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Enjoy Zoo programs both at the Zoo and off site!

Discover a world of adventure with our year-round Zoo programs! Perfect for children and adults alike, these experiences bring you closer to wildlife through engaging animal encounters, hikes, and hands-on activities. Join us to learn about conservation, get an insider’s view of animal care, and participate in exciting games that spark curiosity. Each program is designed to connect you with the natural world and foster a love for animals, with opportunities to meet some of the Zoo’s residents up-close. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge or simply enjoy a day out, there’s something for everyone in our seasonal programs. Dive into a world of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Seasonal Program Guide

An adult in a grey jacket attaching a plastic tube to a maple tree as a child in a red coat and green hat holds a large white bucket under to catch maple sap.

Maple Tapping and Tasting

February 22, 2025 10:00am-12:00 pm or 1:00–3:00 pm

Join us at the Zoo’s Bowyer Farm for a fun afternoon full of history, hands-on activities, and storytelling all about maple tapping! This program offers a sweet peek into the history of this age-old tradition and offers an opportunity to participate in the maple tapping process. At the end, participants will be able to taste the precursor to maple syrup, fresh from the tree! This program is sure to be fun for the whole family

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Hurray for Mom

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us at the Zoo as we shine a spotlight on the incredible moms of the animal kingdom! From the gentle jaws of an alligator carefully guarding her clutch to the opossum’s cozy pouch and the okapi mom’s patience through a 15-month pregnancy, animal moms go to amazing lengths to care for their young. Join us for a family-friendly program where we’ll explore the unique ways Zoo moms protect, nurture, and raise their offspring. It’s the perfect way to honor all mother figures—animal and human alike—on this special holiday!

May 10, 2025

10am – 12pm

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bonobo daisy and her mom

The Zoo Gourmet

December 14 10:00am-12:00pm

Food is a huge part of celebrating holidays! At the Zoo, our animals feast year-round on carefully planned diets. Join us for a holiday food frenzy and learn how we feed thousands of animals every day. Through games, a hike around the Zoo, and with the help of animal ambassadors, we’ll learn about why different animals eat different foods, and how the Zoo manages its many menus.

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fiona eating her 3rd birthday cake

Pawpaw Palooza

Join us at Bowyer Farm in Mason for a pawpaw-packed adventure! We’ll hike, taste, and dive into the rich history and folklore of America’s biggest native fruit—the pawpaw!  This Ohio state fruit is truly unique and often described as a delightful blend of banana, mango, and melon, with a hint of citrus. The pawpaw is the largest edible fruit native to North America and has a rich cultural and historical significance. We’ll explore our pawpaw patches, indulge in some homemade pawpaw ice cream, and enjoy a morning filled with fun activities and captivating stories. And don’t miss out on preparing your own pawpaw seeds for winter, so you can start growing your very own pawpaw tree next spring. Bring the family for a morning of discovery and deliciousness!

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Wild Chats Sponsored by:

cincinnati children's hospital logo

Wild Chats (Virtual)

These 45-minutes interactive programs are available for groups of all sorts. Hosted by a Zoo educator, they include live and recorded components. 

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