Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
4.6(22K)google
4.1(328)yelp
FamilyNatureWildlife
Overview
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a 183-acre (74 ha) zoo in Cleveland, Ohio. The Zoo is divided into several areas: Australian Adventure; African Savanna; Northern Wilderness Trek, The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Waterfowl Lake, The RainForest, Asian Highlands, and the newly added Susie's Bear Hollow. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has one of the largest collections of primates in North America.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-7 hours
Best TimeThe lush summer months from May to September are ideal for exploring this sprawling 183-acre property. Arriving right at the 9:30 AM opening gate is highly recommended; this allows you to experience the flagship African Elephant Crossing and Wilderness Trek loops during the cool morning hours when big cats and gorillas are energetic outdoors.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully atop the scenic southern bluffs at 3900 Wildlife Way. Driving a car is your only practical travel choice given its parkway setting: ride Interstate 71 S south out of downtown, take the Fulton Rd exit, and follow the bright wildlife graphics onto Wildlife Way. The park features an enormous, complimentary public surface lot.
Travel Tips
- Standard zoo gates open from 10:00 to 17:00 (closes at 16:00 October-March). The box office cuts off processing exactly one hour prior to global park closure.
- The peak Asian Lantern Festival from July to August operates after dark. Regular day passes expire at twilight; night entry demands a separate timed ticket.
- The terrain spans massive acreage with steep inclines. Secure an electric scooter rental at the gate or utilize the complimentary shuttle loops strategically.
Reviews
Positive
- The Elephant Crossing and indoor Rainforest dome are architectural marvels; animal habitats look incredibly open, natural, and healthy.
- The zoo grounds are massive with dense canopy shading; visiting feels like trekking through a state park with crisp fresh air and environments.
- The on-site tram and shuttle loops run at high frequencies, serving as a highly thoughtful infrastructure feature for seniors or families with infants.
- The admission fees are highly reasonable compared to peers of similar scale across the US, and inside snack/beverage pricing is kept fair.
Heads up
- The zoo layout is split into distant halves; trekking to the Australian and Primate areas requires hiking up a long, steep incline that is exhausting.
- Due to heavy foliage and deep habitats, many animals hide away or sleep during hot midday hours, leaving you starring at empty enclosures.
- During peak spring/autumn school field trips or specific night light festivals, entry roads hit complete gridlock, stalling parking for ages.
- Restrooms in legacy zones look dated; during high-capacity days, the flushing and cleaning maintenance lags, leading to lines and minor untidiness.