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icon of locationToday at the Zoo

Today’s Hours: 10:00am-9:00pm

Vote for us for Best Zoo Lights!

The Zoo is closed on Christmas Eve (12/24) and Christmas Day (12/25).

Animal News for Today

  • Hippos are off habitat.
  • Giraffes are off habitat.
  • Bonobos are off habitat.
  • Juno the baby Sloth and mother Lightning can be viewed at the Animal Ambassador Center.
  • African Lions and Painted Dogs will have access due to weather.
  • Cougar, Tiger, and Snow Leopards will have access due to weather.
  • The full bloat – Tucker, Bibi, Fiona and Fritz, will have access to their outdoor exhibit if it’s at least 40 degrees F.
  • Roo Valley will be closed today due to weather.

Unavailable for the Season

  • Butterfly Aviary is closed for the season.
  • Lemurs, Brown Mountain Tortoises, Vultures, and Pelicans will be off habitat for the rest of the season.

Encounters & Chats

Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Nov
28
01:00 PM
Goat Yard 1:00PM - 6:30PM
1:00 - 6:30 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 1:00PM - 6:30PM | Goat Yard
Come in the goat yard and brush our friendly goats. Weather & animal dependent.
Nov
28
04:30 PM
Giraffe Chat 4:30PM - 4:45PM
4:30 - 4:45 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 4:30PM - 4:45PM | Giraffe Deck
Learn more about these amazing animals.
Nov
28
05:00 PM
Meet-A-Creature 5:00PM - 9:00PM
5:00 - 9:00 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 5:00PM - 9:00PM | Various locations
Meet-A-Creature in various locations (Discovery Forest, Clubhouse near Train Station) and Manatee Springs
Nov
28
05:30 PM
Manatee Chat 5:30PM - 5:45PM
5:30 - 5:45 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 5:30PM - 5:45PM | Manatee Springs
Learn more about these amazing animals.
Nov
28
06:00 PM
Komodo Chat 6:00PM - 6:15PM
6:00 - 6:15 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 6:00PM - 6:15PM | Dragons! Building
Learn more about these amazing animals.
Nov
28
06:30 PM
Leaf Cutter Ant Chat 6:30PM - 6:45PM
6:30 - 6:45 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 6:30PM - 6:45PM | World of Insect Building
Learn more about these amazing animals.
Nov
28
07:00 PM
Giraffe Chat 7:00PM - 7:15PM
7:00 - 7:15 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 7:00PM - 7:15PM
Learn more about these amazing animals.
Nov
28
07:30 PM
Bonobo Chat 7:30PM - 7:45PM
7:30 - 7:45 Recurring event
Tuesday, November 28, 7:30PM - 7:45PM | Jungle Trails
Learn more about these amazing animals
Viewing 1-8 of 8 Events
See Full Calendar of Daily Activities

icon of locationZoo Map

When you’re at the Zoo, find your destination with our interactive mobile app!

Souvenir Zoo Maps are also available at the Zoo for $1.

map of festival of lights

icon of signsDirections & Parking

Directions

The main Zoo lot is located at 3427 Vine Street. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220. You can also take Metro routes 1, 46, 38x, 78 or hop on a Red Bike.

Group transportation to the zoo is available through a variety of charter bus providers, including GOGO Charters, National Charter Bus, and Shofur.

Parking

PNC Festival of Lights Parking Map

Parking lots are located across the street from the Zoo on Vine St., Erkenbrecher Ave, and Dury Ave.

Visitors may enter the Zoo using the pedestrian bridges over Vine and Erkenbrecher. Both are ADA accessible.

Members will exit the lot by scanning their digital membership or a physical membership card on the top scanner. Any other visitors can purchase a parking ticket by scanning the QR codes posted around the park or by using the parking kiosk at the zoo’s front entry. Watch this video for more info. 

icon of carnivalZoo Rides & Attractions

Rides are an included benefit of Platinum and Gold Members. Standard members and non-members may purchase tickets at each respective attraction. Rides and attractions are weather dependant.

Unlimited Rides Package – $8 | Zoo Adventure Upgrade (Unlimited Rides and a Zoo Key)- $10

See More about Rides & Attractions
family smiling and touching a little blue penguin that a keeper is holding

Interested in booking a Behind-the-Scenes Experience?

Proceeds from Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are used to support global conservation efforts.

Learn More

icon of shoppingShopping & Dining

The main Zoo Shop, located in Vine Street Village, carries a wide range of items to commemorate your trip to the Zoo and also stocks practical items, such as sunscreen, to make your visit more enjoyable!

Gift Shops

You can now shop at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Gift Shop online! Don’t miss all of the latest merch!

Shop Now

Food

From Food Trucks featuring chicken strips, tacos, and burgers to snack stations and Hops, overlooking Roo Valley, the Zoo has something for everyone!

Learn More
Food Locations Open Today

Base Camp

10am - Close

Hops

10am - Close

Cup and Cone @ Mai Thai’s Market

10am - Close

Outpost Cafe @ Mai Thai’s Market

5pm - Close

LaRosa's

5pm - Close

Glow Shack

5:30pm - Close

S'mores & More

5pm - Close

Tuskers

5pm - Close

The Coop

5pm - Close

Wild Burger

5pm - Close

Mrs. Claus's Kitchen

5pm - Close

Hot Hippo Headquarters

5pm - Close

Canopy Canteen

5pm - Close

Hot Cocoa Express

5pm - Close

Candy Cane Cottage

5pm - Close

Sweet Retreat

5pm - Close

Santa's Sweets

5pm - Close

icon of bedWhere To Stay

Coming to Cincinnati to visit the Queen of the Zoo? The Graduate Cincinnati is less than a mile from the Zoo and has you covered!

The Fiona: Queen of the Zoo hotel package includes:

  • Their best available room rate
  • Two (2) tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • $20 daily credit to Fiona’s, the lobby-level bar and restaurant

Book with code ZOOFUN

Book at The Graduate NowMore Hotel Options
graduate room

icon of magnifying-glassFAQ: Zoo Information and Policies

In case of Lost Child or other emergencies, call the Zoo’s public safety team at 513.475.6112