Inside Tracks Tour Program

Register Get in the Inside Track with a behind the scenes experience at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Join zoo staff for a unique 90-minute program that includes fun-filled facts about zoo history, animal care, behavior, and conservation. Inside Track tours offer the opportunity to explore the zoo on a golf cart with minimal steps. Some featured experiences may include training sessions and get close opportunities with animals, and a look at animal holding areas. Various areas will rotate with animal availability and weather. This is a fun and educational experience you don’t want to miss.

Details

Your experience will include a private tour for up to 6 people
This exciting program runs year-round. Limited dates available.
Program length will be 90 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The minimum age for the program is 5 years old.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
Tour includes one (1) voucher per participant to experience the Circle of Wildlife Carousel OR Eagle Zip Adventure at the end of the tour.

Documents

Waiver Packet (both child and adult)

Dates/Times

Tours are available year-round. Offered Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays except holiday weeks. Click the "Register" button in the upper right-hand corner of this page to see an exact list of available dates.

We offer one tour time slot per day that currently occurs from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Current tour areas are*:

Cape porcupine back area tour
Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine back area tour
Golf cart cruise around the lower portion of the zoo
Koala back area tour

*Although it does not happen often, some scheduled locations may be substituted by zoo staff with little notice as animal health and area concerns dictate.

Ride voucher: At the conclusion of the tour, each participant will be given one (1) ride voucher that can be used at the Circle of Wildlife Carousel OR Eagle Zip Adventure. Present the voucher at the carousel to redeem. Ride availability is weather dependent; voucher is valid for one full year from program date.

Cost

Members: $400
Non-Members: $450

Cost includes up to six (6) program participants per tour. Each participant will be given a voucher to experience the Circle of Wildlife Carousel OR Eagle Zip Adventure at the end of the tour.

FAQ

What is the youngest age for a tour participant?

Minimum age is 5 years old to participate, no exceptions. All minors must have a chaperone.

How do I book a behind the scenes tour?

Book online at least seven (7) days prior to the day of your visit to reserve spaces.

What should I wear?

Closed toed shoes are required due to the nature of the experience of going behind the scenes in animal areas. Weather appropriate, casual clothing is recommended.

After I purchase my tour, do I need to do anything before I arrive?

Please email a completed, signed copy of the Inside Tracks Waiver Packet for each member of your group to programregistration@clevelandmetroparks.com. Not having your completed waiver forms on file before your arrival will delay the start of your tour.

When and where should I arrive for the tour?

Guests should arrive at the Zoo's Guest Resource Center, located just inside the Main Entrance to the left across from the Gift Shop, at the designated tour time - 9:30 a.m.

Does the tour price include admission to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo?

Yes, but only after the tour has concluded. Zoo members can use their Cleveland Zoological Society membership pass to gain entry to the Zoo. A separate entrance ticket is not required.

Are facial coverings required?

Cleveland Metroparks is continuing to follow guidance from CDC and the State of Ohio for precautions against COVID-19. Based on new guidelines, guests will not be required to wear facial coverings when visiting Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We strongly recommend that all guests continue to wear facial coverings in Cleveland Metroparks' indoor locations and practice social distancing. Guests should not visit Cleveland Metroparks if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.

Will the tour still happen if it is raining or snowing?

The Inside Tracks tour will occur rain or shine. In cases of inclement weather, an enclosed cart or vehicle will be used.

How do I redeem the ride voucher?

Each participant will receive one (1) voucher to experience the Circle of Wildlife Carousel OR Eagle Zip Adventure at the end of the tour, weather permitting. Vouchers should be redeemed at the Circle of Wildlife Carousel ticket booth and will be valid for one year from the month the program took place.