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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — New Year's Eve Kids Activities in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

4.6(29,305)4.6 out of 5 stars, 29305 reviews Cincinnati, OH

About Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers a unique combination of well-maintained animal exhibits, beautiful gardens, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature and animal lovers.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families looking for a day of outdoor fun and education.Parents wanting a peaceful outing with plenty of space for kids to explore.All ages, but particularly engaging for children aged 3-12 who enjoy animal interactions and outdoor activities.

Why families love it

  • Beautifully maintained gardens with blooming flowers, especially tulips.
  • Diverse animal exhibits including tigers, black rhinos, lions, hippos, and a phenomenal ape exhibit.
  • Clean facilities with ample seating and picnic areas.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff who engage with visitors.
  • Military discounts available.
  • Interactive exhibits like the bug exhibit and the train ride.

Insider tips

  • Plan your visit around the specific animal exhibits that are open, as some are seasonal.
  • Bring a jogger stroller for easier navigation through hilly areas.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the available tables.

Good to know before you go

  • Visiting during peak times or weekends when the zoo may be crowded.
  • Some exhibits are under remodeling, which may limit options during certain visits.
  • The zoo has hilly terrain, which may be challenging for some families without proper strollers.
Crowds
Weekdays are recommended for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
Value
Season tickets are recommended for families living within a few hours' drive, providing good value for multiple visits. Specific pricing details were not mentioned, but the overall experience is considered worth the cost compared to alternatives.
Food
Picnics are allowed, and there are food stands available for quick snacks.
Accessibility
The zoo has clean restrooms and seating areas, but the hilly terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
Safety
Staff members are friendly and willing to answer questions, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment.

What parents say

Lika A
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"The Cincinnati Zoo is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit! We went on a warm, sunny weekday — the tulips were in full bloom, and the flowers made everything look so colorful. There weren’t many people, so it felt calm and relaxed. There’s a great variety of animals, clean restrooms, places to sit, and food stands for a quick snack. The whole atmosphere was friendly and enjoyable. A perfect spot for families or anyone who loves nature and animals!"

2 weeks ago

Christopher Davidson
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"A great experience overall. This is a world class zoo. The habitats continue to be updated to elevate the experience. I will say, you need to plan well. Some exibits are only offered at certain times of the year. If you are within a few hours drive with a family just get a season tickets its worth the trip. Enjoy!"

a week ago

Richard West
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"My family loved going to this zoo. The exhibits were good. The bear exhibit was down for remodeling and many of the jungle exhibits were down for remodeling as well , but even in spite of the remodels this zoo had so much to enjoy. Tigers, black rhino, and lions were a few of our favorites, but the Hippo exhibit was by far our favorite. The elephant exhibit too had plenty of seating for viewing. This zoo does have some hills so a person should expect to use their legs and get a nice exercise throughout the day. We brought our jogger stroller and packed picnic lunch. They're was ample tables "

a month ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.