Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Reviews

On this trip I was chaperone of my grandson's 2nd grade class. The Zoo has diverse large number of animals. Each trip is a new educational experience.

It was great I took my sisters and two nephews. They both got sick in the car so I thought the day was going to suck luckily the gift shop is by the entrance where I got them souvenir shirts that glow in the dark the price was as you'd expect things to be at a event. The kids loved every second of it would take them again anytime.

It was easy to take this zoo for granted being native to the nati but as I've explored more of the world I become more grateful to have such an awesome zoo so closeby

Big variety of animals, clean and family friendly!!

Very well kept! The grounds are beautiful and filled with trees/greenery. There is a small park for kids to play at, the train ride is a big hit. I wish there were more maps posted around the paths.

I love the Cincinnati Zoo! Came for Tunes and Blooms - free admission after 5pm, paid $10 for parking. I'm sad to say I wasnt impressed with the event itself - reggae band was super loud, very crowded and a lacking selection of craft beers. Luckily, I caught a new beer release at Listermann's down the street shortly before and, I was able to tour several Zoo exhibits without much crowd. My first time seeing Fiona! Also saw Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, camels and a variety of other mammals still out on exhibit. I would probably come to a similar event in the future, with better expectations!

The most beautiful zoo I have ever visited. From the landscaped design to exhibits. It was so amazing with tall bamboo, trees everywhere etc...They also were very well organized with social distancing. Lots of animals outdoors, our favorite was Fiona the Hippo, and also the giraffes. Great for families. Only advice lots of walking so wear good walking shoes. I learned my lesson with flip-flops.

This is a place that everyone can enjoy NO matter your age. The only thing I feel was a downfall was lots animals/exhibits weren't open. Also parking is lil rip off to me. But overall great place to have fun day as a family.

Ticket prices really aren't bad and the food isn't horribly overpriced inside. Even the parking lots down the road are not a far walk. Lots of exhibits and everything is kept clean. You forget you're right in the middle of a city. Would highly recommend.

Definitely one of the better zoo trips I've been on. So many things to look at, makes it worth the drive!

Opportunity to see a large variety of beautiful animals in exhibits specifically made for their habitat. The flowers are so gorgeous. The train is fun for the whole family. Great for all seasons. Festival of lights is so pretty.

Pretty big place with different types of animals. Sadly, all animals were indoors . Possibly cos of the weather. Overall, it was a fun experience despite seeing just a few of the animals through windows.
I liked the festival of lights, it create a peaceful ambience and greate for pictures.

My family and I loved our visit!! Even my older kids!! A+ on the COVID guidelines.

This is an awesome zoo. I just went back for the second time. I love their gorillas, lions, tigers, hippo, giraffe and elephant exhibits. My 2 favorites are John (the lion) and Jomo (the silverback). Their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. I also love their parking area with solar panels. Looking forward to visiting again next year when I go back to Cincinnati.

Very disappointed. I haven t been to the zoo in years... the Flamingos used to be in a nice habitat but now they seem to be in dirt. They re colors even seemed to be dirty. At the Grove my grandson wanted a hot dog and we didn t see any so we went to Wild Burger and they re menu was written in pastel colors and I didn t see hot dog written there so my grandson and I had a whole conversation about finding a hot dog and the girl never said a word.... she was busy talking and laughing with her co worker. So we ate a burger we didn t really want. Then at the ice cream truck they ran out of ice cream just before us and the girl in there never said a word. There were people behind me that just wanted Icee s and the girl just went to play with her co worker. Not good Cincinnati Zoo

Love the animals they're so awesome and we had a lot of fun! Kids really enjoyed being able to interact with different animals and see all sorts of new things that they love learning about! I understand the cost of caring for all the animals but the cost of admission contributes to why so many can't go.

We spent the day today at the Cincinatti zoo. I have three little ones with me, but I spent so much time trying to find the animals we were looking for. The zoo needs more signs, and more animals in an area listed. Maps that say you are here would be very helpful. When it s hot, and three kids are wiggling, having simpler directions available would have made our experience better. We never did find the giraffes.

Love the zoo and got to spend some great time with my favorite little guys and their mom.

We went specifically to see Fiona and it was totally worth it! I've been to a number of zoos, but this one exceeded my expectations. Well laid out, animals I hadn't seen before as well as unique exhibits of common favorites. They were constructing a new elephant exhibit and I'd like to go back and see it when it's done.

Its a place for kids to experience working with animals

We love zoos and this one did not disappoint one bit! Clean, lots of water sprinkler located throughout for those super hot days to help keep you cooled off. The animals appeared well cared for and there was a good variety. Would definitely visit again.

One of the best zoos in the US! Make sure you visit Fiona the cutest hippo in the world!

This place was Awesome! There are so many animals! This place is also EXTREMELY crowded!

The zoo is huge and filled with a great variety of animals. They all have great habitats and look well cared for and satisfied. You can see how the zoo gross with preservation as well, posted throughout exhibits. Throughout the zoo are also many beautiful plants and flowers.

Fun, interesting, family-friendly. Cincinnati's Zoo is one of the best in the country. While you'll definitely want to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking, you'll be rewarded for your effort. The zoo has many exhibits to fit anyone's interests. It' would be strange if you went there and didn't find anything that interested you, made you laugh, or just make you glad you came.

Great place to spend day with family. I go at least twice a year.

How can you not have fun at the zoo? Oh what, they serve beer too? Love it. Great design and tons of different animals to see. Always a good time at the Cincinnati Zoo.

The Cincinnati Zoo was just voted one of the best in the country! As a long time annual pass holder, our family would 100% agree with this! They have one of the best kids areas. They are always adding new attractions and the staff is so knowledgeable. When out of town family and friends are planning a trip to visit, I always suggest the zoo as a one day adventure. Young or old, you will have a good time at the zoo.

Employees aren't very friendly, and store always seems dirty and in disarray.

I know a ton of people are against zoos but Cincinnati Zoo is unlike any other. Just what they do for the animals it's amazing. I love all the different events that the Cincinnati Zoo host. And if you don't have a membership and you go at least twice a year, you're wasting your money not getting one. Even for a small family you go twice it pays for itself. And if you have a large family there's a good chance going once it pays for itself. It's always clean the bathrooms are clean the zoo in general is always clean. Always staff everywhere if you need help. You cannot go wrong with the Cincinnati Zoo

Always a lot of fun. My daughter loves the petting zoo and the playful otters. And of course the train.

Terrible day to go. The weather was nice, so the crowds were big. It took forever to get tickets and very few of the animals were in their habitats due to construction. Too much construction going on at once to make the visit worth the money. Save your money and see it when the construction is finished.

Took my grandson for his first visit and he loved it and it happen to be Halloween at the zoo so he got to trick or treat while he got to see all the fascinating animals and he had an absolute blast. Will definitely be returning. Thanks to all the employees and local businesses for being so helpful,nice and for all the treats that we received...

I love going to the Zoo especially to see the lights.

My Youngest (10 years old) and I have enjoyed your daily "Home Safari" Videos each weekday! We watch them as "Field Trips", as part of her "Distance Learning", here in CT!! We Love All Animals!! So, these Videos are Awesome to us!!! Thank You So Much for doing these Videos!!!!! We have shared many of them with Friends and Family!!

Normally go to the Cleveland zoo which I highly recommend too, but this zoo has super cool enclosures, definitely worth checking it out!

Festival of lights is a yearly tradition in Cincinnati. We went during the week and there was no lines for anything! The lights are always amazing and the baby giraffe was very active in their indoor habitat. We also go after Christmas as well.

Beautiful flowers to enjoy. Not many baby animals when we were there.

Awful, the prices they charge for things here are absolutely outrageous! I love looking at all the animals but this place is getting rich off the animals and it's not right! Had to pay $10 bucks for a junkie wheelchair for my mother, all the money they make and the charge ya for outdated wheelchairs!!! Goes to show that the money isn't going back into the zoo!!! Better be prepared to spend a fourtune here on drinks , food and everything under the sun, I probly won't be going back anytime soon!

It's the Cincinnati zoo! It's objectively fantastic, has a wide selection, and is easy to navigate

It wasn't to crowded , enjoyed the penguin walk and a lot of the animals were out and about even though it wasn't very warm ..

More crowded than I expected for the reservation system with COVID19. Majority of people practicing good social distancing. Zoo itself did a great job with having the zoo prepared for all social distancing guidelines.

We visited the zoo for the nights of lights. We scored reasonable discounted tickets at $10 each. Although cold we enjoyed our visit. Not all the animals are out but there are enough attractions to keep the kids busy. I would recommend!

Purchased tickets online for a time slot between 3:30 and 4:00 got there went thru part of the zoo before the 5:00 announcment that stated they were closing for the day my group did not get to see everything and my niece-in-law was very dissapointed and there was no time of when the zoo closed when i purchased the tickets. Really upset

It was a great way of getting my steps in. The exhibition on the animals, and the care that they take of them, it is when is the better zoos I've been to.

We always have an amazing time at the zoo. With the new additions and changes coming we are even more excited about our trips. The zoo pass is a must. Lol. The staff are great and the animals seem well taken care of.

Beautiful animal exhibits in a relatively small zoo. The layout makes for a long walk. Many sanitizer dispensers but most were empty and bathrooms were fairly far apart for small kids. Also grab food before entering there are very few food stands on a normal occasion and even fewer due to the pandemic.

For a zoo in the middle of a city, they did a great job of making you feel in touch with nature. Though many animals where not out

Love the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens! We are members, and it's well worth it. The amount of zoo keepees out with animal ambassadors for the kids (and adults!) to learn about is awesome. Each time we go, my daughter has been able to get up close and personal with multiple animals, and even though she asks a bunch of questions, they're always patient with her, and answer as best they can.

Totally recommend!

Visited several zoos in the area and this zoo not only gave a great living area for the animal but a great experience for the visitor we loved the exhibits provided and cannot wait to visit again.

Not open long enough and why if you have to reserve space do you still have so many people in there

Very clean. Animals in good condition. Trails clean. Beautiful environment. Take good care of the flowers and plant life.

I m a front line worker, I am a home healthcare worker. I came down with my family. We stood I. Line for about 1.5hrs. I present my badge and id. They only informed us once we reached the ticket window that it was an additional 2hr wait before we could get into the zoo to only spend 2hrs inside the zoo. At no point did anyone let us know. Very disappointing.

It was nice and clean. Some of the exhibits we not open. Could have been because of cool temps and sprinkling rain.

Good zoo to visit, everything you would expect for a major zoo.

Love this place. Best Zoo in the country. Watched a Cheata race today.

I love the zoo. They offer a wide variety of special events as well.

I read many reviews that said the terrain was hilly and it is. Be prepared! I really liked that most of the parking was under the solar lights! It was great to walk back after an extremely hot day and not have the car on fire. There was plenty of shaded areas to take advantage of. It was an exceptionally hot day. I also liked that there were water bottle filling stations. I saw zoo campers filling up frequently.

We went on a Monday and had a really short line to purchase tickets. I felt it was very expensive compared to my local zoo which I have a membership to. The staff we encountered were courteous. The stroller we rented was clean and in good shape.

The exhibits I thought were lacking. For example, the poor polar bear had a small water area and it was all rock. The gorilla exhibit was nice with most of them inside. No room to play really. When compared to the zoo at home the animals are closer for viewing.

Thank you for the heroes program! We had a great day. Love the new penguin exhibit.

I liked the place, took my friends visiting the US on a weekend.

Pros:
- Good collection of animals, birds, and species to see (including some sea animals).
- informant staff members
- easy parking & access
- great place for a day-out with family & friends

Cons (more like things to do for more enjoyable experience):
- watch the weather
- IMPORTANT.... Get the map from the front desk, or you'll be goings circles around yourself.

We were shocked by how large this zoo was! There were so many different exhibits to see and they were all really well done. I also really liked that it wasn't just animals in cages, they had exhibits were the animals were instead sequestered by natural barriers such as water.

Honestly it was nice to not fight crowds at the zoo for once. Saw a bunch of baby animals and I really liked the new kangaroo themed snack bar/ restaurant

Gorgeous light show with animals and holiday music. I can't wait to see it again next year

Nothing like the Cincy Zoo. Go during the zoo babies or festival of lights events.

its the zoo. large animals in small spaces, its clean compared to other cities zoos. we went on a sunday and nothing was opened to eat or drink only gift shops.

It was a beautiful day to be at the zoo. A little crowded, lots of kids in their costumes, lots of fun

First time in the new kangaroo and blue penguin areas!! Love them so much! Also saw Ajani Joe for the first time! He's as sassy in person as on video, and his momma is steadfast and unhumored.

Lots of indoor and outdoor animal and plant exhibits featuring animals not available at my local zoo. Featuring many, varied food and drink options. Many educational and interactive stations.

Very nice. Lots of walking up and down hills. Beautiful.

The Cincinnati Zoo is a great place to visit. Nicely done animal exhibits, food available and beer at various kiosks throughout the park.

Loved the zoo. Went with my grand daughter who is 16 months. She was so excited by all the animals. It was a beautiful week day and the zoo was not crowded. The animal quarters are spacious and clean. We had lunch at the cafeteria. The food was very good. Nice but pricey gift shop. We only saw a quarter of the zoo as it is so immense. Be sure to grab a map to plan out what you want to see.We will return on their next visit.

Best zoo lights exhibit I've ever seen! Staff went above and beyond to help my family. Great staff!

It was really nice but could not get a white cherry icee .Made me wish had not bought the cup. All eateries were not open. Other than that disappointment it was pretty good.

One of the best zoos in the world. Lot's of new exhibits. Check out the kangaroos!

Little costly to get in but the website tells you the prices for each day so I knew what I was getting into, haha. Will go again and its only $1 this wednesday! It makes you feel like you're not in Ohio anymore, Haha.

Bad weather kept people away today but it made for the perfect day! All the zoo animals to ourselves!

I was face to face, through the glass, with gorillas, manatees, a polar bear, a magnificent male lion, and Fiona the hippopotamus. The grounds are beautiful which is why the zoo is also a botanic garden.we rode a little red train and an endangered animal themed carousel. There are lots of animals, all over this zoo- some over every hillside and around every corner. I even saw the elephants get their daily bath. The insect house is home to naked- mole rats, leaf- cutter ants and humongous cockroaches. I won t tell you my weight on the Insect scale. A flock of flamingos toddled down a path next to us. There were convenient places to get a bite to eat and enjoy a cool drink. We had a wonderful time and learned a few facts about many animals.

Excellent healthy animals and entertaining habitats and exhibits!

Havent been herr in 17yrs. Just as great as I remember! Perfect to bring your kids and family here!