Which is Better Cincinnati Zoo or Columbus Zoo? Time to Find Out!

Oh boy, zoos!

The Cincinnati Zoo or the Columbus Zoo?

That’s a tough one.

Let me tell you, I’ve been to both and they both offer something unique and exciting.

Personally, I gotta go with the Cincinnati Zoo.

It’s got all the animals you could want to see, plus all those extras like the playground and the 4-D theater.

And the best part?

It’s more affordable than the Columbus Zoo.

That means more money for snacks and souvenirs.

Score!

Speaking of personal stories, let me tell you about the time I went to the zoo with my family:

We were checking out the monkeys, and one of them threw a banana peel at my little brother.

I swear, that monkey had some serious aim.

My brother was so mad, but my girlfriend and I couldn’t stop laughing.

It was like something out of a cartoon.

Moral of the story?

Monkeys are hilarious, and the Cincinnati Zoo has some of the best ones around.

So, let’s start with the Columbus Zoo.

This place was founded way back in 1927, making it older than your grandpa’s dentures.

It’s a non-profit zoo and aquarium, and it’s got a massive 580 acres of land to work with.

That’s like having your own personal kingdom to rule over.

They’ve got over 9,000 animals hanging out there, which is a lot of fur and feathers.

But wait, there’s more!

They’ve also got a golf course, a water park, and even a hotel.

That’s right, you can stay overnight with the animals.

Just be careful not to snore too loud, or the lions might mistake you for a tasty snack.

Now, onto the Cincinnati Zoo.

This place is the second oldest zoo in the country, founded way back in 1873.

That’s so long ago, I bet they had dinosaurs in the zoo back then.

Okay, maybe not, but still, that’s pretty old.

The zoo itself is only 74 acres, which is still bigger than my backyard, but smaller than the Columbus Zoo.

They’ve got over 500 animals hanging out there, which is still a lot of cute and cuddly creatures.

But what sets this place apart is the extras.

They’ve got a playground, a children’s petting zoo, and even a 4-D theater.

That’s right, you can watch movies in four dimensions.

I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a fourth dimension.

Mind blown.

Cincinnati Zoo Vs Columbus Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo is more affordable, while the Columbus Zoo is nicer and has more to do.

If I ask you the zoo to pick, you would decide based on what you want to find in a zoo.

If you want a beautiful zoo, you should consider the Columbus Zoo, but if you want an affordable zoo with many animals, you can visit the Cincinnati Zoo.

Columbus Zoo

With over 10,000 animals across several immersive exhibits, you could easily spend an entire day wandering around.

The second you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a whole other world.

They’ve got massive sections modeled after Asia, Australia, and the Congo.

You can hand-feed kangaroos in the Australia section, watch endangered rhinos roam in the Congo, and see Amur tigers up close in Asia Quest.

How cool is that?

And get this – they’ve got over 600 different species!

From tiny little tree frogs to massive elephants, you’ll get to see critters of all shapes and sizes.

A few of my faves are the adorable red pandas, the majestic giraffes, and the hilarious penguins.

The exhibits are super well-designed too.

You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the savanna or the jungle thanks to all the immersive landscapes and props.

Oh, and the enclosures are spacious so the animals have room to roam.

No cramped cages here!

Now let’s talk activities because this zoo is packed with fun stuff to do.

You can catch a sea lion show, ride a train through the safari, or check out the 4D movie about dinosaur adventures.

There’s also a petting zoo, a splash park, and a cool ropes course.

If you get hungry, there are plenty of zoo-themed restaurants to grab a bite.

And don’t worry about bringing your own snacks because this place is picnic-friendly.

One of the best parts is how pretty the zoo is.

The grounds are super well-maintained with lush gardens, koi ponds, and beautiful pathways that wind through the exhibits.

It’s such an inviting space for you and the family.

Speaking of which – kids are gonna flip for this zoo!

From the rides to the shows to the play areas, there’s more than enough to keep little ones entertained all day.

And with those affordable tickets, you don’t have to break the bank for a fun family outing.

Real talk though, with over 500 acres to explore, be prepared for some serious walking.

Wear those comfy shoes so you can really enjoy trekking around.

I’d also get there early to beat the crowds on busy days.

Columbus Zoo Advantages

• The Columbus Zoo looks more beautiful with well-maintained grounds and clean exhibits.

• You can do many things at the Columbus Zoo.

  For instance, the zoo has many shows, attractions, and rides.

• Moreover, the Columbus Zoo is a private, non-profit zoo, while the Cincinnati Zoo is a public zoo.

Columbus Zoo Disadvantages

• You spend more at the Columbus Zoo because it is a private establishment.

• The zoo is not as massive as the Cincinnati Zoo, meaning you can see fewer animals than the Cincinnati Zoo.

Cincinnati Zoo

This zoo has been around since 1875, so they’ve had plenty of time to build up an amazing collection.

We’re talking over 500 different species from adorable dwarf goats to massive Indian rhinos.

Some of the absolute star exhibits here are the gorillas, giraffes, and hippos.

The gorillas have a multi-tiered open habitat where you can watch families interacting up close.

There are multiple baby gorillas right now who love playing and swinging around!

Over in the Africa exhibit, you’ll find a herd of giraffes, including babies and seniors.

They roam in a field under acacia trees, so you really feel transported to the plains of Africa.

Lumbering hippos swim around right next to them in a pool with underwater viewing areas.

The zoo’s also got an incredible rhino habitat with multiple crash pads and wallows.

You can see their thick armor-like skin up close and watch them run surprisingly fast!

Plus, the zoo participates in a rhino conservation program, which is awesome.

Another must-see is the manatee habitat.

This indoor area keeps the temperature warm for the rehabilitating manatees, and you can watch them glide gracefully through the water.

Sometimes they’ll swim right up to the glass, which is amazing to see.

Now let’s talk about the 75+ acre botanical garden, which is included with zoo admission.

There are expertly designed gardens like the Japanese garden with elegant pagodas and the butterfly garden blooming with bright flowers.

It’s a beautiful area to stroll through after checking out the animals.

For kids, Cincinnati has some really fun activities like the Endangered Animals Carousel and the yellow Train Ride that snakes around parts of the zoo.

There’s also a massive playground called Jungle Trails where they can burn off energy.

Another favorite area is the Nursery and Gentle Zoo, where little kids can interact with farm animals like goats, ponies, and donkeys.

They can even brush and feed some of them while learning about the creatures.

It’s hands-on fun that’s included with admission!

In terms of shows and events, there are a few excellent options.

You can catch the informative Wings Show to see birds of prey in action or head to the Amphitheater for a clever dog and cat show.

Events like photo ops with Santa or with costumed characters are also available seasonally.

For food, the zoo has lots of solid options from snacks to meals.

There are spots like Pizza Oven that offer park staples like hot dogs and fries.

Or you can head to Lakeside Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls on the lounge-style outdoor deck.

Everything is reasonably priced, which is nice.

A major perk of this zoo is its location right in the city, making it super convenient.

Parking does cost $10-15 depending on the lot, or you can take public transportation there for even less.

Either way, you can make it a quick day trip without excessive travel or planning.

Now the zoo does cover a smaller area at 65 acres compared to some larger zoos.

This means animal exhibits are a bit more compact.

However, the zoo does an excellent job packing a diversity of creatures into the space.

Cincinnati Zoo Advantages

I like the Cincinnati Zoo because it  is more affordable than the Columbus Zoo.

 The zoo is a public  tourist destination, unlike Columbus Zoo.

You can find more animals when you visit the zoo, and the entry fee is more affordable.

Some animals you can find include pygmy hippos, Komodo dragons, and Bornean orangutans.

The zoo is open year-round, which makes it a popular place in Ohio.

However, Columbus zoo is open seasonally.

Finally, the Cincinnati Zoo has many things that will keep you engrossed, which makes the zoo a better choice for animal lovers and families alike.

Cincinnati Zoo Disadvantages

If you have visited Columbus Zoo, you may not appreciate the beauty of the Cincinnati Zoo.

The zoo is not well-maintained and the older buildings require repair.

The Cincinnati Zoo’s grounds are not well-kept, while the animal enclosures require more cleaning.

Both zoos can become your playing ground if you have a large family.

Like Cincinnati Zoo, the Columbus Zoo offers you an opportunity to bring your drinks and snacks.

As a result, you can save more when you come with your lunch.

Cincinnati Zoo Or Columbus Zoo What to Choose?

In short, I prefer the Cincinnati Zoo because it is more affordable and has more animals unlike the Columbus Zoo.

The Cincinnati Zoo is right in the city, so it’s super easy to get to.

It’s an old-school zoo founded way back in 1875.

They’ve got all the classic animals – gorillas, rhinos, giraffes – plus a really cool manatee exhibit.

If you want to see some big name animals up close, Cincy’s your best bet.

Downside is it’s not as big as Columbus, and parking costs extra.

Columbus Zoo is out in the suburbs but it’s huge – we’re talking over 500 acres!

With all that space they’ve got some really immersive exhibits like their Asia Quest and Congo Expedition.

You can see everything from elephants and tigers to cheetahs and manatees.

They also have a botanical garden, an onsite hotel, and free parking.

Major perks!

Only bummer is tickets cost a bit more.

So really it depends what you’re looking for.

If you want a quick city zoo trip to see all the classics, go Cincinnati.

But if you’ve got more time and want to make a day of epic animal adventures, Columbus is your winner.

Either way you can’t go wrong – they’ve both got fun exhibits and lots of cool critters to visit.

Let me know if you need any other deets to make your decision!

FAQs

Is Columbus Zoo bigger than Cincinnati?

No, the Cincinnati Zoo has more animals and more affordable.

It has at least  500 animals, while the Columbus Zoo has around 400 animals.

Is the Columbus Zoo a good zoo?

Yes, the Zoo is a regional attraction that has made a global impact.

Its revenue helps in funding conservation projects worldwide.

Is the Columbus Zoo the best?

Yes.

The Columbus Zoo is among the best in the world, and one of the largest zoo with a total land area topping 580 acres.

What is the admission price for each zoo?

The Cincinnati Zoo is more affordable compared to the Columbus Zoo.

The Cincinnati Zoo’s admission fee for adults is $16, while the Columbus Zoo’s admission fee for adults is $25.

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What kind of activities can I expect to find at the Cincinnati Zoo?

The Cincinnati Zoo offers many activities for visitors to enjoy, including a playground, a children’s petting zoo, and a 4-D theater.

They also have special events throughout the year, like Zoo Blooms in the spring and Festival of Lights in the winter.

What kind of activities can I expect to find at the Columbus Zoo?

The Columbus Zoo has a lot to offer visitors, including a golf course, a water park, and a hotel on its 580-acre site.

They also have a variety of events throughout the year, such as Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest and the Wildlights holiday event.

Which zoo has more animals?

The Columbus Zoo has over 9,000 animals, which is significantly more than the Cincinnati Zoo’s 500+ animals.

However, both zoos have a wide variety of animals to see and learn about.

Which zoo is better for families with young children?

Both zoos offer activities that are great for families with young children, but the Cincinnati Zoo may be a better choice due to its playground and children’s petting zoo.

Additionally, the Cincinnati Zoo has a special area called the “Penguin Parade” where kids can walk alongside penguins!

Are there any discounts available for admission?

Both zoos offer various discounts for admission, including military discounts, AAA discounts, and discounts for purchasing tickets online in advance.

Additionally, some employers offer discounted tickets as part of their employee benefits.