The 4 Best Zoos in Ohio: Best Time to Visit and More!

What’s better than spending the day at the zoo? Spending the day at an Ohio zoo! Ohio has several zoos notable as some of the best in the country. The Cincinnati Zoo, for example, has ranked as the top zoo and one of the best botanical gardens in America. Check out the four best zoos in Ohio and learn about the best times to visit and favorite attractions.

1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Founded in 1873, the Cincinnati Zoo is the sixth oldest zoo in the United States. You will find it in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, where it’s notable for its award-winning exhibits and highly successful breeding programs.

Its animal habitats include:

• Africa
• Penguin Point
• Birds of the World
• Cat Canyon
• Dragons!
• Elephant Reserve
• Gibbon Islands
• Gorilla World
• Jungle Trails
• Lemur Lookout
• Night Hunters
• Otto M. Budig Manatee Springs
• P&G Discovery Forest
• Reptile House
• Rhino Reserve
• Roo Valley
• Swan Lake
• Wolf Woods
• World of the Insect

The best time to visit any zoo for a less crowded experience is during the off-season on weekdays. However, you can still enjoy the Cincinnati Zoo during the busy season in summer, spring, and fall by arriving before 10:30 am or after 2:30 pm. The holiday festivals are also best enjoyed if you arrive earlier in the day or later in the evening.

Along with abundant animal exhibits, visitors will find rides and attractions, such as train rides, carousel rides, and the Kanga Klimb obstacle course.

Price: General admission is $16 to $21.50 per adult and $10 to $15.50 per child (3-12)

Hours of operation: 10:00 am-5:00 pm every day

Time needed to see everything: 5 to 6 hours

2. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

This nonprofit zoo and aquarium is located in Powell, Ohio, outside of Columbus. It sits along the eastern bank of O’Shaughnessy Reservoir of the Scioto River, where it encompasses 580 acres and houses more than 10,000 animals. This award-winning zoo is continually recognized for its conservation efforts, environmental excellence, and educational programs.

Its animal habitats include:

• Adventure Cove
• North America
• Polar Frontier
• Asia Quest
• Discovery Reef
• Manatee Coast
• Reptile habitat
• Congo Expedition
• Australia and the Islands
• Heart of Africa

Along with continent-themed exhibits, visitors will find the Shores Play Park, a 4-D theater, train rides, a carousel, Adventure Wheel, dinosaur boat rides, and many theme park rides.

Spring and autumn are some of the best times to visit the Columbus Zoo because the crowds have died, and the animals are out more due to the cool weather. However, early mornings and late evenings during the summer also provide an excellent experience for the whole family.

Price: General admission is $19.99 to $29.99 for adults and $16.99 to $25.99 for children

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day

Time needed to see everything: 4 to 6 hours

3. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Located in Toledo, Ohio, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium covers 51 acres and houses more than 720 species. While this zoo is smaller than the other two picks, it still gains recognition for its wildlife diversity and conservation. It also has won awards for its holiday light displays.

Its animal habitats include:

• Africa
• Aquarium
• Arctic Encounter
• Aviary
• The Rescue Roost and Cassowary Crossing
• Kingdom of the Apes
• Nature’s Neighborhood
• Penguin Beach
• Pheasantry
• Primate Forst
• Reptile House
• Tembo Trail
• Tiger Terrace

Along with the numerous animal exhibits, Toledo Zoo features gardens, concerts, an adventure course, a splash pad, train rides, and animal experiences.

The best time to visit this zoo is during early mornings during the weekdays. You will skip the crowds, and the animals are more likely to be out in the cooler weather. While summers can be packed, springs and falls are a little more laid back and offer better viewing opportunities.

Price: general admission for adults is $27 to $29 and $24 to $26 for children

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day

Time needed to see everything: 3 to 4 hours

4. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is 183 acres in Cleveland, Ohio, and contains more than 3,000 animals. This zoo has won many awards and recognition for its excellence in parks and recreation and best animal encounters.

Its animal habitats include:

• The Rainforest
• African Savanna
• Australian Adventure
• Wilderness Trek
• Primate, Cat & Aquatics
• Waterfowl Lake

Similar to the other zoos, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is best experienced when it first opens on weekdays. This will give you enough time to see everything and will offer a less crowded experience.

Price: General admission for adults is $19 to $25 and $15 to $15 for children

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day

Time needed to see everything: 4 to 5 hours

A Summary Table of the 4 Best Zoos in Ohio