Here we are for another installment of “365 Things to do in Cincinnati” and today I’m highlighting my recent visit to The Cincinnati Zoo. As part of their “Penguin Days” promotion, The Cincinnati Zoo is typically offers a deal on admission (see their site for details).
I know that’s not a penguin but isn’t he adorable? It’s hard to believe that guy would eat you if he was given the chance :).
This year’s unseasonably warm weather has allowed us all to do all kinds of crazy things this year… like go to the zoo in February with just a sweatshirt on. When the weatherman predicted sunny skies and a high of 60 degrees in February, I took advantage of the Zoo’s half price offer and headed down for an afternoon.
If you haven’t been to the Zoo in few years, you’re in for a treat. They’ve remodeled the entrance and they’ve done a fabulous job. You can now park across Vine Street and walk up and over, using thier new walkway over Vine. Once you’re in, you’ll see a huge open paved area that they often use for festival type events (like Tunes and Blooms).
I don’t know if I’ve ever ventured out to the Zoo in the winter time before. But, after having been there this week, I would highly recommend it. Even on a warm day and half price admission, the place wasn’t the least bit crowded. I was able to walk right up to any exhibit I wanted to see.
I did miss the gorgeous plantings (for you out-of-towners, our Zoo has a fabulous horticultural staff). And I did come across a number of these signs…
But, as you can see from my pictures, there were plenty of animals outside.
I could have watched the apes all day!
On a colder day, you can enjoy lots of indoor breaks at places like the Manatee house…
or the Reptile House…
And, for the first time, I ventured inside the new-ish Discovery Forest. This building houses lots of classrooms but they do have a public area, one that reminds me quite a bit of the Krohn Conservatory… but with live animals.
As part of Penguin Days, the Zoo offers all kinds of winter related activities such as a Penguin Parade, Polar Bear Fish-cicles, Elephant Fruit Ice Blocks and more (although you need to check with them before you go to be sure they are having the activities on the day you go – my day was too warm for the penguins).
The Cincinnati Zoo is located at 3400 Vine Street
Penguin Days typically means half priced admission! Parking is currently $10.
Connect with the Cincinnati Zoo on Facebook
