The 29 best rooftop spots in Cincinnati (2024)

Great zoo! We were surprised to find that it was so easy to spend the entire day here, from open to close.It was disappointing that so many animals were off display due to construction, the weather, or bird flu concerns. But even despite that, there was so much to see & experience here.The hippo display is unsurprisingly very busy, but we still got to stay a while & see the new baby. Absolutely worth it.The overall atmosphere was really nice too. I love how much bamboo they have growing all over - and they've starting hanging string lights from everything. So many pathways felt like their own little road, distanced from the rest of the park - when in fact they're barely separated.I appreciate how easy it is to buy tickets & parking from your phone. When we arrived there was a long line to purchase tickets, but I was able to buy them on my phone in less than a few minutes & get right in!

One of the best zoo I’ve been so far, I follow this zoo in social media but it was my first time going. We too our infant and spent the whole day from opening to close and didn’t manage to visit all exhibits. Their nursing rooms were clean and cool during a hot day. The nursing room made our trip to this zoo worth it. Went during Father’s Day and they had a special event going on. Overall, amazing zoo and would definitely consider getting their membership.

This is hands down the best zoo I have ever been to! All the animals look so happy and healthy! We purchased tickets online ahead of time and didn't have a wait at all. Parking was 10 dollars, super easy, and you can pay on your phone or have the people assist you on the way out with a card. We can't wait until our next trip here! If you plan to come to Cincinnati I highly recommend trying to plan a day for the zoo!

Cincinnati Zoo & the Festival of Lights. What else can I say but absolutely amazing & beautiful. Just check out the photos, although they do no justice really compared to being there in person. Went on a Sunday evening. Crowds were decent sized yet not so bad that it wasn’t fun. Still able to get good views of everything with just a little bit of patience. Can’t complain about the parking either. Pretty much got in and out with no problem. I definitely recommend checking it out if you have the chance!

The zoo was amazing! There were so many animals and so many cool things along the way. They had a reptile room, and they even had a kid park and everything! The food there was great as well!

Fantastic zoo! I was super excited to see the Manatees as these aren't in other major zoos. All of the enclosures are friendly for the animals and I love that it's a comfortable circle to see everything. Cat Cove was great! Seeing the elephants, dragons, lions, and night hunters was brilliant! I highly recommend the chicken tenders in The Grove. Delicious!

My husband and I visited the zoo for about 4 hours. We were able to see everything at a comfortable pace. I especially loved that we could bring our own food and drinks into the zoo. That was a nice cost savings. We were especially impressed at the layout of the exhibits. Many of them offered up close and personal views of the animals or multiple vantage points. The kangaroo exhibit was probably my favorite - you could walk along a path while kangaroos lounged about on the grass near you with no barrier in between. The cheetah encounter was also so unique - I had never seen a cheetah run full speed in person ever before! The experience was so impressive and powerful to see. There were so many things to do for kids too. We would definitely recommend this zoo for people of all ages!

We decided to take a family trip to visit Fiona that my wife and daughter have been following on social media. This zoo was so clean and well taken care of. The staff was polite and courteous and the animals looked so happy in their well maintained enclosures. Well worth the trip!

I've been to a lot of zoos around the world and I can safely say that this is one of the best I've been to. The diversity of animals and the overall layout of the zoo is excellent. You could easily spend an entire day here, especially if you check out some of their shows. They also have animals here that I've never seen at other zoos before, such as the African wild dogs which were fun to watch. I would recommend getting here as soon as they open, as the parking lot gets busy and fills up quickly.

This is a pretty great zoo. It seemed to have all of the important animals although we never found the bears and really only found one entertaining monkey display. There is shade everywhere. There are lots of pretty good food options. Beware - it's a fairly hilly zoo. If you cover the whole thing you'll certainly get your exercise for the day. There is at least one fantastic playground that all of the younger kids really enjoy. I really liked the kangaroo area. It felt like being in their habitat with them.

Visiting from Chicago and have to say I love this zoo! It’s small, but mighty. And makes you feel like you’re on an adventure to find the other animals.Highly recommend the train. As you get to see and overview of a bunch of the exhibits.Then you can’t forget about Fiona the hippo.

Always love going to the zoo. Everything was clean. The animals were out. Seems like they have done a lot of upgrades, and all the animals have more enrichment items. The line was short on the day we went, so my 3 girls got to feed the giraffes. $4 for 2 pieces of lettuce.

One of the best zoos, our family loves coming here with our 2 year old daughter.- Large breadth of diverse animals.- Good view points at every animal section.- Friendly and knowledgeable staff, always a pleasure chatting with them.- Beautiful botanical gardens, flowers, and plants throughout.- Excellent carousel with 60 different animals.- Fun train ride for kids.- Play area with a slide for small kids.- Petting zoo with Goats for kids.- World of the Insect is super cool.- Our family has the Platinum membership and it’s worth it for the 9-10am member only early access (it can get crowded). Early access pretty much guarantees front parking too. Check on the website the months early access is available (March to Oct I think).- Great map design.We’ve visited during all seasons. Keep it up Zoo team!

We absolutely LOVE the Festival of Lights at the Zoo. This is the third year in a row, we have gone the night before Thanksgiving. We usually get there about 430 and don’t have any problems parking or getting in to the zoo. It’s definitely my favorite place to see Christmas lights in the Cincinnati area.

We really enjoyed this zoo! The gift shop items were so cute. The exhibits were nice and the animals were happy. We went early on a Sunday before the Holiday light festivities during the first week of December. It wasn't busy most of the day and the weather was good enough for the animals to be out and active. Good signage, and wasn't too much trouble to navigate. Definitely a lot of walking. Food was good. Truly had a great time visiting with my husband and Mom!

Loved the Cincinnati zoo! They have a lot of unique animals we haven't seen before at other zoos. We highly recommend going on a weekday when it's less crowded. We went on a Monday and it wasn't too bad. It's well maintained. As with any zoo, you're not guaranteed to see all the animals, depends on the time of the day and when they are feeding or they just are hiding. If you're an older couple like we are, we highly recommend renting a mobile scooter. We would have been way to exhausted to walk the entire zoo by ourselves and my husband walks with a cane. We did notice for folks with wheelchairs, there is difficulty getting in and out of some of the buildings. Not all of the doors have automatic openers. It's very hilly and of course a lot of paths to walk.

Very nice zoo. Easy to get from parking lot to entrance. Loved all the exhibits and the beautiful plants and flowers. The mobile map was easy to follow. My only complaint is that there aren't many water fountains around for you to refill your water bottle and the ones they sell are expensive. That is likely by design.

Well maintained, lots of different animals to see, well laid out park, restaurants in the park to get something to eat and I plan on returning. Love it.Parking is a mess. Do not take the last turn google suggests. You'll end up on a dead end street. Google takes you to the exit end of a Parking lot to the zoo. There isn't an entrance there. You will be within eye sight of the park/ zoo. There are Parking lots located in the area you can park in. Expect to pay 10 dollars for Parking.

Really this zoo has come along way. All the upgrades new exhibits and overall attention to detail for the animals. I appreciate the botanical landscaping, the worldly facades on the exhibits and educational opportunities. Staff was great and friendly. I recommend being a member, food and item prices are outrageous (ex 35 bucks for a pizza) but you get a discount if your a member. Parking is reasonably priced I suppose. I was disappointed in several attractions being closed however. Advertising what's coming in spring made me excited, but i still wanted to see those specific animals. I think if attractions are closed, my tickets should be discounted. I'd love to see the zoo expand, more big cats and exotic animals, Pandas ect. Larger exhibits and mire interactions with the animals. Overall however it was a beautiful day and great fun with the family. Can't really complain.

This place is AMAZING!! Literally so many animals will have to come back to see them all! The cool way they all put the animals of prey in a neat walk through exhibit, to the awesome train ride that takes you through the whole park, and the beautiful flamingo family with a new baby bird! Just really awesome- my favorite was personally the feeding of the apes! There is a cool little cave area that lets you feel like you’re WITH these huge animals! Highly recommend this zoo to any family! Don’t forget your dip n dots & fun stuffed zoo animal souvenir!

Our family had the opportunity to explore the Cincinnati Zoo recently, and let me tell you, it was an experience we won’t forget! Unlike any other zoo we’ve visited, Cincinnati Zoo stands out for its sheer beauty. The landscaping is a visual feast, with lush greenery and artistic design elements around every corner.The architecture of the exhibits is an experience in itself; it blends so well with the natural scenery that you often forget you’re in a zoo. It felt more like a wildlife haven, designed with the animals and visitors in mind.As parents, the highlight was seeing the joy on our two boys’ faces. The one-of-a-kind experiences with kangaroos and penguins were jaw-droppingly excellent. Not every day do you get to be so close and personal with these amazing animals!Staff members were equally remarkable, offering insightful information while caring deeply for the well-being of the residents of this unique sanctuary.Bottom line: If you’re anywhere near Cincinnati, don’t sleep on the chance to visit this exceptional zoo. It’s a feast for the eyes, educational for the mind, and joyous for the heart—truly a place that offers something special for everyone.

We loved our first visit! Beautifully kept grounds and property. The animals are the stars! They showed off! Super friendly and informative staff members throughout the park and exhibits. Water refill stations and mist showers throughout the park. Nice options at the gift shop. Good food selections available. Accessible in all areas. They allow snacks and coolers. Be ready to walk! It's all worth it.July 2023

What a great zoo quite literally in the middle of the city! There is so much to see here so bring your walking shoes.There is such a large variety of animals here and the enclosures are beautiful. I don't think there was a single animal that wasn't out.The grounds are clean and there are plenty of trees. The landscaping is lush and it's just a great place to walk around and snap some great pictures.

Growing up with this as my childhood Zoo really set me up with high expectations for what a zoo should bring. I am so glad to see that they have only enhanced for the betterment of the animals and guest experience. We came in town for the holidays and got to see the Festival of Lights which brought such nostalgia. It was very busy but well managed and a good variety of animals were out and about. This is a must see if you are in Cincinnati.

Went while the tulips were in bloom. They were so pretty. All of the zoo parking lots were full, so we had to find street parking, but they are in the process of building more parking lots covered by solar panels to both shade the vehicles and supply green energy to the park. It was quite busy, but that's generally to be expected from a nice sunny afternoon in spring with the longer winter we've had. We didn't even try to get on the train around the park because the line was so long. Looking forward to the warmer weather when there are more animals outside and more of the shows are happening.

Super cool place and they have cheetahs that they exhibit with a show. They have a park area where they demonstrate the cheetahs running speed. They have big cats everywhere. Rhino, elephants, cool interactive exhibits. It's a really nice zoo.

Parking is great. Lot was covered by solar panels! $10 which you pay as you exit or you can pay ahead when you buy the entrance tickets. Entrance fee is kind of steep but we spent 4.5 hours there (2 adults, 3 kids & rode the train & carousel once each) and didn't get a chance to see everything!! A few new exhibits will be coming in 2025 so some construction throughout. Highly recommend walking through the insect building. That was our favorite by far!! We also saw plenty of people with coolers with their own drinks/snacks. Zoo does have concessions & serves alcohol.

I went to the zoo for the first time in years and I loved it. They really make everything so easy and seamless to have a relaxing and enjoyable experience. First, you are allowed to bring outside food and drink which I really liked because I didn't feel pressured to buy food that I didn't want in order to enjoy my time there. This makes it easy to come with family members because you can pack food that accommodates everyone's dietary needs and preferences. Second, there are ramps everywhere which is great for younger people in strollers as well as older people with wheel chairs. The exhibits themselves were really well thought out and interesting. I liked the kangaroo exhibit where you can get in the same enclosure as the kangaroos, and the numerous exhibits with glass panels along the edge of the enclosure. All of the staff members were very helpful and kind as well.

Beautiful zoo to walk through. There are plenty of hills, so be prepared for a good workout.The hippos were a priority to see, and they did not disappoint. We happened to be there during feeding time. It was cool to see them swim underwater to get to their spots. The big one was further back but waited with a huge open mouth for food to be tossed in. Think of basketball, but with a head of lettuce. Chomp, chomp...happy hippo.

This is 1 of the most beautiful zoo that I have visited. 1 thing that I loved is that there is a lot of vegetation that you barely feel the heat. I saw many animals for 1st time, like the rinho horn bird, I think that is the name. Is very well organized by area , with plenty of signs to follow in case you do not want to use the map. Some areas with sprinklers, a good restaurant at camp Cafe. Plenty of parking space for only $10.

Wow! Just absolutely wow! This zoo is amazing! The animal enclosures are extremely beautiful and the whole entire zoo is very clean! The animals are very active as well! There are staff members at almost every animal enclosure that give random facts, answer questions, and help spot those hard to find animals. There are many spots to sit down and relax and plenty of shade! Definitely need to check this zoo out if you are in the area!!!!

I visited the zoo with my family on spring break. Honestly it was cold and wet when we went and I’ll admit that I haven’t been to a lot of zoos lately. But I wish we would have known what exhibits were going to closed and that most of the snack shops would be closed. It would have made our decision to go or not much easier. I will say that we enjoyed seeing the exhibits and animals that were open and out and about. If I’m ever in Cincinnati again with my family and it’s warm weather we will definitely go back. I think our favorite was Fiona, the hippo it was fun, watching her and the other hippos playing.

What a great zoo quite literally in the middle of the city! It is fun awesome place to go with family & friend's. It's affordable and you can see different types of Animals by walking or they also have train rides.Not only animals they also have a gift shop and different restaurant's.They have festival of lights there every year and it's beautiful. Staff and Crew is nice and respect you, and your family and friends.The membership is nice and affordable too. If you have food stamps the standard fee is $50 just bring your food stamps card and ID. I forget about the other membership prices is easy price's.Mainly The grounds are clean and there are plenty of trees. The landscaping is lush and it's just a great place to walk around and snap some great pictures. There is such a large variety of animals here and the enclosures are beautiful. I don't think there was a single animal that wasn't out.There is so much to see here so bring your walking shoes.

Amazing zoo staff is great food is great. Not as large as some other zoos so a good choice if you don't want to walk as much as the bigger ones. We ate at one of the cafes I think it was called base camp. They served burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, and several other things. Not cheap but not super expensive either. Food we had was great and hot and fresh. You can also to pay $4 to feed giraffes. The private tours they do are totally worth the money if you can afford it.

This place is absolutely beautiful! The botanical part is all around the zoo, literally. They have some of the most beautiful floral displays I've seen at a zoo, & every plant in the park had a sign next to it identifying the species! The themes for each area were really cute, too. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the lack of signage helping people find the animals. Most of the signs are hidden & the zoo park map is spread far & a few throughout the park. So unless you have the app on your phone to constantly look at the map, it can be a little difficult.

I am a zoo member and it has been worth it each year for the past 3 years! I go after work and walk the zoo, I go on the weekend and enjoy the different enrichments! The new construction is very exciting and does not interfere with your visit! The cheetah run is very fun and educational! Henry the orangutan is so so awesome, hes my favorite! If you are there at 430ish when they take him in, he twirls as he walks in, it is so fun! Love this zoo! The kangaroo walk is nice and interactive and I love watching them as well! I recommend this zoo!

I really enjoyed my visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! Though be aware there was a good bit of construction and closed exhibits (common during this off-season; we visited march 3rd), there was still a full day of exhibits, exploring, and adventure.The staff that we interacted with were all very nice, and I think the animals are well taken care of here. Everything looked well maintained and tidy throughout the day. The gift shop is decent. The food is good but obviously more pricey than food outside of the zoo.I definitely plan on returning during a different season when I can see the Insect House, Kangaroos, and a few other things. Overall, it's worth a visit or two!

My family & I love the zoo. We go several times a year. There is plenty of parking. I do recommend getting tickets in advance, at times the line can be quite long, especially during Festival of Lights & kids spring breaks. During lunch times there can be long lines for food, so plan accordingly. You can bring your own water & food. There are plenty of tables to sit at, some inside & some outside. They do not force the animals to be outside, so when you visit some may or may not been seen. They are currently working on expanding some areas so there is construction.

I love Cincinnati zoo! They have hippos and manatees, which every zoo doesn’t have. It’s always fun! It costs $10 to park, which isn’t too bad. I do wish they would have more directional signs, like if you want to see everything, just follow this arrow. We didn’t know where we were going most of the time. Maybe I’m just more directionally challenged than most people. There are a good variety of animals. The cheetah encounter was a lot of fun. There’s some walking uphill, but it’s not terrible. It’s really a fabulous zoo!

The Cincinnati Zoo is a fantastic destination, especially for families. It's incredibly walkable, with everything conveniently close by, making it easy to explore the exhibits. The train and carousel rides are perfect for kids, offering them a fun and engaging way to experience the zoo. After a day of exploring, the on-site brewery is the ideal spot for adults to unwind with a refreshing beer. The combination of family-friendly activities and a relaxing atmosphere makes the Cincinnati Zoo a must-visit!

This is such an awesome place to visit solo, with the family or on a date. The botanical garden part with all the colorful flowers was amazing. The best part of the zoo for me was the hippos. All the kids and adults knew all the hippos' names. I also like how you can walk inside the kangaroo section. I took a photo of every flower they had. I definitely want to do the train ride next visit. You will find every animal at the Cincinnati Zoo. Give yourself like 4 hours or so to visit each animal area. Wear a sunvisor or hat and some sunglasses. Don't forget to check out the gift shop.

We had a great time as a family!We got to see many different animals, and they were closer than other zoos. The place was clean, the layout allows you to complete the visit in about 3 hours, and today they had free Easter candy !!We also loved the tulips in bloom!

Love the Cincinnati Zoo so many wonderful things to see and do. The hippos Fiona and Fritz are so much fun to watch. We loved the gorillas also. Had the best pretzel for a snack. So many beautiful animals. Very clean also.

The Cincinnati Zoo is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the city. One of its standout features is the kangaroo section, where visitors can stroll through and find themselves in awe of these majestic creatures up close. It is truly amazing being able to walk among kangaroos is an unforgettable experience, allowing for a unique ability to connect with these incredible animals. The kiddos absolutely enjoy it!But the wonder doesn't stop there. The opportunity to feed giraffes is a highlight that sets this zoo apart. Imagine the thrill of standing face to face with these towering beauties, hand-feeding them as they gracefully extend their necks to accept your offering. It's a rare and exhilarating experience that both children and adults alike will cherish.Moreover, the zoo's commitment to conservation is evident in its care for injured bald eagles. The dedication to rehabilitating and protecting these iconic birds showcases the zoo's ethos of compassion and responsibility towards wildlife.Families will find the Cincinnati Zoo to be the perfect destination for a day of fun and excitement. With plentiful parking, accessibility features like escalators, elevators, and even a train, every aspect of the visit is designed for convenience and enjoyment. Whether you're exploring the diverse animal exhibits or taking a leisurely ride on the train, the Cincinnati Zoo offers an unforgettable adventure for all ages.

Great zoo with the famous bloat. Getting tickets ahead of time online saves you some cash and time. Entry hours are from 10-5 in the summer. If you plan on a return visit, I highly recommend that you get a season pass. You get an hour head start on the day. Morning hours are cooler and less crowded. Head to your favorite animals first for best viewing. Hippo Cove, I’m talking about you. Great shows and a variety of good options make this a family friendly place. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly too.

Great trip to Cincinnati zoo! The park was impressively clean and the pathways were nice. Many were well shaded by the plants. The gluten free options aren't very abundant but other than that the trip was wonderful!

This is a beautiful place to visit with tons of the blooming tulips. I came for the hippos but enjoyed the rest of the park as well. It was fun getting to touch a snake. I preferred to walk but it was good that there is a little train for those with limited mobility.

It was just a beautiful day 4/7/24 the park was completely full but what do you expect after a long winter?!? And the last day of spring break. The park is kept clean and easy to follow. Only 4 stars because the bathroom(s) multiple were absolutely filthy

This was such an amazing zoo. I loved the layout and that it was right in the middle of the City. Definitely checked out Fiona and the Hippos exhibit. The Manatees were awesome and that bubble viewing window was super cool. It wasn’t a long walk but there was a good flow to the zoo and was incredibly clean. Tons of workers all over the place to answer questions. We went when the tulips were in bloom during spring (so it was a tad chilly) but we would gladly make the day trip back again to check it out during the summer time.

No doubt one of the best zoos in the USA. Lots to see and do! Took us 5-6 hours to see everything, including a lunch break. We were two adults so I imagine it would take longer with kids.

Really enjoyed seeing the hippos and the indoor dark area for night predators. Alot of animals were not out. Which I feel like there should be a way to see them even through glass because we paid to see them. For being one of the top zoos and only getting to see 1/2 to 3/4 of the animals that wasn't cool. I also feel there should be more arrows because some areas you come out and you have to reconfigure where u are to the map . If more arrows and directions that would help the experience.

Cincinnati zoo is my family's favorite zoo, we love all the beautiful flowers, and the animals and the habitats are amazing. The zoo is very clean and so big that even on the busiest of days it doesn't feel overwhelming with crowds. We buy a membership yearly and the price is incredible It pays for itself for a full family in the matter of just two visits and with the 20% discount at all the vendors and that the gift shop You can't beat the price we will gladly remain members for many more years to come