Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Dating back to 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the nation's 2nd oldest zoo and the city's top attraction. Guests can explore over 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties, including the newest exhibit Giraffe Ridge, which features a raised viewing platform that gives visitors a thrilling, eye-to-eye interactive experience with a herd of young giraffes.
The zoo is also an internationally-recognized leader in education and conservation efforts that focus on saving endangered species. Visitors at the zoo's newly renovated Sumatran rhino exhibit not only get the opportunity to see this great animal up close, but also have the chance to learn about the breakthroughs in research that are helping to save the world's most endangered rhino species.
The Botanical Garden features one of the largest annual trial/display programs in the area, as well as collections of perennials, native plants, trees and shrubs and ornamental grasses. Guests can see banana and coffee plants in the Food Garden or the colorful plants used in the life cycles of butterflies at the Butterfly Garden.
The zoo has several spaces for private events, including the warm, rustic Safari Lodge and indoor TreeTops, which overlooks the Oriental Garden and Koi Pond. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden are open daily year-round, with hours varying based on season. Admission is $8 for children ages 2-12, $13 for adults and $11 for seniors ages 62 and older. Parking is $6.50. For more information: 513-559-7739
