Almost 12 million people call Ohio home, which means there has to be a lot going on to keep them all entertained.
With that being said, lucky for Ohioans, there is a wild variety of things to do.
Whether you’re a local looking for something to spark a new interest or just passing through and looking for a fun time, there’s bound to be something up your alley.
So, buckle up!
We’re about to go on a ride across Buckeye State to find the best zoos and aquariums around.
Contents
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Ohio
1. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
One of the oldest zoos in the US, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden opened in 1875.
It was once home to the last living passenger pigeon as well as the last Carolina parakeet.
Here’s a list of the animals you can expect to see: lions, penguins, birds of prey, big cats, reptiles, elephants, lemurs, primates, aquatic life, rhinos, kangaroos, wolves, and more.
The Cincinnati Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
It takes at least four hours to take in the zoo and garden.
To be fair, the earlier you get there, the better.
There’s a lot to see and it’s always best to absorb than rush through.
Parking isn’t free so you might want to take public transportation.
2. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This is the state’s biggest zoo.
Pretty much any animal that you can imagine has a home here in Columbus.
It takes all day to walk through and there still might be things you miss out on.
Also, just because winter comes around doesn’t mean the zoo shuts down.
There’s a whole new genre of animals that gets the focus during the cold months.
See it as a chance to learn some new facts about animals you’re already fond of.
The aquarium, named Discovery Reef, holds 100,000 gallons of salt water.
It’s at the far end of the zoo.
In celebration of a water theme, there’s also Zoombezi Bay, a water park.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open daily from 10 am until 4 pm.
3. Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
10,000 animals of 720 species call this zoo and aquarium home.
Zookeepers travel all across the world helping endangered populations in several regions.
A ticket to Toledo Zoo is indirectly a donation towards conservation.
As a way to bring a constant stream of visitors coming in, there are events all year long.
Some are about flowers, others are about animals.
There’s just always something new happening.
Toledo’s zoo has varying hours depending on the time of year.
Before heading out or planning a trip, consult the website.
Locals get in free on Mondays.
Plan to set aside at least four hours to have time to see it all.
You still might want to go back to spend more time in your favorite areas.
4. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, it’s not just about walking in and seeing animals.
Here, you get to explore regions and discover which animals are native to them.
Included is Australia Adventure, African Savanna, Northern Wilderness Trek, Primates, Cats, Aquatics, Waterfowl, Rainforest, and Asian Highlands.
There are 3,000 animals to be seen here of 600 species.
The sections are spread out over almost 200 acres, which encompasses both indoor and outdoor facilities.
Want to get married at the zoo?
There is a special space on campus that is meant to hold all the big events.
Plan to spend at least four hours walking through Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Hours of operation are from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
5. Akron Zoo
Here are 50 acres dedicated to the non-profit upkeep of a litany of animals.
In total, there are over 1,000 creatures representing over 100 species.
More than enjoying all that you see, the zoo has several programs to keep the initiative going in different ways.
There’s a focus on education, zoo camp, zoo on the go, and an entire program devoted to conservation.
If nothing else, you walk away from this facility feeling more informed and knowledgeable in at least a few areas.
Drop in daily from 11 am to 4 pm.
Start out as early as you can.
It takes as long as four hours to get through the entire place.
Akron Zoo gets nearly half a million visitors annually.
6. African Safari Wildlife Park
There are scenic drives, then there’s this.
African Safari Wildlife Park is a 100-acre animal preserve
Carloads can stare at, feed, and take pictures of 400 animals from 50 species without opening a door.
When the weather is nice, you don’t have to settle for only a car ride.
The safari also promotes a walk-through experience where you can choose to do things like meander around on a camel.
While you’re at it, why not stop and feed some giraffes, too?
Since walking happens outside, there’s another thing here that sets this wildlife park apart from the rest.
For a small fee, your group can participate in mining for treasure to find safari gems.
Plan in advance, this safari park is open mostly from April through October.
7. Lagoon Deer Park
This might be the most peaceful place in all of Ohio.
Open May through November, prepare for an adventure unlike any other around.
Get face-to-face with animals you can feed from around the world.
200 fur friends from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa are here to accept your snacks.
The park is named after deer because they are the first happy inhabitants to greet you at the entrance.
Next, you’ll come upon llamas, peacocks, and goats to name a few.
After your spirits have been lifted by these sweet nibblers, head out to the water.
If fishing is an interest, this is another good reason to visit Lagoon Deer Park.
There’s a fully stocked lake with all kinds of fish inside.
8. Butterfly House
Who doesn’t love a butterfly?
At Butterfly House, there are 500 colorful flyers who live here.
Visitors don’t just get a look inside, they get educated.
The goal is to spread the word about butterflies and their behaviors.
Getting to know more about them, hopefully, will help us as a society have butterflies around for a long time to come.
This is a wonderful place to bring the little inquiring minds into your life.
On staff are experts in the field and can answer any questions you or your children might have about butterflies.
To bring in a new set of prospective butterfly lovers, the house hosts several events throughout the year in celebration of nature.
Butterfly House is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Hours may vary.
9. Greater Cleveland Aquarium
The aquarium has only been open since 2012, but it has built a fast reputation for delighting attendees.
To start with, Greater Cleveland Aquarium has sea creatures from the Great Lakes as well as various spots worldwide.
2,700 sea-dwellers from 320 species swim around here.
In an effort to stay organized, the aquarium has seven galleries of life.
One of which is an 11,000-gallon pool where visitors can touch what’s inside.
Available to be held are stingrays and cow noses.
Don’t leave without walking through the 175-foot underwater tube where you’ll feel like a pineapple under the sea.
Discover new aquatic life daily from 10 am through 5 pm.
10. Safari Junction, Home of Valley Exotics
Safari Junction is a family-owned and operated petting zoo that opened in 2005.
As the name implies, you’re likely to see animals that aren’t native to the US.
A few good examples are a wallaby, a camel, and an emu.
Of course, normal farm animals have taken up residence as well.
During the open season, Safari Junction is open to rent for events or just to come and hang out.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Ohio – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquarium | Address |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden | 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA |
| Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA |
| Toledo Zoo and Aquarium | 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609, USA |
| Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA |
| Akron Zoo | 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307, USA |
| African Safari Wildlife Park | 267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, United States |
| Lagoon Deer Park | 1012 Martins Point Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870, United States |
| Butterfly House | 11455 Obee Rd, Whitehouse, OH 43571, United States |
| Greater Cleveland Aquarium | 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA |
| Safari Junction, Home of Valley Exotics | 2961 US Route 127 South, Eaton, OH 45320, United States |
Ohio Safety Overview
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Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio's largest zoo?
It seems fitting that the capital also houses the largest zoo in the state.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium encompasses just under 600 acres and often ranks at the top of all zoos nationwide.
Inside are 10,000 animals from 575 species.
Given the fact that the zoo also comes with an 18-hole golf course, that might be part of why it ranks as one of the biggest.
What is Ohio's biodiversity?
Across the state, there is a good mix of biodiversity.
Ohio has wetlands, forests, prairies, and rivers.
The varying temperatures throughout the year attract a wide range of fauna and flora.
If you live here, taking short trips from one side of the state to the other is fulfilling.
That’s mainly because of all the interesting things you’ll see that are likely different from what you have back home.
Which city is the most visited in Ohio?
Not only is Columbus the most populated city in the state, with just under one million residents, but it’s also the most visited.
From college football to a slew of museums, there’s so much to do for every interest.
That includes every age group as well.
There’s an interactive art center, kid-friendly zoos, a waterfall hike, and even a place to go see movies that aren’t as mainstream as the ones at big-named theaters.
What's the most popular thing to do in Ohio?
When it comes to attractions, there’s one that stands out a tad above the rest.
Many travels from all over the world to pay homage to their favorite musician at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Located in the second most populated Ohio City, Cleveland, this tribute building stands as a testament to the power of music.
Another popular thing to do while in Ohio is checking out the National Museum of the US Air Force.
