Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & RainForest
A vibrant zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits, an immersive rainforest, thrilling Dino Cove, and enchanting summer lantern festivals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & RainForest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits, an immersive rainforest, thrilling Dino Cove, and enchanting summer lantern festivals.
"The animals were all so active! We fed Giraffes, the bears were playing together, tigers were walking by right against the glass."
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
This zoo is massive! Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially between exhibits.
Hydrate & Cool Down 💧
Bring water bottles and utilize misting stations, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rainforest
Tropical Domes
Immerse yourself in a lush, tropical world with exotic plants and animals. A true escape!
Asian Lantern Festival
Throughout the Zoo
Experience the magic of the zoo after dark with stunning illuminated lanterns and cultural performances.
Dino Cove
Near Waterfowl Lake
Step back in time to encounter over 25 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Roar-some fun!
Giraffe Feeding
African Savanna
Get up close and personal to feed these gentle giants. An unforgettable interactive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Seasonal Spectacles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
This zoo is massive! Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially between exhibits.
Hydrate & Cool Down 💧
Bring water bottles and utilize misting stations, especially during warmer months.
Zoo Tram is Your Friend 🚋
Use the tram to save energy on long distances between zoo sections.
Book Lantern Fest Early ✨
The Asian Lantern Festival is popular; secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
This zoo is massive! Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially between exhibits.
Hydrate & Cool Down 💧
Bring water bottles and utilize misting stations, especially during warmer months.
Zoo Tram is Your Friend 🚋
Use the tram to save energy on long distances between zoo sections.
Book Lantern Fest Early ✨
The Asian Lantern Festival is popular; secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Check for Free Days 🗓️
Some sources mention free Mondays, but always verify current admission policies.
Swan Paddle Boats 🦢
Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Waterfowl Lake for a unique zoo perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for its active and well-cared-for animals, beautiful landscaping, and immersive exhibits like the Rainforest. Many highlight the interactive experiences such as giraffe feeding and the exciting Dino Cove. While the zoo is large and involves significant walking, the tram system and misting stations offer some relief. Some guests noted that certain amenities or gift shop items can be overpriced, and occasional closures of exhibits were mentioned.
"I had the best zoo experience ever here! My mom and I went spontaneously while in town for the weekend.
The decor was beautiful along the trails, the animals were all so active! We fed Giraffes, the bears were playing together, tigers were walking by right against the glass, the gorillas were out and about, the baby was playing, climbing all over its mom.
There is some distance between areas so we took the tram, which was a pretty drive and saved some walking energy.
Plenty of food vendors along the way, we had a delicious Dubai iced coffee to curb the heat.
Overall, such a great experience, highly recommend!"
Jena Bale
"There is a LOT of walking. We had a friend on crutches due to a hip injury who, thankfully, planned ahead and booked an electric scooter. Be mindful to do so if needed, or purchase tickets with free tram rides to and from long-distance areas as we had done.
The animals all seemed extremely energetic, playful, happy, and well cared for. We had a lot of interaction with the male lion (who was impressing everyone with his roars) and enjoyed feeding the giraffes. There is even a newborn giraffe which made the experience all the better.
There are misting areas to cool down at, vending machines for beverages, and some areas to purchase cold treats (most weren’t open when we were there, however).
The gift shop is quite overpriced, but they had some nice novelty things there."
Shantel KG
"What a great zoo! The way the zoo is built into the surrounding area is amazing. The views of the animals are incredible as you can get way closer than you might expect! The landscaping throughout was also eye catching and there are so many different and accessible ways to enjoy the zoo. The employees of the zoo were incredibly kind and knowledgeable not to mention passionate about the animals and conservation! Will be coming back the next time I’m in Cleveland!"
Kellin Wirtz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options, such as bus routes, also serve the zoo. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. +1
Yes, there is parking available at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak seasons or special events, to secure a spot.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Designated drop-off and pick-up points are usually available.
Yes, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is accessible via public transportation. Several RTA bus lines stop near the zoo, making it an option for those without a car.
The zoo is easily accessible from major highways in Cleveland. Depending on your starting point, I-71, I-77, and I-90 are common routes. Use GPS for real-time traffic updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Cleveland Metroparks Zoo website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and seniors. Look for 'cleveland metroparks zoo rainforest price' or 'cleveland zoo rainforest cost' online.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially for popular events like the Asian Lantern Festival.
While specific free days can change, some sources mention free Mondays. It's advisable to check the zoo's official website or social media for any announced discount days or special offers.
The zoo's operating hours, including those for the Rainforest exhibit, typically vary by season. Always check the 'cleveland metroparks zoo rainforest hours' or 'rainforest cleveland ohio hours' on their official site before your visit.
Yes, the Asian Lantern Festival is a special event that usually requires a separate ticket or a specific admission package. It's best to book these in advance as they can sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the immersive Rainforest, the interactive Dino Cove with animatronic dinosaurs, and the chance to feed the giraffes in the African Savanna. The Asian Lantern Festival is a spectacular evening event.
Yes, the zoo is quite large and involves significant walking. Comfortable shoes are essential. Consider using the zoo tram for longer distances or if mobility is a concern.
Absolutely! Dino Cove offers a prehistoric adventure, and the zoo often has interactive areas. Feeding the giraffes is also a hit with children.
The Eagle Zip Adventure is a thrilling zipline ride that offers panoramic views of the zoo and Waterfowl Lake, reaching heights of up to 150 feet.
Information on stroller and wheelchair rentals should be available on the zoo's official website. For mobility issues, booking an electric scooter in advance is also a good idea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers various food vendors and dining areas, including options for culturally inspired cuisine during the Asian Lantern Festival at the MetroHealth Asian Food Market.
Generally, zoos allow guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. It's always a good idea to check the zoo's specific policy on outside food and drinks.
While specific menus can change, most zoos offer a variety of options. It's recommended to check with individual food vendors on-site or the zoo's website for current offerings.
Food prices at zoos can be on the higher side. Bringing some of your own snacks or opting for the more affordable vendors can help manage costs.
Specialty drinks like the Dubai iced coffee mentioned in reviews are often found at specific food stalls, particularly during special events like the Asian Lantern Festival.
📸 📸 Photography
The Rainforest offers lush greenery, the Asian Lantern Festival provides vibrant night shots, and the animal enclosures offer dynamic wildlife photography opportunities. The Eagle Zip Adventure offers scenic overlooks.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of the animals and follow zoo guidelines, such as not using flash photography in certain areas.
While most photography is permitted, some areas or specific animals might have restrictions. Always adhere to signage and staff instructions.
Absolutely! The illuminated lanterns create a magical and highly photogenic atmosphere, especially after dark. It's a popular spot for Instagram-worthy shots.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing animals at various distances. For the Rainforest, a wider lens can capture the dense foliage. For the Lantern Festival, a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance to feed the giraffes, which is always a memorable experience for children. Consider utilizing the zoo tram to navigate the expansive grounds, saving little legs from getting too tired.
The zoo also provides misting stations to help keep everyone cool during warmer months. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds and potentially enjoy a more relaxed experience without the premium pricing often associated with special events like the Asian Lantern Festival.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely swan paddle boat ride on Waterfowl Lake for a charming and affordable outing. Exploring the lush Rainforest together provides a tranquil and exotic escape, while the chance to feed the giraffes offers a fun, interactive moment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Rainforest
Visitors often praise the detailed landscaping and the realistic portrayal of a rainforest environment. It's a fantastic place to escape the weather and discover species that thrive in these unique climates. Keep an eye out for the various primates and smaller creatures that call this exhibit home.
When planning your visit, remember that the Rainforest can be warm and humid, so dress accordingly. It's a perfect spot for photography, with diffused light creating beautiful shots of both flora and fauna.
The Magic of the Asian Lantern Festival
+1Beyond the visual feast of the lanterns, the festival often includes live acrobatic performances and a variety of culturally inspired cuisine at the MetroHealth Asian Food Market. This makes for a complete evening of entertainment and culinary exploration.
Due to its popularity, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets for the Asian Lantern Festival in advance. The event typically runs for a limited time during the summer months, so check the zoo's schedule for specific dates and times.
+1Family Adventures: Dino Cove & Swan Paddle Boats
+1Complementing the dinosaur adventure is the Swan Voyage, offering swan paddle boats on Waterfowl Lake. This provides a relaxing and scenic way to experience the zoo from a different vantage point. It's an affordable and enjoyable activity for families looking for a leisurely outing.
+1These new additions enhance the zoo's appeal for families, offering a mix of educational and recreational activities. They are often located near each other, making it easy to combine these experiences into a fun-filled day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit