Penguin Days at The Cincinnati Zoo

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).

polar bear face cincinnati zoo

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.

baboon cincinnati zoo

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).

cincinnati zoo entrance parking lot
parking lot side of the walkway over Vine

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.

lion cincinnati zoo

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…

off exhibit cincinnati zoo

But, as you can see from my pictures, there were plenty of animals outside.

ape chewing grass cincinnati zoo

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…

manatees inside cincinnati zoo

or the Reptile House…

reptile house cincinnati zoo

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.

bird at p and g house cincinnati zoo

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).

polar bears cincinnat zoo

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

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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!