I am super excited about our day at the zoo! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden located 3400 Vine St., recently hosted Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters and Crafts festival with $1 admission all day! Parking was still $9 but if you plan a future trip, I suggest parking on a side street for free. The Zoo is amazing! They are continuously improving the grounds and adavancing the facilities. Lots of animals, plenty of restrooms, convenient places to eat, and lots of shaded areas for family picnics. The garden aspect of the zoo is very relaxing and refreshing!
Interactive exhibits like feeding the giraffes are exquisite and wandering zookeepers have various lizards, birds, and even snakes! Ride the train to give your feet a rest when you see it pass by. There were also several shows throughout the day for kids and adults. Check the daily schedule in advance, because not all shows are offered daily. My son’s favorite animals sections were the Elephants and Giraffes.
The zoo is extremely large, so be prepared to spend a minimum of five hours of exploring to see it all (wear gym shoes if possible). I was able to get over 10,000 steps — double positive! There are several cafes and stands if you need a break to recoup, but personally I would recommend bringing a backpack to carry food and drinks with you! Your family can eat cheaper and healthier! My other tip is to arrive at the zoo EARLY (especially during warmer weather) because the animals are much more active — as opposed to later in the afternoon when the sun is blazing.
Our day ended at the gift shop with a stuffed animal for my kiddo’s souvenir to bring home. The Zoo is a gem and we will be returning!
Visit cincinnatizoo.org.
Mom Reporter Angel Bush is a single mother of a 1-year-old son. She loves to explore the city’s attractions and relive her childhood with him!