Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®

Home of the world famous hippo Fiona. Family friendly Zoo committed to inspiring visitors with wildlife and saving species.

Family Programs

young boy and adult male look through the glass to fiona the hippo in the waterFamily Programs are great fun for the whole family. Our programs are for children and adults to enjoy together. With programs throughout the year, during the day or in the evening, we have something for everyone.

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Hurray for Dad

From babysitters to breadwinners, the dads of many animal species take an active role in their families’ lives. Join us as we celebrate the father figures in your life by seeing special animal encounters, playing games together, and taking a hike around the Zoo as we learn what wild dads are all about!

Register Today!

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Date: June 17, 2023
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Cost: Members $20/person; Non-Members $25/person

Note: One adult must register per group. Children under 2 years old do not need a ticket. Registration is per person.

three manatees swimmingFamily Night Hikes

Join us each season for a special night hike around the Zoo. Families with kids  of all ags, and adults who love learning, will hike the Zoo after hours. Engage in fun, educational activities and meet some of our animal ambassadors up-close and personal!

Dates: Select Saturdays this spring and summer. Check below under More Details.
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Cost: Members $20; Non-Members $25

Note: One adult must register per group. For all ages. All participants must be registered, except children under 2 years old who are free.

Register Today!

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Some Like It Hot

Join us as we explore the animals that thrive in the heat!  We will hike to see our warm-weathered-loving Zoo animals, and meet some of our hottest animal ambassadors up-close and personal!

Dates: Saturdays, July 1, or August 26
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Amazing Animal Adaptations: Family Overnight Adventure

During this family-friendly overnight, we will discover the adaptations animals have to survive in their unique habitats. Why do wolves hunt in packs? Why are penguins black and white? Why do snakes stick out their tongue? We will answer  these and so much more! Throughout the night we’ll explore a few places in the Zoo, participate in fun, educational activities, get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek, and meet some of our animal ambassadors up-close and personal! Then, after the fun, curl up in our private education classrooms overlooking our rainforest.

Children must be at least 5 years old at time of the program. All participants must register. Each family will have their own room for up to 10 people.

Register Today

MORE DETAILS

Dates: June 17, July 8th, August 5
Time: 7:00pm-9:00am the next morning
Cost: $55 per person

Note: Children must be at least 5 years old at time of the program. All attendees must register, including adults. At least one adult must register with a family group. Due to the nature of the experience, we are unable to allow children under the age of 5 attend the program.

Private Cart Tours

Imagine spending an evening at the Zoo, zipping around to your favorite destinations. This two-hour private tour will take you and five of your friends all around the Zoo choose-your-own-adventure style. Led by an experienced Zoo Educator, your group will learn all about the Zoo, its amazing animals, conservation projects, and more! Come ready to ask questions and get the inside scoop. 

You and your group will book out an entire cart. Carts can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Attendees must be at least 12 years old at the time of a program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  

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Date/Time: Wednesdays – Saturdays, starting at 5:30pm
Cost: $550
Duration: 2 hours
Group Capacity: 6 person group, adults or groups with ages 12+. All groups must include one adult.

Mobility: For those with mobility concerns, cart tours may be the ideal way to learn about our Zoo! Please note there may be times when your party will need to move on/off the cart and walk a short distance.

Note:  Submitting this request does not guarantee that the date and time you have requested will be fulfilled. The Education Department will be in contact with you within 2-5 days of your request to officially book your experience. Once you have booked an experience, you have secured your exclusive reservation. No refunds will be issued. Program may be rescheduled at no extra cost if rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance. This unique offering is not a behind-the-scenes tour. 

FAQs & Policies

Safety During COVID-19 & Mask Policy (*updated 1/24/23)

We are committed to continuing to inspire our guests every day!

Masks

  • Mask may be required for specific animal encounters. If needed, they will be provided.

Will I be grouped with other attendees?

Yes, your registration group will be with other registered attendees.

What should I bring for the program?

Attendees should wear comfortable, closed toed shoes and dress for the weather. A water bottle is recommended; we have water refill stations. Pack a mask for when needed during the program.

For programs at the Zoo, you will need the gate access code located in the confirmation email you received when you registered. You do not need to print your confirmation or tickets. For programs at Bowyer Farm, a number is included on the confirmation for you to call if you are running late.

What is your cancellation policy?

Programs cancelled by the registrant at least two weeks in advance of the program date may receive a refund. Refunds or credits are no longer available for programs cancelled by the registrant within two weeks of the program date.

Contact us at [email protected].

I have a gift certificate/class credit. How do I use it?

To use your gift certificate/credit, you will need the order number and certificate number. Go through your registration as normal. When you get to the final payment screen, just above where you enter your credit card information, check the box that asks if you’d like to use a gift certificate. Check the box, and enter your certificate/credit information.

Up to 6 certificate/credits can be used per order. If your credit is for less than the total balance, you will then enter your credit card information. If your credit has a remaining balance, that balance will remain on that same certificate/credit and can be used at any time- remember, they never expire!

Received a gift certificate or credit, but can’t find your email? Contact us at [email protected]

CALL OR EMAIL: 513-559-7730 OR [email protected]

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