Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Map

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves animals or is looking for a fun day out with family and friends. With over 3,000 animals and 600 species, the zoo offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has to offer.

Top Attractions

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to many popular attractions that are a must-see for visitors. Some of the top attractions include:

The African Elephant Crossing – This exhibit features elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other African animals.
The Rainforest – This indoor exhibit features monkeys, birds, and other animals that inhabit the Amazon Rainforest.
The Australian Adventure – This exhibit features kangaroos, wallabies, and other animals from Australia.
The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building – This exhibit features primates, big cats, and aquatic animals.
The Rosebrough Tiger Passage – This exhibit features tigers and other big cats.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are definitely worth visiting, there are also some hidden gems at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo that are often overlooked by visitors. Some of these hidden gems include:

The Wolf Wilderness – This exhibit features wolves and other animals that inhabit the northern wilderness.
The Conservation Carousel – This carousel features endangered animals that visitors can ride on.
The Lorikeet Aviary – This exhibit features colorful lorikeets that visitors can feed.
The Wilderness Trek – This exhibit features bears, otters, and other animals that inhabit the Pacific Northwest.

Food Scene

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has several dining options that offer a variety of food and snacks. Some of the popular dining options include:

The African Elephant Crossing Café – This café offers a variety of African-inspired dishes and snacks.
The Rainforest Café – This café offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
The Australian Adventure Café – This café offers a variety of Australian-inspired dishes and snacks.
The Zoo’s Coffee – This café offers a variety of coffee and snacks.
The Kookaburra Kafé – This kiosk offers a variety of snacks and drinks.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money:

Visit on Mondays or Tuesdays when admission is discounted.
Bring your own food and drinks to save money on dining.
Take advantage of free parking.
Visit during the off-season when admission prices are lower.

Outdoor Adventures

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers several outdoor adventures that are perfect for visitors who love the great outdoors. Some of these outdoor adventures include:

The Circle of Wildlife Carousel – This outdoor carousel features animals from around the world.
The Waterfowl Lake – This lake features ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
The Nature Discovery Ridge – This outdoor exhibit features animals and plants that are native to Ohio.
The Northern Trek – This exhibit features moose, reindeer, and other animals that inhabit the northern wilderness.

Historical Landmarks

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is also home to several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. Some of these historical landmarks include:

The RainForest Waterfall – This waterfall was designed by the same architect who designed the waterfalls at Niagara Falls.
The Monkey Island – This exhibit was one of the first monkey exhibits in the country when it opened in 1925.
The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building – This building was built in 1930 and is a great example of Art Deco architecture.
The African Elephant Crossing – This exhibit was designed to replicate the African savanna and features a replica baobab tree.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a great destination for families with kids. There are several family-friendly activities that kids will love. Some of these family-friendly activities include:

The ZooTrain – This train takes visitors on a tour of the zoo.
The Circle of Wildlife Carousel – This carousel features animals from around the world.
The Nature Discovery Ridge – This outdoor exhibit features animals and plants that are native to Ohio.
The Northern Trek – This exhibit features moose, reindeer, and other animals that inhabit the northern wilderness.
The Conservation Carousel – This carousel features endangered animals that visitors can ride on.
The Lorikeet Aviary – This exhibit features colorful lorikeets that visitors can feed.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo also offers several off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth checking out. Some of these experiences include:

The Night Safari – This guided tour takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo after hours.
The Breakfast with the Animals – This event allows visitors to enjoy breakfast while watching the animals wake up.
The Twilight at the Zoo – This event features live music, food, and drinks, and allows visitors to enjoy the zoo after hours.
The Zoo Clues and Brews – This event is a scavenger hunt that takes visitors on a tour of the zoo, and includes beer tastings.

Natural Wonders

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to many natural wonders that are worth exploring. Some of these natural wonders include:

The Waterfowl Lake – This lake features ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
The Wilderness Trek – This exhibit features bears, otters, and other animals that inhabit the Pacific Northwest.
The Northern Trek – This exhibit features moose, reindeer, and other animals that inhabit the northern wilderness.
The African Elephant Crossing – This exhibit features elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other African animals.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo also offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the nightlife options include:

The Twilight at the Zoo – This event features live music, food, and drinks, and allows visitors to enjoy the zoo after hours.
The Zoo Clues and Brews – This event is a scavenger hunt that takes visitors on a tour of the zoo, and includes beer tastings.

Local Markets

If you’re looking for some local flavor, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to several markets that sell local products. Some of these markets include:

The ZooStores – These stores sell a variety of animal-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
The African Marketplace – This marketplace sells African-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
The Rainforest Marketplace – This marketplace sells rainforest-inspired gifts and souvenirs.

Beaches and Mountains

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is not located near beaches or mountains, but there are several nearby destinations that offer these experiences. Some of these destinations include:

The Lake Erie Beaches – These beaches are located about 10 miles from the zoo and offer a variety of water activities.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park – This park is located about 15 miles from the zoo and offers hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Cultural Immersion

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo also offers several cultural immersion experiences. Some of these experiences include:

The African Elephant Crossing – This exhibit features African-inspired architecture and design.
The African Marketplace – This marketplace sells African-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
The Rainforest Marketplace – This marketplace sells rainforest-inspired gifts and souvenirs.