Some people lament the lack of hot days this summer in Northeast Ohio, while others are more than happy to not have to endure the mercury's upper register. Either way, the fact remains that summer is flying by and the cooler temps make for perfect weather to visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
This summer marked the inaugural season of the new Circle of Wildlife Carousel and Nature Discovery Ridge play area. Thousands of guests have already taken a spin on their favorite animal from among the 64 different hand-carved figures to choose from. Single ride tickets for the carousel are $3 and $2.50 for Cleveland Zoological Society members. All day ride passes are available for $8 or $6 for members.
Adjacent to the carousel is the new Nature Discovery Ridge play area, free with paid Zoo admission, which engages children's imaginations and inspires them to come out and play through the use of wild habitats and natural elements like rocks, water and trees. Kids explore, climb, and best of all, have fun reconnecting with nature and letting their imaginations run wild.
The last few weeks of extended summer hours make it easy to visit the Zoo. From now through Labor Day, September 1, the Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. After Labor Day, the Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Labor Day also brings an end to the Zoo's CPP Power Pass Bundle offer, camel rides and Professor Wylde's Live Animal Show for the season. The colorful show in the Zoo's Savanna Theater features an all-star cast of critters, lots of fun animal facts and a few jokes, too. It's an engaging and entertaining show for all ages.
The seasonal transition means it's time to get ready for the 25th annual Boo at the Zoo! Advance sale tickets for the annual sell-out event, scheduled this year for October 16-19 and 23-26, go on sale August 19 for Zoo Society members and August 27 for the general public. Admission is $8 for the general public and $7 for Zoo Society members. Tickets will be available at the Zoo's Box Office, or online at clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo.
(Note: Due to the Labor Day holiday, normal free Monday Zoo admission for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township will not be offered on Monday, September 1.)
Northeast Ohio's most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $12.25 per person, $8.25 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.
For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo or call (216) 661-6500.
