip to the zoo by spending it on the establishment’s activities and events instead of queuing for hours just to get in.
- Look for Scheduled Events: Consider planning your trip to the zoo around the events it schedules. Usually, the zoo that you intend to visit hosts exhibits and demonstrations depending on the season. Look up the nearest zoo in the Ohio city you visit and see if their website is promoting any exciting events.
- Pack a Lunch: Prepare a homemade meal to enjoy in the zoo to have a taste of home while outdoors. While some zoos in Ohio have dedicated dining facilities like restaurants and food halls, packing a lunch can help you save on extra expenses and spend on more zoo activities. You can enjoy your packed lunches in picnic areas if the establishment you visit offers them. However, note that some establishments may prohibit the bringing of outside food to discourage people from unsanctioned feeding.
Ohio zoos are ideal tourist spots for anyone visiting from another state or even overseas. These establishments offer well-equipped facilities that ensure your comfort while in the presence of exotic animals. Whether you come to the zoo alone or with your family and friends, there will always be something fun in store for you. Enjoy your visit to the fullest by following some of our suggestions above when planning a day or two at one of the best zoos in Ohio.
Best Zoos in Ohio Recap
Ohio is home to some of the nation’s most eventful zoos and aquariums. You can enjoy a wildlife trip unlike any other without having to go overseas. Browse the establishments we featured above and consider the attractions they offer. Regardless of the zoo, you intend to visit, we are sure that it will be packed with exciting events that are for the books. Plan your trip today!
Zoos in Oregon