Here are six zoos all in a reasonable drive that would make a perfect holiday weekend outing.
1. The Wilds
As a branch of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Wilds educates visitors while participating on vehicle-led tours through some of the country’s most rare animals. The Wilds offers dozens of tour opportunities including hiking, a horseback riding exhibit and over-night camps for families or schools and more.
General admission for daily 2.5 hour tours include Wildside tours are $100 per person, $30 per person for open-air safari, or $20 per person for safari transport. Click here for more information about safaris offered. Military members are eligible for free entrance upon showing their military I.D. over Memorial Day weekend.
The Wilds is located at opened daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio. For more information, visit https://thewilds.columbuszoo.org/.
2. Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo has two full days of activities such as crafts, exhibits and entertainment, planned for guests, to learn more about the many animals. Such events include exhibits feeding penguins, crocodiles and hippos.
General admission for adults and seniors varies from $14 to $4. Over Memorial Day weekend, all military members, active, retired or reserve can receive free admission upon showing their I.D., throughout the whole year. Family members of military personnel are eligible for $1 off admission cost.
The Toledo Zoo is located at 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio and is opened 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29. For more information, visit https://www.toledozoo.org/summer.
3. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
As the second oldest zoo in the country, the Cincinnati Zoo offers guests a visit to see their Zoo Babies including several cheetah babies in their nursery, this weekend.
General admission is $10 per adult and $13 for seniors and children at the gate. For Memorial Day weekend, active and non-active military members can receive free admission and up to six tickets half price for immediate family members.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, Ohio, and is opened from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Saturday, May 28.
For more information, visit http://cincinnatizoo.org/.
4. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers more than just a zoo including a unique interactive aquarium experience. Visitors of all ages can touch a sea star or see a manatee up close.
General admission costs $19.99 per adults residing outside of Franklin County, $14.99 for seniors and from free to $14.99 for children depending upon age. Active and non-active military members receive a $2 discount up to six tickets when showing their military I.D.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located at 4850 W. Powell Rd, Powell, Ohio and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Saturday, May 28.
For more information, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/.
5. Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo offers the largest shark touch pool in the nation. Guests can also visit the Dolphin Pavilion and watch a dolphin presentation, which is part of the Midwest's only in-water dolphin program, included in the cost of admission. They also have a rare, full-blooded Sumatran orangutan, which is only found in Indonesia.
General admission costs $18.45 per adult, $13.95 per child and $16.70 per senior. All current and former members of the military are admitted free on Memorial Day and all non-military family members receive a $2 discount, upon the military member’s I.D.
It is located at 1200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana and opened from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/SitePages/Home.aspx.
6. Louisville Zoo
Louisville Zoo’s waterpark, the Papa John’s Splash Park opens May 28 and is included in zoo admission cost.
For daily activities, visit https://louisvillezoo.org/plan/schedule/ for hourly events by day.
General admission is $16.25 per adult, $11.75 per child and senior. Active duty military members receive free general admission, retired military personnel and dependents of active military members can receive 10 percent off admission costs over Memorial Day weekend.
Louisville Zoo is located at 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, Ky., Kentucky and is opened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://louisvillezoo.org/.
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