The Cincinnati Zoo. It’s one of our favorite places to visit and a true local treasure. Did you know it is the second oldest Zoo in the country?? A popular destination for locals and visitors a like, we thought we would put together a few tips to help you get the most out of your next trip. Have ideas that we didn’t include? We’d love it if you’d leave them in the comments.
Tips for Visiting The Cincinnati Zoo
1) Save on Tickets: Before heading off to The Zoo, stop by your local Kroger where you can purchase tickets – $2 off adult / $1 off a child admission. Have a member of the military in your group? You can save $3 off adults / $2 off a child with a valid military ID.
2) Come Early in The Day – The animals at the Cincinnati Zoo are most active in the morning so your chances of seeing them out, about, and active are best earlier in the day.
3) Save Time – When you get to the Cincinnati Zoo, your kids aren’t going to want to wait in line to get tickets, they are going to want to see the animals, right away. Avoid the lines by purchasing your tickets online (on in advance at Kroger). Also, you can print the Zoo’s map at home so you can put together your game plan before you arrive. If the animal shows are on your “must see” list, we recommend printing out the Zoo’s Animal Encounter schedule and map out which shows and experiences you want to try to see. There is no bird show on Monday and Tuesday and no cheetah show on Wednesday and Thursday; so Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the only days you can see both.
4) Choo! Choo!: If riding the train is of the utmost importance to your little one, we recommend heading to the train first thing in the morning. The train is a VERY popular attraction, and for the most part, there will be a long line to wait in.
5) Self-Guided Activities: The education department at the zoo has put together a TON of great activities you can do with your child while visiting. The activities cover everything from math and science to the arts. Check them out.
6) Pack Your Lunch: Not many places will allow you to bring in coolers, but the zoo does. By packing your own sandwiches and drinks, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also be able to add to your zoo experience by having a picnic! 
7) Animal Prints: Have you ever noticed that there are animal footprints on the sidewalks at the zoo? The prints are actually fun clues as to which animals are on view near by. A great way to add to the fun of your trip is to have your children try to guess which animals are coming up, based on the size and type of print they see.
For more tips, check out our article: Insider’s Guide: Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit to The Cincinnati Zoo 
This post was inspired by our Livin’ in the Cin partnership. Livin’ in the Cin is the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network’s (RTN) initiative that taps into and creates a movement of passionate Cincinnati USA advocates. The goal is to generate awareness and excitement about the region and broaden residents’ perceptions of the area from a place they live to a place they should rave about to family and friends as a visitor destination.
