Things to Do at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Complete Guide to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland

About Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

This distinctive destination represents the authentic character and cultural heritage of Cleveland, featuring architectural elements, historical significance, and local traditions that provide visitors with genuine insights into regional identity and community life spanning multiple generations. Typical entrance fees range from the local equivalent of -15 USD depending on seasonal demand and included amenities, while guided tours cost an additional -20 per person and offer invaluable context about historical events, cultural practices, and hidden details often overlooked by independent exploration. The site showcases remarkable craftsmanship through traditional building techniques, locally-sourced materials, and distinctive design elements that reflect regional climate adaptations and cultural influences, creating photography opportunities that capture both architectural beauty and atmospheric conditions throughout different times of day. Plan visits during early morning hours (8:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon when natural lighting enhances visual appeal and temperatures remain comfortable for extended walking, while bringing appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces and respectful attire that honors local customs, listening for ambient sounds like traditional music, marketplace activity, or natural elements that contribute to the authentic sensory experience of this remarkable location.

What to See & Do

The RainForest

A massive two-story indoor tropical ecosystem with over 10,000 plants and 600 animals. You'll walk through misty pathways surrounded by free-flying birds, sloths hanging overhead, and an impressive 25-foot waterfall.

African Savanna

Home to elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs in spacious, naturalistic habitats. The viewing areas are well-designed so you can actually get decent photos, and watching the elephants interact is genuinely captivating.

Australian Adventure

Walk through a large aviary where kangaroos hop freely around you - it's surprisingly magical. You'll also meet Tasmanian devils, echidnas, and a variety of colorful Australian birds.

Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building

Houses an impressive collection of primates including orangutans and gorillas, plus big cats like snow leopards. The aquatic section features everything from sea lions to stingrays you can actually touch.

Wilderness Trek

A elevated boardwalk that takes you through different North American habitats. You might spot bears, wolves, and bald eagles while getting a bird's-eye view of the zoo's natural landscape.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 10am-5pm, with extended summer hours until 7pm. Hours vary seasonally and some indoor exhibits may close earlier, so it's worth checking their website before your visit.

Tickets & Pricing

Adult admission runs around $18-22, children (2-11) about $14-16, with free admission for kids under 2. Parking is $8. You can buy tickets online for a small discount and to skip the entrance lines.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, and animals are often more active in cooler weather. Spring and fall offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Suggested Duration

Plan on 4-6 hours if you want to see everything comfortably. You could easily spend a full day here, especially if you catch any of the keeper talks or feeding demonstrations.

Getting There

The zoo sits in Brookside Park, 10 minutes south of downtown Cleveland. Take I-71 to the Fulton Road exit if you're driving-parking costs $8 and there's plenty available. RTA buses 21 and 26 serve the area. Having a car helps. The zoo belongs to the Cleveland Metroparks system, so you'll find green space that feels removed from city life despite the close location. Total contrast to downtown.

Things to Do Nearby

Cleveland Museum of Natural History
About 15 minutes away in University Circle, featuring dinosaur exhibits and the famous Lucy skeleton. It pairs nicely with a zoo visit for a full day of animal-focused fun.

West Side Market
A historic indoor market that's been operating since 1912. It's maybe 10 minutes north and perfect for grabbing lunch or picking up local specialties after your zoo visit.

Brookside Reservation
The zoo sits within this larger Metropark, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and the All Purpose Trail for walking or biking. Great for extending your outdoor day.

Cleveland Botanical Garden
Located in University Circle, about 20 minutes away. Features beautiful outdoor gardens plus two impressive glass conservatories with tropical and desert environments.

Tips & Advice

Download the zoo map on your phone or grab a paper one at the entrance - the layout can be a bit confusing at first, and you don't want to miss anything important.

The RainForest can get quite humid and warm, so dress in layers you can adjust. Comfortable walking shoes are obviously essential since you'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.

Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and feeding times when you arrive - these demonstrations actually add a lot to the experience and help you time your visit to different exhibits.

Bring a water bottle and snacks, though the zoo does have decent food options. The prices are what you'd expect at an attraction like this, but the quality is actually pretty reasonable.