Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden featuring a garden and zoo animals
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden which includes zoo animals, heritage architecture and a garden
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden which includes zoo animals and land animals


See newborn baby gorillas and tigers at this park dubbed “the Sexiest Zoo in America” thanks to its successful breeding programme.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has more than 500 animal species and over 3,000 plant varieties, a 4-D theater and parades. See newborn gorillas or tiger cubs, come face-to-face with rainbow lorikeets, and observe penguins in their natural habitat. The gardens are a popular picnic spot. Children will have fun in the playground, home to domestic animals and a petting area.

Cincinnati Zoo opened in 1875 and some structures from the early days have been preserved. See the Aviary, Monkey House (which is now home to reptiles), and the Elephant House. A captive breeding program for animal conservation started in the 1880s and is still a major focus today. This successful program inspired the nickname “the Sexiest Zoo in America.”

Admire the Malayan tigers and leopards in Cat Canyon. Visit the Africa habitat to watch giraffes, lemurs and flamingos. See nocturnal cats, owls and vampire bats in the indoor Night Hunters exhibit.

Have your camera at the ready at Lorikeet Landing. Rainbow lorikeets sit on your arm as you feed them. Wander through the rainforest enclosure to see colorful toucans, boa constrictors and lazy sloths.

Children have their own zoo where they can climb on a spider’s web, feed the goats and pet llamas. Join the crowds at the Penguin Parade, a daily show. Catch the elephant and polar bear feeding sessions on weekends.

Avid gardeners and those looking for a place to relax will appreciate the zoo’s botanical garden. In spring, tens of thousands of tulips burst into bloom. Summer and autumn are equally colorful. See butterflies and smell the fragrances of chocolate and coffee plants.

The Cincinnati Zoo in Avondale is very affordable, and there’s an extra fee for behind-the-scenes experiences. The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. It’s a 15-minute drive from downtown and there’s a charge for parking. The No. 1 bus from downtown stops at the zoo.

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Things to do near Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

At the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, visitors can enjoy an array of activities including sightseeing, sports events, and live music performances. The zoo offers a fantastic opportunity to explore diverse animal exhibits and stunning botanical displays, while nearby, the vibrant local culture features exciting baseball games and lively entertainment options. This destination is perfect for a delightful day out, blending nature with the lively spirit of Cincinnati.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Findlay Market, just 1.2km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. Rookwood Commons, located 1.9km away, features a variety of shops and dining. If you're up for a drive, Kenwood Towne Centre, 5.0km away, boasts an extensive selection of stores.

Recreation

At Paycor Stadium, immerse yourself in exhilarating sports events, just a short distance from the Cincinnati Zoo. For entertainment, catch a concert at Riverbend Music Center, while Winton Woods Park offers serene trails and picnic spots, perfect for relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Ride The Ducks Newport, an exhilarating outdoor adventure located 2.5km from the Cincinnati Zoo. Immerse yourself in nature at California Trailhead, 3.7km away, offering a scenic trailAccess. For hiking enthusiasts, Bass Island Trailhead, 5.0km distant, showcases stunning scenery and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

After a delightful day at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, head to the nearby Taft Theatre for captivating performances steeped in culture and romance. Alternatively, enjoy family-friendly shows at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park or gaze at the stars at Drake Planetarium for an enchanting evening out.

Find the best attractions near Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a delightful mix of attractions, including historic colleges, urban parks, and significant historic sites. Visitors can immerse themselves in culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the beautiful outdoor spaces. With miles of scenic paths within the zoo, it’s an excellent destination for nature lovers. Additionally, there are various hotels and motels nearby for convenient accommodation, making your trip to Cincinnati Zoo a memorable experience.

  • Xavier University: This historic university, located 1.2km from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, boasts a vibrant campus atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in its rich culture and history.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: Situated 1.9km away, this iconic railway museum combines stunning architecture with engaging exhibits, offering a unique glimpse into Cincinnati’s cultural heritage.
  • Heritage Bank Center: Also 1.9km from the zoo, this entertainment venue hosts a variety of events, providing a lively atmosphere perfect for families and visitors eager to experience local entertainment.

Best time to go to Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

The best time to visit Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

To save money during your visit to Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Aim for a Monday stay to avoid higher Saturday rates. Utilise Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options and sort by price for the best deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings. Additionally, take advantage of Cincinnati's public transport to minimise travel costs while exploring free local attractions.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most economical prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel stay at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.