Toledo Zoo

The Toledo Zoo is one of four terrific zoos located in the state of Ohio which have consistently been ranked in the country's top 20 zoos.  This zoo is the number one family destination in northwest Ohio with over 9,000 animals representing 800 exotic species.  It is conveniently located 4 miles south of downtown Toledo and has nearly one million visitors each year.  The zoo is super easy to navigate and provides lots of great photo opportunities with its beautiful old architecture and wonderful gardens.You will find that there are a variety of things to do and see at the Toledo zoo and it can all be done in one day without wearing out the kids.

Zoo Exhibits

The African Exhibit  is home to zebras, ostriches, giraffes, the African Animal Carousel and the safari railway.   Arctic Encounter is a terrific naturalistic exhibit with indoor and outdoor up close viewing of beautiful polar bears.  In Sheldon Plaza you will find the water fall pond with its geese, swans and ducks as well as tigers, African penguins, bears and the rare snow leopards. The African Savanna is home of the wonderful Hippoquarium, otters, rhinos and more.  Nature's Neighborhood is the zoos totally interactive children's zoo.  Historic Museum of Science is home to the Amazing Amphibians and the Crawl Space exhibits. The Aviary is home to a world of birds.  The great apes exhibit is where you will find chimpanzees, monkeys, gorillas and orangutans with great interactive areas.  Lastly, the Toledo Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world to feature a full aquarium.  It is filled with a diverse selection of sea creatures of all shapes and sizes.

Hours of Operation

The Zoo is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Hours are 10am to 4 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day and 10am to 5 pm from Memorial Day  to Labor Day.

Admission Information

Tickets are approximately $11 for adults and $8 for children ages 2 -11.  Senior Citizen and Active Military discounts offered.  Group rates are available with advanced registration. General parking is between $6 - $10.  For further information visit the Toledo Zoo Website Page.

Insider Tips

Exhibits are fairly close together so there is not a long walk for the kids to see more animals.

Purchase souvenirs at the gift shop at the entrance/exit at the end of the day.  It will have the same items sold throughout the park and it will avoid having to carry them around all day.

Allow a full day to visit the park and enjoy the surroundings.

Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities.

Events

Lights Before Christmas

This event is held from Mid-November to December 31.  Over a million Christmas lights decorate the trees, and buildings.  Ice carvings, animal images, food, carolers, model trains and light shows add to the festivities.  Of course a Christmas celebration would not be complete without Santa Claus.  Dancing Lights Display, a light show with Christmas music located near Cheetah Valley, is repeated several times a night.  Hours of operation are from 5pm to 9pm.  Outdoor animal exhibits are closed but indoor remain open.

Pumpkin Path and Little Boo

Kids can enjoy Halloween at the Toledo Zoo.  Activities, trick-or-treat stations, games, and more.  Little Boo is the perfect Halloween Party for preschoolers that are too young for Pumpkin Path. Costumes are recommended.  For more information see Toledo Zoo Website.

Frozentosen Winter Weekends

Half price admission in January and February will allow you to join the Toledo Zoo for its annual winter-themed event.  You will find ice carving demonstrations, indoor live musical and theatrical performances and more.   In addition, Cabin Fever Feeds allows you to watch favorite animals chow down.  Again, outdoor exhibits are closed but indoor remain open to the public. For more information see Toledo Zoo Website.

Click here for Driving Directions and Maps