Ready to explore your wild side in the Cincy Region? Here are some insider tips to help make the most of your trip to the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden!
1. Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time
Ensure your visit to the Zoo goes as seamlessly as possible by doing a little bit of preplanning.
- Use the ultra-helpful Zoo Today page! Hours, animal news, keeper chats, animal feedings, show and encounter schedules are all posted and updated daily. Take a look on the day of your visit to start putting together a game plan.
- Download the new Zoo mobile app, featuring a GPS-enabled digital map, to find your favorite animals, plants, and food locations in real-time. Be sure to turn on notifications to get updates on animal chats and special offers.
- Pro tip: buy your tickets ahead of time online! You can even save up to $10 on select days - plus, there's no line! Online tickets are always cheaper than at the window.
2. Admire the Botanical Garden
Don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning Botanical Garden at the Cincinnati Zoo—it's a vibrant, peaceful retreat featuring over 3,000 plant species, beautifully landscaped paths, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year. You'll find native plants, annuals, tulips and pollinator gardens, plus helpful plant labels and inspiring ideas for your own garden and planting recommendations from our experts!
The Botanical Garden has been consistently recognized as one of the top in the country, most recently being voted the #2 Best Botanical Garden in the U.S. by USA Today readers in 2025. In 2023 the garden also received the highest level of accreditation from ArbNet
Fun fact: The Cincinnati Zoological Garden was renamed the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in 1987.
3. Follow the Zoo on Social Media
Following the Cincinnati Zoo on social media is the best way to stay connected with all the incredible animals, behind-the-scenes moments, and exciting events happening year-round. From updates on fan favorites like Fiona the hippo to live animal encounters, fun facts, and conservation news, you’ll find posts that are both entertaining and educational. Don’t miss out—follow the zoo for your daily dose of cuteness, curiosity, and connection to the wild! Cincinnati Zoo Tales Podcast, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, YouTube
Member Tip: If you’re a member, join the Member HQ Facebook Group for insider news.
4. Take a ride on the Cincinnati Zoo Safari Train and Conservation Carousel
Hop aboard the Safari Train for a relaxing ride through scenic parts of the Zoo, including views of flamingos, wolves, and penguins. It's a great way to rest your feet and see things from a new perspective. For a dose of fun and nostalgia, take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, featuring beautifully carved animals like bald eagles, okapi and even Fiona the hippo. Rides are open daily, weather permitting, and are free for Gold and Platinum Zoo members. Add these charming experiences to your visit for a little extra zoo magic!
5. Watch Cincinnati Zoo’s Elephants, Hippos, Giraffes, and Lions Live from Anywhere in the World with Live Cams!
The Cincinnati Zoo has launched a brand-new Elephant Cam, and you can now tune in to watch the herd at Elephant Trek live! All Zoo members get access to live cams. If you're not already a Zoo member, become a Virtual Member for only $25 per year and get exclusive access to the Elephant Cam as well as the Hippo Cam, Lion Cam and Giraffe Cam.
6. Behind the Scenes Tours
Booking a Behind-the-Scenes tour at the Zoo offers a unique opportunity to engage closely with the Zoo's animals and dedicated care teams. These experiences provide intimate encounters with creatures like hippos, sloths, penguins, and even insects, allowing you to observe their behaviors and learn about their care routines in a more personal setting. Beyond making cool memories, your participation directly supports global conservation efforts, as proceeds from these tours contribute to initiatives such as The Sloth Institute, The Red Panda Network and SANCCOB, aiding in the protection of endangered species worldwide.
7. Book an Event at the Zoo
There’s no better time to bring your group to the Zoo than this year as the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden celebrates its 150th anniversary. The Zoo is the most unique spot to host your next event, from corporate meetings, picnics and birthday parties to weddings! With both day and evening event venues available to rent, there is something for everyone. Book your next event at the Zoo!
8. Elephant Trek Now Open
The newest habitat at the Zoo is now open! Visit Elephant Trek to see eight Asian elephants in a multi-generational herd, siamangs, Asian small-clawed otters, rhinoceros hornbills and more.
Elephant Trek will transport you to a landscape where humans and wildlife live side-by-side. Visitors have the option to “join the herd” and advocate for Asian elephants with their actions and voices.
9. See Birds Fly, Cheetahs Run and Ducks Dance
Summer at the Cincinnati Zoo means the return of the Ameritas Wings of Wonder, the Bobcat Enterprises Cheetah Encounter, and the Grippos Barnyard Bonanza! These wildlife encounters are included with Zoo admission.
In the Cheetah Encounter, discover the wonders of African wildlife with our team of animal ambassadors. Guests may witness the incredible agility of a serval as it leaps, marvel at the cuteness of a baby porcupine, or experience seeing a cheetah do what they do best: run! The Barnyard Bonanza is a fast-paced, fun, family-friendly demonstration of barnyard animal behaviors in our Children’s Zoo. Wings of Wonder is an action-packed free-flight demonstration in the Zoo’s amphitheater. See, hear, and feel birds fly over your head and marvel at other amazing bird behaviors.
10. Become a member of the Cincinnati Zoo
Celebrate the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 150th anniversary and become a member today. It’s worth your wild!
All Members receive free admission, free parking, discounted tickets for extra guests, discounts at the gift shop, restaurants, and on educational programs, priority registration for select programs, free admission to PNC Festival of Lights, discounts at 150+ zoos and aquariums nationwide, invitations to member-only previews and special events, and virtual membership perks.
With a little planning and these tips, you’re all set for a fun and memorable day at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! Order your Cincy Region Official Visitors Guide, check out our local Calendar of Events, and make a weekend trip out.
