Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Reviews

It was very nice today. My only complaint is the cat house isn't open.

Price a little high but a very nice place. Pack a lunch for it's as much as the admission !!!

Good zoo need to work on the some signage things can be missed.

Really enjoy the zoo! Roo walkabout was cool. Would have been a good idea for zoo administration to tell the staff the yoga class can walk around the zoo after class but prior to the zoo opening, so they were not surprised by it.

Great place to bring the kids, but could use some updating.

Excellent zoo. Best we have been to. Many animals and different ones. Be prepared to walk up hills and down.

I enjoyed the going to the zoo, but I just wish the prices was cheaper, and more animals are out understand it's was cold and alot animals was inside where they are warm

Festival of lights was nice. There were of course tons of families but we just went and had a few beers and wandered around and it was great!

Got lunch at the Safari Base Camp. My Wild Burger was on the grill 4 minutes too long. It was like cardboard.

Great zoo and the seasonal flowers are a treat. Come with comfortable shoes because there is a lot of hilly walking.

One of the best Zoos I have ever been to!! The Elephants are the best part!!

I really cannot wait for this day to be reopened because my grandchildren are actually adore this place

One of the best Zoos to visit for a day long experience. The animals are in full display in natural type settings. The inside venues are clean and all age visitor friendly. I have visited this Zoo since the 50's and they have always impressed.

The Cincinnati Zoo is fabulous. Everything has been updated beautifully. I absolutely love it.

We are new members and were able to skip the lines and go directly into the zoo. The signage was easy to follow to the exhibits. We enjoyed the volunteer stations displaying additional information about the animals.
The zoo is very walkable.

Great place to take the family. Prices are reasonable on most everything. They also allow out side food and drinks so it's even more affordable.

Always have a great time here, clean and there doing a great job trying to keep people safe during this time of craziness, the gardens are absolutely gorgeous!!!

No warning at the gate when I purchased my ticket that most of their animals were not in habitat so I didn't get to see 75% of the animals... Alittle warning would've been nice

Very large and hilly. Bring good walking shoes. Quite a bit to see. Very clean. You pay for parking when you leave. Some of the enclosures seemed a little small. They have some construction going on but it doesn't affect your getting around.

Had a great day visiting. Even with some stuff closed for the winter we still had a day full of fun visiting indoor attractions.

The staff and volunteers there are so wonderful and knowledgeable. Be prepared to walk though, there are lots of hills.

We love the zoo. It is always so much fun and really enjoy the learning experiences too.

The Zoo is always fun. I love seeing the new version of Festival of Lights each year too. We are Zoo members so we can take in multiple visits all throughout the year. Everyone who can should get a membership to support their fine work. Food was very good during this visit...grounds were clean in the Zoo too. More seating and portable food area was more robust this year.

The Cincinnati Zoo May have the reputation for the Harambe incident, but ignoring that, this is one of the best zoos in the world. The flowers and plants here make this zoo even more beautiful. It is filled with amazing animals in amazing exhibits. The elephants have a wonderful exhibit, and the African Savanna is amazing. The Manatee exhibit is also great, and walking in, you feel like you re in Florida with how hot and humid it is. It is an amazing zoo, and one I would hope to return to.

Great exhibits and even saw alot of animals for it being March.

First time to the zoo. Festival of lights were amazing. Plus that some inside animals could still be visited was even better. Great zoo can't wait to visit in the summer.

Good overall experience. Thankful to now carry another generation to see God's beautiful animals

Thank you for allowing us to see a variety of God's creatures.
Praying for the staff and patrons who enrer these gates. Maybe consider more mask enforcement however at this time. It is critical that we all practice safer actions to prevent this virus spreading further.

The Zoo is gorgeous and the animals fun. Most people were very good at distancing

Went during the Christmas lights festival at night. Definitely a fun outing for families, although parking was hard to find so prepare for that.

Will definitely have to visit again in the spring or summer for the full experience!

Great Zoo for the summer not much going on this winter neverless plenty to tire out the little ones. At least they were not charging parking fees.

Went to the festival of lights and it was lit it had a couple people outside to take pictures with and all the lights were beautiful they had a lights show in the lake they have there a lot of the animals were still out for viewing the 4d movie was only like 4 bucks the train ride was like 4 and the merry go around was like 3

Fiona Hippo!
Plus lots of other animals.
During COVID, few patrons wore masks. The squished penny machine for Fiona is locked in the Manatee Springs building. The only way to get a Hippo penny is to buy their penny album.

Wow blocked me on FB because I asked If they had a smoking area in the park. Thanks.

Loved it. Some areas was closed due to covid but still a great experience

I have been to many top zoo's, and this has been by far the best!!! My next is the Columbus zoo

This was so much fun of a place to visit, and some of the most beautiful zoo grounds I can recall. The animals looked quite comfortable and well cared for, and I liked that most habitats had places they could go to be far away from humans More

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a great place to spend a day in nature! With a wide selection of animals and a gorgeous array of flowers, there's something that is sure to intrigue every visitor. My trip was right over the time of the tulips blooming and-Wow!-what a sight! The zoo has plenty of places to buy food and drinks, as well as benches and pavilions to rest weary feet. The train ride gives visitors a unique view not visible from the footpaths. On top of this, there is so much to see that it's hard to pack it all into one visit. It's definitely a place I'll be coming back to!

We visit at least once a year to see what's changed and who's new. Brought all the kids and grandparents too! Everybody, and I mean everybody, had a great time. And a lot of exercise!

A visit to the zoo is always something good to do! I already lost my count of how many times I have been there in one year living in Cincinnati. Bathrooms are clean, accessible parking and friendly staff. And don t forget to visit Fiona

Awesome that we have this amazing zoo, right here in our city. For 20+ years, my family and I go here twice a year -during regular season in Spring/Summer and again in the Fall/Winter for the Festival Of Lights. The African lion exhibit, Cat Canyon, Polar Bear, Cat house, Gorilla World and jungle ape exhibits are my favorites - love watching Orangutan...well....wait, I also love the Elephants, Giraffes, Wings of the World, Reptile House, World of Insect. Gibbon island is always entertaining. Manatee Springs is relaxing & amazing to watch and there's much more. We always enjoy ourselves and coming here has become a tradition.

It's phenomenal but there is next to no food and next to no signage about where NOT to go for enclosures that are empty. We walked probably an extra mile as a result. So to repeat: do not come early for a day trip unless you are fine walking back to the park entrance for the only open food source.

So proud to have such a great zoo in our city that's always working to improve the experience for both the visitors and animals.

We get passes every year. Festival of Lights is gorgeous!! Hall-Zoo-Ween is a lot of fun for younger kids! If you get there when it first opens parking and the zoo itself is much easier to navigate. Grab a map! There are special times and locations for animal encounters, train ride, a carousel, gift shops, face painting booths, picnic areas, restaurants, food trucks and a petting zoo. Need to cool off for a second? Go into the theater to watch a short film or find a giant mister like the sunflower. There are hills and a lot of walking involved, dress accordingly. Generally my son and I only stay about 3 hours. By the time we are leaving at Noon-2p it is getting crowded.

I got to see everything I wanted, just wish they didn't close at 6. But it was a ton of fun!

Very clean. Great temp today. Food prices below average. Great value overall. Some habitats closed for construction.

I have heard of this zoo as one of the best in the world and it definitely delivered. Really cool exhibits and it really pulls you in.....

Highlight - harambe memorial

LONG LIVE HARAMBE!!!!

Parking was a hassle to find first time but got the hang of it! Really nice park! I d try to avoid going in a very sunny day in the summer it gets really hot and the water prices increases a lot!

Can't complain about the animals wanting to stay inside to be warm. The lights were great and the zoo is a great get away

Penguin Days prices made the the zoo worth it on a warm winter day with many animals not on display. Meercats and this fisty wilderbeast put on a show.

Tried to go for a quick visit but ended up standing in the ticket line for half an hour. Didn't have enough time to go in but still had to pay for parking.

This is hands down, the best place to be in Cincinnati. I've loved coming here since I was a kid and still do. I love the work that the zoo does for animal conservation.

The train is a nice break from the animal action. Behind the train station is a playground and petting zoo.

Loved the exhibits...so much to see and learn and enjoy!
Amazing staff!!!!
Food and drink Price's were really high though .
That was the only thing I would do would lowered the prices on food and drinks.
Still truly an enjoyable unforgettable experience!!!

Really nice all the animals were very interactive though it was hot still a nice experience!!!

The zoo is always top notch, plenty of roaming , wondering, amazment, the animals seem to love their captivities & home. Go in the afternoons

Love the zoo staff is so nice do to everything that's going on highly recommend it best zoo in town

One of the best places to visit in the city, especially with children. The Festival of Lights is always worth braving the December chill and the animals are always a treat year round.

Went to see the Kangaroos..will be nice when I can see them active

Great zoo. The animals are taken very well cared for. Great feel, you forget you are in a zoo. Prices are very fair for food and activities. Only 4.00 per person to ride the train.

Loved the Christmas lights after dark. Some of the exhibits were under construction, some animals were missing due to the weather including the polar bears? Seriously??? Their restaurant is quick. I would love to see what it is like in the spring or fall.

Didn't see much because it was just unbearably hot that day but what I was able to see was great. I like all the experiences and shows that are available. Would love to visit again sometime.

The Cincinnati Zoo is always a great time when we visit! This time in April was a bit rough with the rain, meeting cold winds. However most of the animals were out and able to see. Not too active given the weather but again, overall the staff and facility was well worth the visit!

Lovely zoo, it was the home of the late Harambe, The leader of Harambism. A religious sect that focuses on the teachings of the Harambite Bible. Zeus followed his fathers footsteps and lead the Harambites.

Zacharias tried many times to disestablish the Harambites but failed. Zeus will prevail.

Great zoo! Wasn't open completely due to covid 19 but I'm excited to visit again when things are back to normal.

We had a great time at this zoo. It was really good and clean. Only problem we had was the staff at the Base Cafe we're not friendly and we're not helpful.

Great zoo where you can be close to the animals. The reason for three stars? Told we could get refills for $1 if we bought the souvenir cup - nope! Also not told at the beginning that the only shop open was the one halfway through the zoo. So, of course, waited to buy souvenirs until the end and was out of luck. Left there upset.

Probably the best zoo I've seen since San Diego. Animals are more active and have more room in their enclosures.

Can't wait to take my newest grandchild next spring. Maybe I will set up a church event for all of kiddos.

A great zoo to visit. Everyone was nice and friendly. Never had a problem. Clean everywhere we went. Animal keepers tried to explain about the animals the best they could. Only thing I did not like is the no smoking rule. They need a smoking section. But overall nice place.

First off the five stars are for the collection of animals, the beautiful of the botanical gardens immersed into the zoological collection, and their presence on social media. The beauty of this zoo cannot compare to other zoos I have been to. We visit zoological institutes everywhere we go and i was in awe of this space in such an urbanized area. My favorite was the American collection, otters, wolf, etc. so calming. We have been following this zoo for years on social media so it was great to see the animals, sorry we missed Kendi though. I love your zoo babies postings. The cheetah run show is worth every moment of time you spend. We went early and got a good seat. Even though the zoo was very crowded that day we came 15 minutes early got a front row seat. Fantastic to see a variety of characters in the show. From my point of view all animals had a unique and thriving environment. So keep up the good work. Downsides are going to be where concessions, and trash come in. So many group come in that bring their own food, and leave plenty of their trash around. I am ashamed on the behalf of your guests that think it is okay to trash a zoo with so much litter. Do they not understand that there are animal residents that can get a hold of this if there was wind etc? Trash cans were overflowing, trash seen in front of exhibits. Concessions stand were often seen crowded, with limited options, no ice, etc. Some were closed and it took five different stand before we found someone to get a beverage and snack from (ps your pretzels were great). This area needs some work. Maybe have extra people to pick up around the zoo because this was a major downfall, when you have so much bringing you up. Also consider the appropriateness of plastic bottle drinks in your zoo, we are here to ensure a better world for the people and animals, this just doesn't seem the way to do it. Congrats of ppl choice award this year, kudos to Fiona and her team.

Good zoo, very hilly. The ticket lines were long and slow moving. We used a kiosk and only 1 of 4 were working. This was the only zoo that I have seen (and my family has been to several large zoo's) where you had to pay to park.

Great day! Animals all looked happy and cared for well. Staff was very pleasant and helpful!!

Been going here for 40yrs now I take my grandbaby.s gets better every time I go

Zoo and gardens are beautiful and clean! However, parking is almost non-existent if they are just a little busy. We had to park five blocks away and walk to the entrance. It seemed like most people had to do this. This really needs attention.

Absolutely wonderful experience! The winter light displays are very well done, with much to see. Different areas of the zoo are themed by color, many, many opportunities for photos. Characters to be found throughout. Well worth the visit. Looking forward to returning the zoo in the summer.

A great place to bring kids. Very fun and very safe

The zoo is wonderful Year round, but I mainly go to the festival of lights during Christmas time. I m blown away year after year at the time, effort, creativity, and heart put into the display throughout the park. Very fun place to go in general and learn about amazing animals

Beautiful landscaping! Wonderful exhibits and amazing animals and wide varieties of food and drinks! The staff today....wasn't the friendliest
at all at the base camp. Not personable at all. We did come across 3 young men outside cleaning 1 being a chef who were very respectful l.

We get a membership every year! It's a great place to go if you have kids, or even if you don't and you love animals. Employees are always super friendly. It's always well kept and clean. They are always prompt to fix any issues you may have during your visit. Will continue to get our family membership for years to come.

Love the zoo. Hate the fact that you have to wait in such a long line for the new kangaroo exhibit. Have to wait till the hype dies down.

This was a great day even though it was the hottest day of the year. Very nice location, overall very clean. A good place to go for a day trip to get away.

Friendly staff and the best day at the zoo I've had in years

Great zoo. Great location. Had a wonderful time with my two little ones.

Our favorite place to go with kids. The animals look well treated, staff doing the great job. It makes sense to buy membership, if you're going to visit Cincinnati Zoo more than a couple times.

Highly recommend this zoo. Nice selection of animals, reasonable prices. Took us about 4 hours to cover everything. It was raining so some animals were probably taking shelter.

It was a perfect day. It was not too hot and the animals were all out. Also the reservations made the Zoo not too crowded.

We had a lot of fun at the Cinci zoo. Used reciprocal membership w/ Cleveland zoo, got a nice discount. Hippos were neat, polar bear exhibit is a must, cheetah run is super cheesy and bit a long, but still really neat to see (show up 15 minutes before the show to get a good shady seat).

Great Zoo. It was a fantastic experience as a child growing up in Cincinnati.