We are so fortunate to have one of the premier zoos in the country right here in our own backyard. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens - www.cincinnatizoo.org. 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513-961-1870). This an amazing zoo and , in my opinion, it's the best one we've ever been too! Luckily for us, my parents came through once again and bought a pass that allows me and my girls to get in with them so we go to the zoo quite a bit. |
Mom & S enjoying the zoo.
Read my article about the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Associated Content. |
There is always something new to see - either from an exhibit standpoint or an animal that we've never seen before. Check out their new main entrance and you will be pleasantly surprised with the many improvements the Zoo has made recently. My favorite is the gorilla exhibit where you can view gorillas as you've never seen them before and it's really fun to see them when it's lunch time. Kaitlin loves the giraffes and this year, a brand new area area was built just for them - you can see the giraffes up close and personal. My youngest loves the zebras.
They have a great Jungle Trail's exhibit with jungle sound effects throughout and monkey's swinging about. Check out the insect house - even though I'm squeamish about bugs, children usually aren't and they love to see and learn about all these little creatures.
This zoo has it all. For an additional charge, they have an adorable mini-train ride, a animal carousel ride and a new 4D IMAX movie theatre. There are restaurants on site but we usually get bring our lunch with us. The only small thing I wish they'd improve on is the Children's play area in the Children's section - it would be great to have a new play ground system there for the kids to blow of some more energy (can you believe they'd have any left after walking all those hills?).
Hours: open everyday at 9am except on Christmas. Check out their website for admission prices since they have so many different options.
MasonMetu Tip: There are restaurants on site but we usually bring our lunch and extra drinks with us.
The zoo also offers great birthday party packages. See Birthday Parties for more information.
K on her pre-school field trip in March 2008.
Newport Aquarium - www.newportaquarium.com. One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071 (859-261-7444). If you love all things aquatic, then this is the place to go. They have over 70 exhibits and 14 galleries but one of our favorite parts is the interactive shark exhibit where you can actually touch a shark. We also love the shark tanks where you are walking through a large tunnel with sharks surrounding you everywhere.
- Winter Family Hours - 2 kids get in FREE with every regular adult ticket purchased. Good through Feb. 28.
You'll also want to take a break and watch the otters frolic about in their wonderful habitat. From there you can feed the lorikeets in the rainforest. The penguin exhibit at the end is too cute - you can sit and watch them, hop and swim about and if you're there by 10:15 a.m. you can see the Penguin Parade. They are open all year long from 10am-6pm but they have extended hours during the holidays so check out their website for more info.
General Admission Pricing:
- $20.00 Adults
- $13.00 Children (ages 2 through 12)
- Children under 2 are admitted free
