3-C Crossroads: Zoo Adventures Along the 3-C Corridor
3-C Crossroads: Zoo Adventures Along the 3-C Corridor
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired
Families love Zoos.
Ohio is home to several world class zoos. Three of them just happen to reside in the three largest cities, Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.
Here’s a snippet of what to expect upon visiting these three great zoos.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
My family recently visited here to celebrate my birthday.
Get your hiking or comfortable shoes on; that inland safari will be a trek.
Nestled in between the Avondale, Over the Rhine and College Hill (University of Cincinnati) neighborhoods; the zoo grounds do not have onsite parking. However; nearby sidewalks, trails and pedestrian bridges lead to the property on Vine Street; north of UC Campus.
Once on the property; you don’t even feel like you’re in Cincinnati anymore. Compact yet thorough theme regions have you go through the earth’s climate and zoological varieties.
A “Safari Train” and Carousel offers rides. However, know these are popular options outside of viewing the wildlife. Plan ahead. There are dining options including Cincinnati’s own LaRosa’s Pizza and family friendly menus.
Like most zoos, events are planned throughout the year. See their website for admission and special events.
Cleveland MetroParks Zoo
Sitting between Downtown and the Airport, southeast of Ohio City is the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo.
This zoo is very similar in layout to the Cincinnati Zoo with its zoned areas. The advantage to the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo; is the parking.
Although Columbus has one of the top ranked zoos in the world; Cleveland’s Zoo is not any less a great zoo. It is an excellent zoo and more.
The Zoo property; merely 10 minutes from Interstate 71, is nestled in the northern part of the Cuyahoga River Valley.
https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
See website for admission information and directions.
The property winds along the hills and bluffs of the Cuyahoga off Fulton Road.
It used this diverse terrain to profile all continents on the Earth; animals included.
It also offers affordable dining, regionally known Pierre’s Ice Cream, and other treats on site.
You are going to need the food to fuel your inland safari. 165 acres of winding trails and exhibits make you feel you’re not in Ohio at all.
The bonus of this Zoo; it’s part of a larger family of parks. Cleveland Metroparks has so many places to explore. If you need time to defuse from a full day at the Zoo; Brookside Reservation (as MetroParks parks are called) is connected to the Zoo property. As well, it is connected with the Connector TraiCity trail
www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/brookside-reservation
Open most days of the year; please again visit the website for more details and special events.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
We in Columbus are so spoiled.
We literally have the Zoo version of Disneyland in our backyard.
But, there is always something new to discover every time you visit.
Lesser known fact; become a member of the Columbus Zoo; you get discounted tickets to the previously mentioned zoos and so much more.
As a member of the Zoo of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; show your digital card to Cinci or Cleveland; discounted rates for entry.
As for our hometown Zoo; a on-site waterpark and amusement area (Zoobemi Bay, separate admission required), a full Aquarium on site (included in Zoo admission, member passes, etc), one of the largest habitats for primates, apes, African wildlife, and much more gives visitors a glimpse into animal life.
https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership
Plus, away from the home base off Riverside Drive and Powell; the Wilds features a true Safari parkland on reclaimed mining land in Southeast Central Ohio.
Columbus Zoo members receive discount rates on visiting this vast park land.
As always; life is an adventure..get out there and live it!
