The Cincinnati Zoo is a wonderful place to visit during the colder months.
I’m sharing reasons and incentives for you to visit the Cincinnati Zoo in the winter months during the non-peak season, mid-January through the end of February.
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1. Awesome Animal Encounters and Chats
The Cincinnati Zoo has special animal encounters and chats on Saturdays and Sundays during Winter Discount Days.
You’ll want to check the schedule for the times and locations for your animals of choice.
There are also special chats on Holiday Mondays, January 20 & February 17, 2025.
Winter-Weather Animal Encounters at the Cincinnati Zoo
You can go behind the scenes with the following special animal encounters for an additional fee.
- Prowlin’ With the Pride (Nov.-Feb.)
- Slow Down With Sloths (Year-Round)
- Kickin’ It With Kangaroos (Nov.- Feb.)
- Animal Hospital Tour (Year-Round)
- Hippo Barn Tour (Year-Round)
- Incredible Insects – (Nov. -Feb.)
- Van Goat (Nov. – Feb.)
- The Tremendous Tour-toise (Year-Round)
2. Deeply Discounted Admission for The Cincinnati Zoo During Winter Discount Days
You can take advantage of discounts for adult and child admission in January and February with Winter Days tickets, an added incentive to visit during the cold weather (winter/ early spring cooler months.)
This is a great way for families and groups to experience a very affordable outing.
When are Winter Discount Days at the Cincinnati Zoo?
Winter Discount Days are now through February 28, 2025.
Save Money on Cincinnati Zoo Admission Year-Round
If you’re purchasing your tickets outside of “Winter Discount Days” you can find discounted tickets when you buy tickets in advance online and reduce your time in line when you arrive.
Purchase Discounted Tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo here
Additional Ways to Save on Cincinnati Zoo Admission
*Military and First Responders get $5 off adult and child admission. A Valid military, fire, or police ID is required to obtain the discount and the tickets must be purchased in person.
*There are discounts available through local AAA only and the discount is not available at the Cincinnati Zoo ticketing window.
You can purchase discounted Cincinnati Zoo tickets online with Ares Travel here.
Purchase a Cincinnati POGO Pass that includes admission to the Cincinnati Zoo. (Use discount code “ADVMOM” for 50% off)
* Learn more about discounts for groups of 15 or more here.
3. Take Advantage of Fewer Crowds at The Cincinnati Zoo
When you visit the Cincinnati Zoo during the winter months after the holidays, you’ll notice the lighter crowds than the Festival of Lights, especially the later it gets in the afternoon due to school letting out.
If you are concerned that your kids will get too cold, I suggest dressing them in snow pants and layered gear to help reduce complaints so that you can experience a longer stay.
4. Observe the Zoo Animals Who Actually Enjoy Cold Weather
There are lots of animals at the zoo that actually LOVE cold weather and as a result, they can be more active than in the hotter months.
A few cold-weather animals to look for are penguins, wolves, otters, red pandas, snow leopards, cougars, and arctic foxes.
5. See More Zoo Animals in their Indoor Exhibits
Warm up inside and view the animals in their indoor habitat with locations throughout the zoo.
Stop by the World of Insects, Elephant House, Night Hunters, Dragons!, Wings of the World bird house, Gorilla World (indoor gorilla habitat viewing), and Manatee Springs.
More Information
You can find more information on the Cincinnati Zoo website.
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Ok so the penguin parade is the cutest thing EVER!