About the PNC Festival of Lights

This festival takes place in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati. The event displays over 4 million LED lights throughout the zoo. There is a tunnel and candy cane forest. Over 30 larger-than-life animals are also shown in lanterns during the PNC Festival of Lights.

During the event, you can see many animals in their indoor habitats, including World of the Insect, Reptile House, Night Hunters, Manatee Springs, Jungle Trails, and Gorilla World.

There is a Fairyland where visitors can search for the 5 Fiona Fairies and you can take a ride on the North Polar Express train and on the Conservation carousel.

Many areas in the zoo are designed to keep the children entertained. ‘Santa Village‘ is where they get to meet Santa. They can also visit Mrs. Claus and other characters.

Adults are not left out of the Cincinnati Light Festival. The festival is designed to host all age groups, from kids to teens to adults.

There are Smores Stations and other food and drink available around the zoo.

PNC Festival of Lights is included in zoo Admission. The zoo is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving Day.

Please visit the website and/or social media for up-to-date schedules and operating hours for this event.

Where is the PNC Festival of Lights Located?

• Address: 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
• Phone: 513-281-4700 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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November 21, 2025 @ 3:00 pm – December 31, 2025 @ 9:00 pm

Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas is an extravaganza running from late November through December 31, with lots of fun for the whole family!

Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas kicks off with the tree-lighting ceremony. Watch the big tree lights being turned on, with over 35,000 LEDs lighting up the night sky.

Activities include Ice Slide, Ice Carving Demo, Holly Jolly Express train ride, Swanton Model Train Railroad Club, and much more.

You can sing your favorite festive songs along with the Talking Tree, and of course, Santa will make an appearance!

Enjoy the Zoo’s famous hot chocolate, homemade fudge, and baked goods during your visit.

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Image courtesy of Toledo Zoo

About Toledo Zoo Lights

KeyBank sponsors the Zoo Lights Festival, which has been a staple in the community for the past 38 years.

Voted Best Zoo Lights two years in a row by USA Today, the Toledo Zoo really knows how to put on a great display! Lights Before Christmas is a massive light show designed with over one million lights and more than 200 illuminated animal shapes.

Traditions at the festival include the ice slide at Winter Village, ice carvings, live animal encounters, a visit with Santa, rides, and more family fun. There will be live entertainment in addition to the light show.

Holiday concessions will be available throughout the event. Make sure to try their famous hot chocolate, homemade fudge, and baked goods. A seasonal beer or holiday cocktail will make you feel toasty.

The festival kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony. Lights Before Christmas is also recognized for its award-winning big tree!

Please visit the website and/or social media for up-to-date schedules and operating hours for this event.

Where is Toledo Zoo Lights Located?

• Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
• Phone: 419-385-5721 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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October 11, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – October 26, 2025 @ 5:00 pm

HallZOOween is on each Saturday and Sunday for three October weekends. Watch the animals being fed pumpkins and apples, and enjoy other family Halloween fun too!

HallZooween has trick-or-treat stations, illusion shows, a carnival, a scavenger hunt, and face painting. Plenty to keep the kids entertained for the day.

Some activities, such as the Hogwarts Express Train Ride and the Scare-ousel have extra charges. Otherwise, zoo admission includes activities and events.

See your favorite animals being fed pumpkins or apples through a variety of games such as Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek and Elephant Pumpkin Smash.

Kids are welcome to wear Halloween costumes, but it is not a requirement.

Be sure to say ‘Hi’ to Fiona the hippo while you’re at the zoo!

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About HallZOOween

Enjoy a day of fun at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden during October at the HallZOOween event!

There will be trick-or-treat stations (please bring your own treat bag), Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion shows, a Hogwarts Express train ride, Scare-ousel, Little Creatures Carnival, a scavenger hunt, face painting, and more.

Some of the activities do have additional charges.

Around the zoo, you may encounter Pumpkin Pandemonium including Gorilla Pumpkin Hunt, Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek, Elephant Pumpkin Smash, Indian Rhino Apple Bob, and Polar Bear Pumpkin Bob. Seek out your favorite animal and see what pandemonium is going on with them!

There will be three Fiona the Hippo statues hidden throughout the zoo. Seek her out to see how she’s dressed for Halloween – she may change from week to week!

There will also be lots of fall-themed foods to try out. Kids are encouraged to wear a costume during HallZOOween, but it is not a requirement.

Please visit the website and/or social media for up-to-date schedules and operating hours for this event.

Where is HallZOOween Located?

• Address: Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
• Phone: 513-281-4700 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Map of Zoos in Ohio

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is a popular visitor location with some hands-on experiences, like feeding the giraffes. There is a museum and activities such as a train ride and ziplining.

This zoo holds a Christmas lights show each year called ‘Lights Before Christmas‘, starting mid-November until the end of December.

• Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio 43609
• Phone: 419-385-5721 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

African Safari Wildlife Park

Visitors can either walk or drive around the African Safari Wildlife Park. The animals seen on the drive-through are mainly different from those walking around the park. Visitors can feed some of the animals. Find out more details on their website before you visit.

• Address: 267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
• Phone: 800-521-2660 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Akron Zoo

Akron Zoo has beautiful gardens for visitors to walk around, containing over 7,200 plants and shrubs. There is also an amphitheater for educational talks and demonstrations.

This zoo has a Christmas lights display called ‘Wild Lights‘, running throughout December.

• Address: 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, Ohio 44307
• Phone: 330-375-2550 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Lagoon Deer Park

Lagoon Deer Park has a petting zoo where the animals have free range in a large area, so interaction with the animals is encouraged. If you feed the animals, there is a good chance they will follow you around the park!

Fishing without a license is available on the four lagoons in the park. The ponds are stocked with rainbow trout, bullheads, channel cat, white bass, carp, largemouth, rock bass, bluegill, crappies, perch, muskies, and northern pike. There are also weekend night fishing opportunities.

• Address: 1012 Martins Point Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
• Phone: 419-684-5701 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the oldest establishments in Ohio. This Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the entire United States. This is also a huge place that covers over 550 acres of land. There are over 10,000 individual animals that call this zoo their home. The Zookeepers also give talks that guests are encouraged to join.

Columbus Zoo has a Christmas lights show called ‘Wildlights‘, starting late November until early January.

• Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, Ohio 43065
• Phone: 614-645-3400 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

This is a great zoo that offers other activities such as a train, a 4D theater, and a zip line. It covers over 180 acres of land and is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

This zoo is divided into different zones. For example, in the wilderness zone, you will be able to see bears, wolves, reindeer, and other animals that live in the wilderness. In other areas of the zoo, there are animals like big cats and elephants.

Visitors can walk or drive through the Christmas light show, called ‘Winter Wild Lights‘, starting mid-November until the end of December.

• Address: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
• Phone: 216-661-6500 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the top wildlife places to visit in the entire United States. There are over 2,000 animals and over 3,000 plants and shrubs that call this home. Ohio’s most famous zoo resident lives here – Fiona the hippo. Born prematurely, the whole world watched her survive against all odds!

The zoo puts a lot of emphasis on exhibits. Some of the exhibits that run in this Zoo include Cat Canyon, Hippo Cove, Penguin Point, and the African Habitat.

The Reptile House has been granted National Historical Landmark status. After seeing the animals in the zoo, you can also take a walk around the grounds, and there are activities for the kids as well, such as the outdoor train ride and the carousel.

The ‘PNC Festival of Lights‘ runs from mid-November to early January at the Cincinnati Zoo.

• Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
• Phone: 513-281-4700 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Let’s Visit Zoos In Ohio!

Which is your favorite Ohio zoo? Did it make our list, or would you like it added? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

If you love zoos, a great day out for both adults and kids is a visit to Petting Farms in Ohio, or visit some of the Covered Bridges in Ohio.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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About Freshwater Farms

Freshwater Farms is a family-run fish hatchery specializing in Rainbow Trout, stocking fish for your home pond, and White Sturgeon.

The farm is free to visit, and there are many activities, including the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival that is held over three Saturdays in September each year.

Both guided and self-guided tours are available. The water features you see around the farm have been designed by Ben Smith, son of Dr. Dave Smith, the farm owner. Fountains are available for sale at Freshwater Farms.

Visit Freshwater Farms

In the Fish Barn, visitors will find thousands of stocking fish, a sturgeon petting zoo, toads, salamanders, turtles, ducks, and more!

At the outdoor rainbow trout exhibit, throwing a handful of feed into the water will cause a ‘feeding frenzy’ – the kids love it! (You will need quarters for the feed dispenser.)

Visitors can learn about fish care and how to maintain a healthy pond, as well as buy all the fish and equipment necessary, including pond fountains, diffusers, water treatment supplies, aquatic plants, and much more.

The retail store offers more fresh trout products than anywhere else in the state. There is also a selection of locally made specialty foods such as honey, jams, syrups, and more. You will also find a diverse selection of wines in the store.

There are some picnic areas, and the smoked trout products are ready to eat, so be prepared to enjoy the freshest trout ever!

A map of the farm is available online.

Here is a short video of a ‘Feeding Frenzy’:

Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival

Freshwater Farms hosts the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival on the first three Saturdays of September each year. This festival celebrates the harvest of freshwater shrimp. There is an array of shrimp dishes visitors can enjoy while watching live music, browsing the vendors, and getting involved in the family fun and activities.

Where is Freshwater Farms Located?

• Address: 2624 N U.S. Highway 68, Urbana, Ohio 43078
• Phone: 937-652-3701 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Freshwater Farms

Let’s Go to Freshwater Farms!

Have you visited Freshwater Farms? What was your favorite thing to do while you were there? We would love to hear all about your trip! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you love animals and farms, we highly recommend a visit to Marmon Valley Farms – a great visit for the whole family!

Here are some other farms that welcome visitors: Walker Farms, Molnar Farms, Leeds Farm.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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About Toledo

Toledo sits on the Maumee River and has a rich and colorful past. The Erie and Miami canals also play a part in the development of this wonderful city, and this can be seen on the waterfront. The waterfront is at the heart of Toledo.

Toledo is a popular city, whether you are passing through and heading to Michigan, Indiana, or Illinois to check out the best Chicago food tours! No matter the reason you are passing through, be sure to check out some of the great things Toledo has to offer!

Toledo hosts a range of activities such as museums, dining, waterfront entertainment, as well as areas to walk and explore.

Map of Things to Do in Toledo

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

Toledo Zoo is a fun and educational destination that has been delighting visitors since its founding in 1900. With over a century of history, it has evolved into a world-class facility, renowned for its commitment to wildlife conservation, education, and entertainment.

Spanning 51 acres, the zoo is home to over 10,000 animals representing 720 species. Visitors can embark on a global safari through exhibits like the African savannah, Arctic Encounter, and Primate Forest, offering a glimpse into diverse ecosystems. The zoo’s mission extends beyond entertainment, as it actively participates in numerous conservation initiatives and breeding programs for endangered species.

Families and nature enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of attractions, from the Aquarium, with its stunning underwater displays, to the Children’s Zoo, where interactive experiences encourage a love for animals in young minds.

• Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio 43609
• Phone: 419-385-5721 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Video of Toledo Zoo:

Toledo Metroparks

There are 19 Metroparks in the Toledo area. Metroparks Toledo encourages conservation and restoration, actively fostering a connection to nature, promoting healthy lifestyles, and nurturing lifelong learning and an appreciation for precious natural resources.

Telephone numbers for all the parks are the same:

• Ranger: 419-407-9718
• Programming and Rentals Information: 419-407-9701

List of Toledo Metroparks

The Metroparks of Toledo cover more than 12,000 acres of protected natural land and contain more than 200 miles of trails.

Toledo Museum Of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art is a cultural treasure trove for art enthusiasts and visitors alike. Founded in 1901, it houses an impressive and diverse collection of more than 35,000 works of art, including masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.

The museum’s architectural beauty, designed by renowned architect Edward B. Green, adds to the experience with its serene gardens, glass pavilions, and classical facades.

• Address: 2445 Monroe Street, Toledo, Ohio 43620
• Phone: 419-255-8000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Toledo Mud Hens

The Toledo Mud Hens are a minor-league baseball team based in Toledo. Founded in 1896, this Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Their iconic home, Fifth Third Field, has a seating capacity of around 10,000.

There are numerous dining options available for visitors, whether it is indulging in a steak, a burger, or a hot dog. The ballpark is conveniently located in the Warehouse District, and it is also right next to Toledo’s entertainment complex, so the night can continue after a game.

• Address: 406 Washington Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604
• Phone: 419-725-4367 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Imagination Station Toledo

The Imagination Station, based in downtown Toledo, has exhibits that cater to the whole family, including exploring the science behind things such as agriculture, energy, engineering, and water.

Visitors also have the opportunity to take part in various experiments that take place throughout the day. Some of these experiments include things like sound and vision. With so many activities, you can easily spend many hours here.

Make a day of it, and enjoy one (or both) of the cafes: Atomic Cafe and Satellite Station!

• Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, Ohio 43604
• Phone: 419-244-2674 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Canal Experience

The Canal Experience is in the heart of Toledo in the Providence Metropark. Visitors board a boat and learn about how they were used to carry goods between Toledo and Cincinnati.

There is also a gristmill and a working lock on the canal. You can learn about life in the 19th century on the canal. Enjoy a stroll along the canal with a picnic. Various picnic areas are available.

• Address: 13801 S River Rd, Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522
• Phone: 419-407-9741 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Toledo Botanical Garden

This is another free attraction in Toledo! The Botanical Garden is the only garden in this area. The grounds contain over 55 acres of gardens that visitors can stroll through. There are collections of shrubs and flowers, sculptures and ornaments that make this a charming place.

They also have the Garden Discovery Trail and Experience with interactive stations. There are areas of the garden for children to engage and play. Events also take place like small music concerts, pilates, and yoga.

• Address: 5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43615
• Phone: 419-270-7500 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Tony Packo’s Cafe

Tony Packo’s Cafe was made famous by the hit TV show M*A*S*H. It was mentioned a number of times by Corporal Maxwell Klinger, played by Jamie Farr, who is from Toledo.

The Tony Packo’s building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cafe is a fantastic place to chill with a tasty hot dog! It is as much a museum as a cafe.

• Address: 1902 Front Street, Toledo, Ohio 43605
• Phone: 419-691-6054 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Toledo Lighthouse Tours

The Toledo Lighthouse is a wonderful piece of architecture that has attracted visitors for years. A visit to this lighthouse cannot be done by land though, so visitors must take the boat.

The boat tours to the lighthouse start at the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society on the marina at Maumee Bay State Park. Visitors can go inside the lighthouse; however, a level of fitness is required as visitors need to climb up a rung ladder and then take 76 steps to get to the top of the lighthouse.

Of course, visitors are not obliged to do this and may simply choose to stay outside and admire the location. The lighthouse is over 200 years old and has played an important role in keeping shipping safe.

• Address: 1750 Park Road #2, Toledo, Ohio 43616
• Phone: 419-367-1691 | Website | Facebook 

National Museum Of The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are the cornerstone of this entire region of not just Ohio, but all of the Northern United States. Visitors have the chance to see all the different artifacts that have been collected over the years. There is also an interactive exhibit that tells stories about the history of the Great Lakes.

The museum allows visitors to do self-guided tours, and the best exhibit is the century-old Col. James Schoonmaker ship.

• Address: 1701 Front Street, Toledo, Ohio 43605
• Phone: 419-214-5000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Fort Meigs

Fort Meigs is a remarkable historical site that immerses visitors in the rich history of the War of 1812. Established in 1813 by General William Henry Harrison, it played a pivotal role in protecting the Northwest Territory from British and Native American forces during the conflict. Today, Fort Meigs is a meticulously reconstructed wooden-walled fort along the Maumee River.

Visitors can step back in time as they watch costumed interpreters, artillery demonstrations, and military drills. The museum on-site showcases artifacts, exhibits, and informative displays, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by soldiers and civilians during the war. The fort’s strategic design, complete with a dry moat and blockhouses, offers a glimpse into the past.

Fort Meigs offers educational programs, special events, and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

• Address: 29100 W River Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
• Phone: 419-874-4121 | Website

Ritter Planetarium

The Ritter Planetarium is on the main campus at the University of Toledo. This state-of-the-art facility offers an immersive experience, featuring a 40-foot dome and a powerful digital projection system that recreates the night sky with stunning accuracy.

Visitors can explore the wonders of the universe through shows that delve into astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration. The Ritter Planetarium provides a unique and educational journey through the vast expanse of space.

They offer public programs on the weekends, school programs, Scout programs, private parties, and birthday parties by reservation. Check out their website for further information.

• Address: University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, Ohio 43606
• Phone: 800-586-5336 | Website

The HandleBar

The HandleBar is a unique experience in Toledo. Get your party of at least six people and hit the town for the night on this ‘bicycle’ that looks remarkably like a streetcar! Each group is assigned a ‘bar handler’ who steers the vehicle and is there to help with everything. Stops are made at various bars. Music is available onboard, and guests can bring light alcohol, but no hard alcohol.

If you are looking for a different evening celebration, this is it! Check out their website for more information.

• Start/Finish Point: 320 N Ontario St, Toledo, Ohio 43604
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Let’s Go To Toledo Ohio!

Have you been to Toledo, Ohio? We would love to hear about your experiences! What did you enjoy about it? Did you visit any of the places we have highlighted, or did you discover some other hidden gems? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

If you are interested in other areas of Ohio, you may like to check out our articles on Things to Do in Lancaster (Central Ohio), Things to Do in Mason (Southwest Ohio), Things to Do in Akron (Northeast Ohio), and Things to Do in Chillicothe (Southeast Ohio).

We love to talk about Things to do in our great state of Ohio! Sometimes, you need a little extra sunshine and the ocean! If you are considering a trip outside of Ohio, we love the Caribbean, consider checking out an article our Travel friend Michelle wrote, Things to do in Bonaire. While Toledo does have water, it is not the ocean!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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