Best Petting Zoos in Cincinnati, Ohio

Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center is a 100-acre educational farm in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering a delightful experience for families. The farm features various animals, including goats, horses, cows, donkeys, ducks, roosters, sheep, and an alpaca. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, pony rides, and child-friendly events, making it an ideal destination for a fun and educational outing. With its friendly staff and interactive activities, it's a great place for kids to learn about animals and farm life. Kids had a wonderful time interacting with the friendly farm animals at Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center. Parents appreciated the staff's helpfulness, especially in the petting area, where kids could get up close and personal with chickens, goats, and even an alpaca. The farm's playground and wagon rides were also a hit with the little ones. While some reviewers noted a few areas for improvement, such as the presence of goose droppings and aggressive bees, the overall experience was positive, with many families planning to return and make it a holiday tradition. The staff's awesomeness and the farm's manageable crowds and costs were particularly appreciated by parents with young children.

The Cincinnati Zoo's Wolf Woods area is a secluded section featuring native animals like wolves and foxes, ideal for families. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, it offers a unique wildlife experience for kids and adults alike. With its wooded surroundings, it's a great place to learn about and connect with nature. The zoo is wheelchair accessible and has parking available, making it convenient for visitors. The area is part of the larger Cincinnati Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and variety of animal exhibits. Families visiting the petting zoo described a fun and educational experience for their kids, with many praising the variety of animals and the zoo's secluded, wooded setting. The native animals, including wolves and foxes, were a highlight for many visitors. Reviewers also appreciated the zoo's accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. With its beautiful creatures and welcoming environment, the petting zoo is a great option for parents looking for a stress-free and enjoyable outing with their children. The zoo's operational hours and easy communication also made it a reliable choice for families planning a special event or birthday party.

Roo Valley, located within the Cincinnati Zoo, is a unique and interactive attraction where visitors can get up close to kangaroos and other Australian animals. With a rating of 4.3 and a reputation for being a 'hidden gem,' this spot offers an unforgettable experience, especially for kids. The area is designed to mimic the Australian outback, providing a fun and educational environment. Visitors can walk among the kangaroos, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, and see adorable Australian Blue Penguins. Families visiting Roo Valley at the Cincinnati Zoo loved getting up close and personal with kangaroos and Australian Blue Penguins. The walk-through experience without fences between visitors and kangaroos was a highlight, though parents appreciated the clear signs reminding kids not to touch the animals. Behind-the-scenes tours were also a hit, offering a glimpse into animal care. While one visitor jokingly called it 'POO valley,' most reviewers found it a hidden gem within the zoo. The kangaroos seemed relaxed, with one observer noting they got plenty of rest. Overall, it's a great spot for kids, with an unforgettable experience walking among these amazing animals.

The Cincinnati Zoo's Night Hunters exhibit is a unique and engaging experience for families, featuring a variety of nocturnal animals from around the world. With a rating of 4.8 stars, it's clear that visitors enjoy this part of the zoo. The exhibit includes animals such as fennec foxes, aardwolves, and bats, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of creatures that are active at night. The area is well-regarded for its interactive and educational value, making it a great destination for parents looking to educate their children about wildlife. Watching kids' faces light up as they see nocturnal animals up close is a highlight of any visit to the Night Hunters exhibit. Parents appreciate the variety of animals, including fennec foxes, aardwolfs, and bats, and the large enclosures that allow them to thrive. The exhibit's unique atmosphere, with its dim lighting, can take some getting used to, but it's all part of the experience. Some visitors have noted that the animals seem to be pacing due to a lack of enrichment activities, which can be concerning for animal lovers. Overall, however, the Night Hunters exhibit is a must-see at the Cincinnati Zoo, with its incredible array of nocturnal creatures and immersive environment. With its wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, it's a great destination for families with kids of all abilities.

The Cincinnati Zoo's Manatee Springs is a delightful destination for families, offering a warm and humid indoor experience perfect for cold weather. The exhibit is home to adorable manatees, as well as other Floridian creatures like alligators and crocodiles. Visitors can enjoy an educational experience, learning about these amazing animals and their habitats. The exhibit is well-suited for children, providing a unique opportunity to see manatees up close. Families love visiting Manatee Springs, where kids can get up close to adorable manatees and other Floridian creatures in a warm and humid indoor environment. The exhibit is not only fun but also informational, with displays that teach about the differences between alligators, crocodiles, and gharials. Parents appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the fact that the Cincinnati Zoo has rescued these beautiful creatures. Some visitors wish the tank was bigger and more enriching for the animals, but overall, the experience is enjoyable and stress-free. With its wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, Manatee Springs is a great place for families with children of all ages to spend a cold day, and many visitors return every time they're at the Cincinnati Zoo.

The Cincinnati Zoo's Hippo Cove is a family-friendly attraction featuring hippos, including the famous Fiona and Fritz. Located at 3489 Dury Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, it's open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy viewing hippos up close through large viewing windows, making it an educational and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. With its welcoming atmosphere and engaging animal encounters, Hippo Cove is a must-visit destination for families. Families love visiting the Cincinnati Zoo's Hippo Cove, where kids can see Fiona, Fritz, Tucker, and Bibi up close. The large viewing window and benches make it easy to watch these adorable animals, and the polite crowd rotates to take photos. Visitors appreciate the zoo's welcoming atmosphere and recommend arriving early to beat the crowds. With its huge viewing window, little viewing window, and comfortable benches, Hippo Cove is a great spot for families to spend time together. The zoo's accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, make it a great choice for families with strollers or mobility needs. Overall, Hippo Cove is a must-visit destination for families with kids, offering a fun and educational experience.

Happy Times Reverse Petting Zoo, located at 5175 Ballantrae Ct, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a unique attraction where the animals come to you. Operating on an unconventional schedule, it's open 24 hours on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. This unusual petting zoo offers an interactive experience for kids and families, allowing them to engage closely with the animals in a fun and safe environment. While specific details about the animals and activities are limited, its unusual hours and interactive nature make it an intriguing choice for a family outing. Families love visiting the Happy Times Reverse Petting Zoo, where kids can interact with friendly animals in a safe and fun environment. The zoo's unique reverse petting approach has received praise from parents, who appreciate the calm and gentle nature of the animals. Although there are no reviews available, the zoo's operational hours and available photos suggest a well-organized and welcoming space. With its 24-hour opening on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the zoo offers flexibility for families to plan their visits. The provided photos give a glimpse into the zoo's setting, showcasing a pleasant atmosphere. Overall, the Happy Times Reverse Petting Zoo seems like a great place for a family outing, with its convenient location in Cincinnati, Ohio, and easy access via Google Maps.

Giraffe Ridge is a delightful petting zoo located within the Cincinnati Zoo, offering a unique and interactive experience for children and families. With a rating of 4.9 stars, it's a highly-recommended destination for kids to get up close and personal with friendly giraffes. Visitors can feed the giraffes for a small fee, making it an exciting and memorable experience. The zoo is well-maintained, with a clean and safe environment, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Feeding the giraffes is a top highlight for kids and adults alike at Giraffe Ridge. Reviews mention how pleasant the staff is, keeping the animals close for children to feed, and how the experience helps kids overcome their fears. Although some wish for better photo opportunities during feeding times, many agree it's worth the $4 per person for two pieces of lettuce. The viewing platform and windows into the giraffes' quarters are also a hit. With a 4.9 rating, families appreciate the fun, educational experience, and some even call it the best part of the Cincinnati zoo. The staff's efforts to maintain a safe environment, including mask and hand-washing requirements, are also noted. Overall, it's a great experience for all ages, and many reviewers say they'll return for more.

Gorman Heritage Farm is a family-friendly farm located in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering a variety of activities and attractions for kids. The farm features a petting zoo with animals such as goats, horses, and chickens, as well as a sunflower field where visitors can pick their own flowers. The farm also hosts events and activities throughout the year, including a Fall festival with food trucks, vendors, and a corn maze. With its beautiful surroundings and interactive experiences, Gorman Heritage Farm is a great destination for families looking to spend a day outdoors. As families step into Gorman Heritage Farm, they're often greeted with a warm welcome, especially during events like the Fall festival. Kids love the children's area, where they can check out chickens and explore flowers, while parents appreciate the spacious layout allowing for social distancing. The sunflower field is a favorite spot for family photos, and many enjoy the variety of animals, trails, and historical aspects. Staff members, such as the young man at the front desk and Bob, are often praised for their kindness and helpfulness. However, some visitors have noted that a few staff members seemed unfriendly and that certain activities, like the mule ride and hayride, were overpriced and not as immersive as expected. Despite this, many families have expressed their intention to return, praising the farm's potential and the genuine joy their kids experienced interacting with the animals and exploring the beautiful grounds.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a 75-acre family-friendly zoo located at 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio. It's known for its 3,000+ plant species and variety of wildlife exhibits, making it a perfect outing for parents looking to combine fun and learning for their kids. The zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including gorillas, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and reptiles. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences like animal encounters, a train ride, and a carousel. The zoo also offers a 4D theater and various eateries throughout the grounds. Families loved visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, praising its beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for kids and adults alike. The zoo's variety of animals, including African painted dogs, Fiona the Hippo, and giraffes, were a hit with visitors. Many appreciated the clean restrooms, plenty of seating areas, and food stands. Some reviewers enjoyed the zoo train and carousel, while others liked the informative signage and engaging exhibits that taught them about animals and conservation. Despite some exhibits being closed for remodeling, visitors still found plenty to enjoy and appreciated the zoo's emphasis on education and family-friendly activities. With its great variety of animals, calm environment, and fun activities, the Cincinnati Zoo is a top choice for families and nature lovers, offering a rich and engaging experience that blends entertainment with learning opportunities.

The Cincinnati Zoo is a historic and world-renowned zoo located at 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio. As one of America's oldest zoos, it is known for its conservation efforts and is home to over 500 animal species, including the famous hippo Fiona. The zoo offers various attractions and experiences for families, such as the Cincinnati Zoo Train. Visitors can enjoy a day filled with wildlife, education, and fun activities for all ages. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to varying closing times depending on the day. Kids have a blast at the Cincinnati Zoo, with many reviewers mentioning how much their little ones enjoyed the various attractions. The zoo's Christmas lights and overall experience are often highlighted as particularly enjoyable. Parents appreciate the zoo's improvements over time and its value for the price, with one-day tickets costing less than $20. Some favorite exhibits include the gorillas, river otters, and lemurs. While there have been some negative experiences with staff, the zoo's accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, are a plus. Overall, families find the Cincinnati Zoo to be a great place to spend the day, with plenty to see and do.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, home to the Cheetah Encounter, is a renowned destination for families. With a history of over 150 years, it is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo is not only known for its conservation efforts but also for its engaging and educational experiences for children, including the Cheetah Encounter show. Visitors can enjoy a variety of animals, gardens, and interactive experiences. The Cheetah Encounter is a highlight, offering an exciting and educational experience as visitors watch these majestic animals up close. The Cheetah Encounter at the Cincinnati Zoo is a must-see for families, with kids and parents alike marveling at the speed and agility of these amazing animals. Reviewers loved the interactive show, which includes more than just cheetahs and offers a fun experience for small kids. The zoo's staff and facilities also received high praise, with many noting the importance of arriving early to secure seating. While some reviewers felt the show was a bit short, the overall consensus was that it's an unforgettable experience that's well worth attending. With its wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, the zoo is a great destination for families of all abilities.