Winter Family Fun at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

GIVEAWAY over!  Congrats to Tiffany Hoesel!

Looking for something FUN to do this winter?  Head off to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is obviously a family favorite during the spring, summer and fall months but I think visiting during the winter can be just as much fun, if not, my favorite time to visit!  Here are a few reasons that The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is on my list of “Winter Family Fun”!

Smaller crowds:
Growing up, my parents would buy a yearly family membership to The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and to maximize the benefits we went year round.  In fact, one of my favorite winter zoo memories is sliding down the ice covered stone stairs of the seal exhibit with my siblings…what energy we had!
If you visit the zoo during the winter months there are virtually no lines at the ticket counters, restrooms or the concession stands. Since there are a lot less people, you won’t have to feel rushed to move along because there is a family behind you waiting, nor will you have to hold up your child to see over the crowds in the smaller exhibits.

Indoor exhibits:

The Cleveland Zoo offers many heated indoor exhibits including the unique two-acre, two-level Rainforest exhibit, African Elephant Crossing, Wolf Lodge and the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building. We especially love visiting the Rainforest in the winter as the balmy temps inside are a welcome retreat to the harsh winter air.  With over 10,000 plants and over 600 animals from the jungles of Asia, Africa and the Americas, you could easily spend the afternoon just in this one building.

Much cooler:
While we love visiting the zoo in the middle of the summer, the cooler temperatures of winter allow us to enjoy the park without the humidity and haze that July can bring.  I find that many of the furry animals are much more active this time of year too as they are not hiding away trying to get out of the heat.
If the cold has you hesitant about walking about, no worries; The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers trams to transport you to the different areas.  We rode a open air tram up the the Primate building, much to the excitement of my boys and a heated bus on the way back and out to the Northern Trek.  Best of all, there were no lines!

Less expensive:
Well of course I’d be talking about this!  If you don’t have a Cleveland Zoo family membership (as low as $74 for two adult and up to 6 kids), then visiting the zoo in the winter months can save you money!  Winter rates, November through March, will snag you a $4 discount on adult tickets and a $2 discount on kids.  Depending how many are in your family, that can save you quite a lot!

It’s gorgeous:
Without the summer heat and large crowds, we were able to take our time and truly enjoy our day.  I think there is something quite peaceful about the snow covered paths, serene foliage, and smaller crowds that makes the winter months one of the best times to visit!

Want to make a visit to the Cleveland Metroparks?  One reader will be randomly selected to win a 4 pack of tickets!  Enter below:

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Disclaimer:  This is not a paid post.  Thank you to The Cleveland Metroparks for providing tickets for a review and giveaway.  All opinions are my own