Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Discover diverse wildlife, from playful elephants to majestic bears, at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Enjoy interactive exhibits and seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife, from playful elephants to majestic bears, at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Enjoy interactive exhibits and seasonal events.
"A nice zoo with memorable animal encounters, especially the baby elephant and bears."
Scooter Rentals Available
Rent scooters for easier navigation, especially on busy days. Arrive early to secure one. :scooter:
Pack a Cooler & Snacks
Bring your own food and drinks to save money, as on-site options can be pricey. :forkandknife:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Elephant Kirkja
Elephant Habitat
Witness the adorable antics of baby elephant Kirkja, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. She's known for her playful nature and learning new behaviors!
+2
Kodiak Ridge Bears
Kodiak Ridge
Be amazed by the sheer size and activity of the grizzly bears. They are a powerful and captivating sight that leaves a lasting impression.
Aquarium Encounters
Aquarium
Explore a diverse underwater world and even get hands-on with marine life, like touching a stingray. A refreshing and educational experience.
Orangutan Exhibit
Orangutan Habitat
See the intelligent orangutans, including Fajar, who celebrated his sixth birthday. Keepers often share insights into their daily lives.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Scooter Rentals Available
Rent scooters for easier navigation, especially on busy days. Arrive early to secure one. :scooter:
Pack a Cooler & Snacks
Bring your own food and drinks to save money, as on-site options can be pricey. :forkandknife:
Check Exhibit Status
The Reptile House is closed until 2026. Always check the zoo's website for current exhibit availability. :information_desk:
Membership Perks
Zoo passes used to offer discounts at other zoos, but this is now restricted to the zoo where purchased. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Scooter Rentals Available
Rent scooters for easier navigation, especially on busy days. Arrive early to secure one. :scooter:
Pack a Cooler & Snacks
Bring your own food and drinks to save money, as on-site options can be pricey. :forkandknife:
Check Exhibit Status
The Reptile House is closed until 2026. Always check the zoo's website for current exhibit availability. :information_desk:
Membership Perks
Zoo passes used to offer discounts at other zoos, but this is now restricted to the zoo where purchased. :ticket:
Rope Course Fun
Kids love the rope course, offering an hour and a half of adventure above animal enclosures. :athletic_shoe:
Baby Animals Galore
Keep an eye out for adorable baby animals like the elephant and snow leopard cubs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium to be a nice and educational experience with many memorable animal encounters, particularly the baby elephant and bears. However, some note limitations in viewing areas, high food prices, and changes to membership reciprocity. The Reptile House closure is also a point of mention.
"Our kids did the rope course, which takes about an hour and a half and they absolutely loved it. They were up over animal enclosures and were so excited to tell us all about it when they got back. It’s a really nice zoo, the building you can eat lunch in is really cool, it has what look like cages, the kids thought that was pretty cool too. We got to see a baby elephant being trained to do things on queue, we have to see the moment elephant do some painting. The aquarium is really neat."
Laura
"We visit during the week and head out early since mom likes renting the scooters instead of using her wheelchair. We have never had a problem not finding one but avoid busy weekends. Perks of homeschool!
There are neverending lessons to learn while visiting the zoo and not just about the animals. We spent a day looking at all the jobs and working on optimizing the job algorithms to incorporate coding and possible future optimizations with AI. The only limit is your mind.
There are plenty of animals and places to rest. We bring a backpack cooler and a water bladder backpack to stay hydrated and have plenty of snacks. There is a good variety of foods, and you can doordash a delivery if you prefer something else.
Always a pleasant experience and we have yet to complete the entire zoo in one day on any visit. There is lots to see including plants, birds, insects and other creatures that have unofficially moves into the zoo! 😁"
Peace Bringers Cooperative
"It's pretty good. But the viewing areas for most of the exhibits are limited. Combine that with rude people and you've gotta fight for position to see the animals. Lines for the train were long, just to buy tickets. And the animals you see during your ride are nothing to get excited about. Except for the 3 cheetahs. They were actually moving for a minute. Reptile House is closed until 2026. And the Zoo Passes are now restricted to the zoo they are bought from. We used to buy it every year and the discount for food and gift shop items were honored everywhere. Now, it's only at the zoo you bought it at. That kind of pissed me off. And $14.50 for a pretzel and cheese is ridiculous. Food prices are as bad a theme park. They don't allow coolers so be prepared to spend some serious money if you plan on staying for the day. But the kids had fun I guess."
Rob Howe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is located at 2600 Degrees West, Toledo, OH 43609. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check with your local transit authority for routes and schedules.
Yes, the Toledo Zoo offers parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a good spot.
Information on public transport to the Toledo Zoo can be found on the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) website. Check their routes and schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Toledo has a range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Many are located a short drive from the zoo, offering convenient accommodation for visitors.
To avoid traffic congestion, it's best to visit during weekday mornings. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, so plan your travel accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Toledo Zoo website for the most current admission fees and any potential discounts. Some reviews mention prices for food being high, so factor that into your budget.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time at the entrance, especially during peak seasons. Check the Toledo Zoo's official website for online ticketing options.
The zoo's operating hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official Toledo Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. Some special events, like Harvest Fest, extend hours.
Yes, the Toledo Zoo offers various membership options. Be aware that reciprocal benefits for memberships may be restricted to the zoo where the pass was purchased.
While specific discounts like Kroger partnerships might change, it's always a good idea to check the zoo's website or local community boards for potential deals. Membership reciprocity has been limited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the baby elephant Kirkja, and the playful otters.
Don't miss the orangutans
The zoo is generally accessible, and many visitors use scooters or wheelchairs for easier navigation. Arriving early is recommended to secure rentals.
Absolutely! Kids love the rope course, which offers an adventurous experience above animal enclosures. The aquarium's touch tank is also a hit.
The Reptile House at the Toledo Zoo is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in 2026.
Yes, you can bring a backpack cooler with snacks and drinks to save money. However, coolers are not allowed, so pack accordingly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers various food options, though availability might be limited during the off-season or on weekdays. Reviewers have noted that food prices can be comparable to theme parks, so bringing your own snacks is a good strategy.
While specific menus can change, zoos typically offer standard fare like fries, pretzels, and some salads. It's best to check the zoo's website or inquire upon arrival for the most current dietary options.
You can bring your own food and drinks in a backpack cooler, which is a great way to manage costs. There are designated areas where you can enjoy your picnic.
Some visitors have mentioned using services like DoorDash for food delivery if they prefer something different from the zoo's offerings.
Food prices can be high, with one reviewer noting $14.50 for a pretzel and cheese. Be prepared for theme park-level pricing if you plan to purchase food on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
The baby elephant enclosure offers incredibly cute photo opportunities. Look for unique angles in the aquarium and during special events like Harvest Fest.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check the zoo's visitor guidelines for any specific restrictions.
Yes, you can often photograph animals during training sessions, like the baby elephant learning commands. These moments can provide unique and engaging shots.
Consider capturing the playful otters, the orangutans interacting with their environment,
or the striking polar bears. The zoo's diverse exhibits offer many creative possibilities.
The aquarium, with its colorful fish and marine life, is very photogenic. The large cat enclosures and the primate areas also offer great opportunities for capturing animal behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 and the active Kodiak Ridge bears.To make the most of your family visit, consider arriving early on weekdays to avoid crowds and heat. Bringing your own snacks and drinks in a backpack cooler is a smart way to manage costs, as on-site food can be expensive.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on weekday mornings can help you avoid peak crowds and potentially enjoy a more relaxed experience without needing extra services. Look for any available discounts on the zoo's website or through local partnerships, though these can be limited. The sheer variety of animals and exhibits provides a full day's entertainment without needing to purchase many add-ons.
couples
The aquarium offers a cool and engaging environment to explore together.Consider visiting during the Harvest Fest twilight hours on Thursdays and Fridays in the fall for a unique evening experience with seasonal displays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
+2 The Kodiak Ridge area is another must-see, featuring impressive and active grizzly bears that leave a strong impression.For those interested in primates, the orangutan exhibit is a fascinating area, showcasing intelligent animals like Fajar, who recently celebrated his birthday.
Keepers often share insights into their care, adding an educational layer to the visit. The zoo also boasts a snow leopard exhibit, where visitors can see adorable cubs like Murphy. While the Reptile House is undergoing renovations until 2026,Beyond the animals, the Toledo Zoo offers additional attractions. The rope course is a popular activity for children, providing an adventurous perspective above the animal enclosures.
Planning Your Toledo Zoo Visit: Tips from the Community
When it comes to dining, reviewers consistently point out that food prices can be high, comparable to theme parks. Therefore, packing a backpack cooler with your own snacks and drinks is a highly recommended money-saving tip.
It's also crucial to stay informed about exhibit closures and operational changes. The Reptile House, for instance, is closed until 2026.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit