Zoos In Ohio

If you want to visit zoos in Ohio, we have some of the best in the entire United States. Whether you want to see lions and tigers and bears, or something more exotic like giraffes or tarantulas, these zoos have something for everyone. Here are 7 of the top-ranking zoos in Ohio. 

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 do 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.