Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Reviews

Great walking zoo and wonderful animal variety. Love the hippos, my favorite.

Festival of lights is a wonderful way to enjoy the season.

It's a good time. My favorite animals were the painted dogs, hippos and meerkat. Food is gross and WAY overpriced.

Wonderful outing for the family. My son loves seeing animals and baby animals. Visiting the petting zoo and show is our favorite area. We brush and pet the goats and relax in the shade to see the animal show that involved volunteers! My son stood with a bell and a goat ranger it! It's always a great place to spend the day.

This zoo is wonderful - almost too big for a single visit. Exemplary habitats, wonderful educational information provided.

Been coming for years. There is always something new to see. The up close animal exhibits like kangaroo, march of the penguins, and giraffe are world class.

Festival of Lights was good, waited nearly an hour for the train, though. They should have 2 trains running

Zoo and botanical garden.
Didn't see any just went there to check out a car for a friend of mine.

Obviously Covid has cut the Zoo experience in half. It seems like they have half the animals they used to have. The staff is great and always friendly, and brave for working in the Covid conditions. The guests on the other hand, don't expect social distancing or mask wearing from most of the guests around you.

Wonderful zoo & excited to have the membership. Can't wait to see it when the construction is finished :)

Had an amazing time with family & friends. It was a very hot day out, but we kept cool & enjoy8ed all the sights.

Beautiful zoo. Awesome landscaping, new exhibits. Covid puts a damper on certain exhibits but it was still lovely. They're adding new stuff in 2021 as well. Will be visiting again with my little one for the 3rd time next year.

It was my first time visiting and for a smaller than space than Columbus it was a very enjoyable visit. Even with covid-19 going on and social distancing in place I felt I was able to enjoy my visit and see the park in its fullest. Animals seemed very happy and relaxed. Layout of park was a little daunting, but considering the size of the total area it was well sectioned.

It felt like the hottest day of summer but there were shady areas all over the park so we never got too hot. There was drink stands conveniently placed throughout also.

I dont understand the hype of the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights hype. It DEFINATELY was not the best light show I've ever seen. I would have been pretty cool if there weren't a million people there. I can deal with crowds and traffic, but the amount of people there was absolutely ridiculous. Ticket sales should be done by the hour and a limited amount. Even a third of the amount of people that were there would have been overwhelming.

For $80 for me, my husband and child to go, we waiting in line 20-30 minutes for potty breaks, 40-50 minutes for food, couldn't get any good pictures because of the vast amount of crowds there. I'm sure the experience would be something to see if I wasnt worried about touching someone or having my daughter walk off with some stranger.

It was a terrible experience honestly, and will not be returning for subsequent light shows.

Mixed experience at the zoo. Wonderful to see most of the animals but many areas closed due to Covid. Sweltering weather and tough to find water on sale. Loved seeing our favorite animals though, just bring with your own water and snacks.

Not many animals. My family and I was very disappointed

We had a blast at the zoo! I was most impressed by the cleanliness of the grounds and the politeness of everyone we encountered. It made for an even better experience and we're excited to plan our next visit!

Even with certain exhibits closed to the public due to covid precautions, this was still a great time and still got to see many favorites.

With the membership we visit frequently. My daughter loves it

Great place for family outings. Love the zoo. Staff is very informative about the animals in their care. They take pride in their work. I would visit again.

This zoo is so large! I think the parking and actually getting into the zoo could be improved. There should be a light or a sign or traffic direction at the zoo entrance. It's a little dangerous.

This is the most amazing zoo in the world! Definitely a great place to spend the day.

Always enjoy visiting the zoo. We visit every year. Both in the summer and for winter fest.

I love this zoo! They have a lot of fun activities/events that you can attend (blossoming tulips, walk of penguins, Festival of Lights, etc.) I highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys zoos and loves animals.

Thanks to the rental handicap carts I was able to see the Zoo. I went to see little Fiona who I love but this zoo is outstanding! It was so well done. They could use more plus size tshirts and stuff in the gift shop. Hope to go back one day.

Very clean zoo. Beautiful light show in the winter. Get there early to beat the crowds and see the animals before it gets dark. Not all of them are out in the winter months but still good to walk around and see the animals before the light show. The lights are pretty intricate and go to the tops of the trees. A great way to get the kids out for Christmas related activities.

Not very happy. Almost no animals on exhibit. Enclosures for animals looked in very poor condition. Sorry to say looks lime zoo is going down hill.

Great zoo. Went to see the Pallus Cat. It was very hot that day. We left early. Great gift shop.

This place is known for there sloth. But if you catch them at the right time you might be able to get up close with some of the animals out of there exhibits. There food is okay. The Lions are awesome very vocal. The coo coo birds are friendly and the staff is very nice

This is my hometown zoo and I really do enjoy it. The zoo is relatively easy to get to following GPS and there are plenty of signs guiding the direction.

The best part about the zoo is that it's in the middle of Cincinnati so it's still got the city feel even though it's not downtown, but there is still plenty of room for all the animal displays.

We really like to participate in the after zoo events such as Zoo LA La, Zoofari or various others. This zoo is one of my favorites I've visited and I'm glad it's our home zoo. I still prefer the Columbus Zoo over it, but I really enjoy this one.

One of the best zoos I've been too. Pathways are nice and wide so the families with a million children and buggies don't cause a traffic jam. Lots of shaded walkways to enjoy the zoo.

Some of the enclosures were pretty small. We found ourselves backtracking a lot as the areas didn't seem to flow into each other, instead ending in dead-ends. There wasn't enough signage and we had a little trouble finding out way around. We went on a Wednesday and within 35 minutes of the zoo opening they were out of motorized scooters, (I have a foot injury) so we had to get a manual wheelchair that was in pretty bad shape.

Had a great time with the kiddos. The animals were so active. The food court staff needs some more training. But the other staff though out the park was great!

Great Zoo. Very large but has intimate feel. Worth the trip. Plan on spending a lot of time here, pack a picnic. Lots of animals with great viewing opportunities.

Really great zoo. Had some animals I had never seen before. You can get pretty close to many of the animals. Be sure to see the baby hippo Fiona!

It is hilly, so it may prove difficult for some. But the habitats are well laid out and the animals are visible. They seem content and the keepers had a lot of enrichment scrubbers activities that they shared through displays and talks.

Been coming here since I was a kid and I love coming back. It s one of the best Zoo s in the whole country.

Love this zoo! So much to see! Facility and staff were taking all COVID protections. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Most important Fiona was playing!

Absolutely loved this zoo. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful and the exhibits are beautiful. The animals were active and happy and there are tons of interactive things to do. Great job on outstanding animal care!

Very well maintained with helpful staff. Parking is easy. Beautiful gardens--the peace garden is a particular favorite place to stop and rest. We enjoyed seeing the new baby animals and plenty of our favorites.

I know it's not their fault that we have to wear masks in certain areas of the zoo but would not recommend going here on a hot day or else you'll have heat exhaustion from have to put your masks on so much. Other than that zoo wasn't overcrowded and was fun!

Amazing place! Beautiful scenery and great variety of species (new kangaroo facility coming!)

Always something new to see. Check out the new kangaroo encounter, African penguins, and stop for a beer at the Hops Biergarten.

We love going to the zoo, even on busy days/holidays. The Cincinnati Zoo is well layed out, and has plenty of space for everyone to 'roam'. Even on the busiest of days, it doesn't feel like you are wasting you time waiting in line etc. Great job to the Cincinnati Zoo!

I love that the animals have a lot of open space to roam around, and many even have the option of going inside - whether a building or cave or igloo - when the weather gets bad.
Several of the animals were in hiding the day I went, but I don't blame them because it was really cold out. What I did see was well worth the visit.
They had a lights festival too for the holidays, which was really pretty, and they had got chocolate, s'mores, other sweets, as well as real food to enjoy.
Would highly recommend a visit, and is a good opportunity to spend time with family.

Great zoo. Loved the Elephant exhibit and explanation of the male elephants musk by the keeper. Went on a scorching hot day but had a blast. If you get drinks get the zoo cups as the refills are cheaper later.

Great zoo and botanical gardens. Took us 3.5 hours to see all of the animals. Of course, due to the pandemic, "would be" demos and activities were closed.

Awesome place for a day of learning and sharing life!

We haven't been there in many years. Love the new viewing of the big cats. So cool to be that close to the cats.

Love taking my grandkids to the zoo, we have a pass and they love going and spending the day...

One of the best zoos I've ever been to. Great variety of animals

It's been about 10 years since I visited the zoo. I was very excited to see all of the updates. Wonderful time! I won't wait so long to go back!

Beautiful zoo with beautifully kept grounds and wonderful enclosures for the animals. I love visiting the Cincinnati Zoo!

Saw baby fiona and other amazing animals
with family

Me and the kids love the zoo! Can't wait to go again and visit the new kangaroo exhibit

Loved the animal exhibits. Seemed like all the animals were putting on a show for us. The grandkids loved it. The restrooms and eating areas could have been cleaner.

A really nice zoo that is ecological with a commitment to expand space for the animals. Has many community events and great Christmas lights.

Fabulous weather during our zoo experience. Nice staff. Great job getting people up close and personal with the animals. Can hand feed giraffes! Rented an electrical wheelchair as one in our party wasn't able to walk and it worked very well. Wonderful time.

Amazing zoo. Great even on a sunny day. There us plenty of shade

If you want to learn about animals and see some that are going extinct. It might be the only time in your life you will get to see them. Do go enjoy them while you can.

The Zoo did not disappoint! It's great to visit the zoo when the weather is cooler. The animals were the most interactive we've ever seen them. We encountered a baby monkey that struggled to make a climb then clapped his hands when he succeeded... We then applauded for the monkey and he found this to be an unexpected response. So, the monkey climbed a rope then turned and looked at us and clapped again. We, again, applauded. This wonderful display continued for quite a while.
We visited the Lions whom were right up against the glass. The make tried to interact with the female and she stopped a paw at him in annoyance. This was followed by the male pacing and roaring. What a great moment to experience a Lions Rose up close and personal!
I could describe many more experiences like these. It was a great trip.
Zoo had great exhibits with some fantastic environmental displays that rival those seem in many theme parks.
Food was good, with Skyline Chili being a great addition to the Zoo.
Worth a visit!
Had a play ground for really young children, climbing obstacles for older children, plenty of seating for a rest, and or family was quite impressed.

Very clean, inviting and tons of activities for the kids. I love the nursing area!

The zoo is very nice. Some exibits were closed that is why it's a 4 not a 5.

We went there today and the staff was great. However, I was less than impressed with the bird building. Especially the super small and artificial lighted Pinguin and duck rooms . These animals need natural lighting and not be locked inside with a sky looking painted ceiling. One of the ducks was swimming rapidly back and forth in the tub of water in that room. They looked distressed. I really hope they will do something more appropriate for these poor animals. We also observed an arctic fox which was totally distressed running along a small side of a fence trying to get out...I watched him for 20 minutes and all he did was run back and forth and just try to climb the fence at each end. It was heartbreaking to see. The animal looked totally distressed! It s a nice park but again, some of the habitats need a more appropriate overhaul. This is about the animals!!!

Loved this zoo, it was our first trip, can't wait to go back. Exhibits were well setup, good for kids and adults of all ages. Something for everyone!

Great zoo! Wish more patrons had respect for their fellow zoo goers and would wear masks.

Great zoo! Reasonable price. Animal habitats are great. Wish layout was a bit better

What a beautiful zoo. The cheetah experience is very entertaining. Lots of places to sit. There are alot of hills inside the park so walking could be difficult for some older patrons. The train ride was relaxing. There were a lot of helpful staff members all over the park to answer any questions you might have. Very beautiful animals. I highly recommend this zoo to all animal lovers.

Great zoo, and of course they have Fiona the only premature hippo ever raised by people. After 2 years she's obviously doing well! They also have a baby giraffe and lots of other great exhibits.

Truly had a wonderful day with the family. Little pricey on food. The only bad thing was the weather rainy and hot n humid, not their fault. Looking to buy annual pass.

would not recommend the parking just take a limo instead and beware of the gorillas pricing horrible they have narwhals ducks witch were amazing and the best food and good air!! we went to mexico for my 2 year old to see a good zoo would not recommend kids started crying when they saw a died bird.please don't come here for your own safety

This zoo is amazing and does some amazing work. I always want to see bigger enclosures but the wooded areas and water is great.

Love the Cincinnati Zoo! All of the beautiful flowers and trees are a favorite for our family.. And of course the animals.

Have a park for kids which is great. Also have people that's informant about animals. Also animals are more active in morning . Great zoo.

I m not a zoo person, and I loved this one. Our last exhibit really sold us. Our boys had been wanting to see a sloth and so we saved it for last, and we really lucked out. The exhibit was empty and while they were watching him, he decided to climb across his branch and eat for the boys. It was amazing!

Went with a friend to their Wild About Wine fundraiser. Wonderful evening, delicious wine and food. Only certain animal exhibits open but enough to see and do.

Awesome place. Loved every moment of it. Just be careful of the area the Zoo is located. Not a great neighborhood.

Love this zoo! It is my favorite so far. I will definitely be back!

I love our Zoo... Good pricing on passes I get one every year.. my kids absolutely adore coming

I really liked this zoo. On a hot day where the sun was beating down on us, there always seemed to be shade nearby to keep us cool. Very pretty place and all the animals were really cool to see, especially the hippos!

Always love the zoo...great place to visit especially this time of year

Beautiful exhibits and habitats. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. My son absolute loves it here. He begs to come here every time me visit Cincinnati for medical care. His favorites are Fiona, the gorillas and the pandas.

We love the zoo and go at least twice a month. It is well worth the price for a membership. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Tons of amazing animals to see.

Wonderful habitats and friendly staff. Very accommodating for families.

Great lights at the zoo. Wishing to see more animals like polar bears.....

It's been a while since I've been to the Zoo, 12 years. A lot of things were empty, one polar off to the side, not even in the water and it was a hot day, that whole big exhibit for them to swim in and nothing, just walked by most things, it is a beautiful Zoo, the work they put into the Botanical part, I wished were also put into the areas for animals. You go to the zoo you want to see the animals, not empty exhibit's.

Everyone loves festival of lights but when you have to wait 2 hours to park, it makes the kids tired and moody. They need to fix the parking problem. Maybe make everyone park away from the zoo and have buses pick up and drop of guest to the zoo.

Normally, my husband is the map master. I braved taking our son by myself during the week. It took me a bit to get a hang of the map, but any time I asked the staff, "What's the most efficient way to the train?" They told me without delay.