Cincinnati Zoo Train

Key Highlights

• ✓Features extensive 'Christmas Magic' and 'Christmas 🎄 lights' creating a festive atmosphere (Review 1).
• ✓The 'new habitat' for gorillas is 'amazing for watching them' (Review 3).
• ✓Specific animal favorites mentioned include 'gorillas, river otters, and lemurs' (Review 3).
• ✓The train ride itself is highly rated ('ride 10 out of 10') (Review 5).
• ✓Enjoyable for very young children, as a '16 month old nephew enjoyed it' (Review 2).
• ✓Offers 'many things to do' and is suitable for 'a full day of watching and learning' (Review 3, 4).

Standout Features

• ⭐The extensive 'Christmas 🎄 lights' and 'Christmas Magic' ambiance during holiday events (Review 1).
• ⭐The 'new habitat for gorillas,' described as 'amazing for watching them' (Review 3).
• ⭐The 'train ride' itself is a highly enjoyable experience (Review 5).
• ⭐Popular animal exhibits including 'river otters, and lemurs' (Review 3).

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Outside food and drink (excluding alcohol) is permitted.
• • Coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, strollers, and wagons are allowed.
• • NO outside alcohol or glass containers are permitted.
• • Food locations' hours and availability are subject to weather and attendance.
• • Mobile ordering is available at Hops.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Rides and attractions are weather-dependent.
• • Zero Tolerance Bullying Policy: Guests must be kind to Zoo staff, no foul/hurtful/discriminatory language, no violence against staff or fellow guests, plants, and animals allowed.
• • NO SMOKING or VAPING is permitted anywhere on Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden grounds.
• • The Zoo does not allow any firearm to be brought on grounds, regardless of concealed carry permit (unless possessor is a properly credentialed and identified member of law enforcement).
• • Prohibited behaviors include: crossing into any enclosed animal areas, feeding the animals, throwing objects at the animals, sticking items through barriers, verbally harassing animals, striking any glass/barriers, displaying objects/props/stuffed animals to elicit an animal reaction.
• • Do not disturb any plants.
• • Prohibited items include: bicycles, skates, Heelys, hoverboards, skateboards, rollerblades, personally owned scooters, portable radios, drones, glass, outside alcohol, laser pointers, balloons, and weapons of any kind (even toy weapons).
• • Must stay on paths.
• • Pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds, even if left inside vehicles. Service animals are permitted (ADA Title III regulations apply).
• • Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Offensive or provocative clothing and language are prohibited. Costume face masks are prohibited.
• • In case of Lost Child or other emergencies, call the Zoo’s public safety team at 513.475.6112.
• • Visitors must comply with applicable health and safety regulations.
• • A $30 temporary credit pre-authorization will be placed for ScooterPal rentals.
• • ScooterPals are only permitted on the main Zoo loop and must stick to the designated route.
• • ScooterPals are NOT a substitute for a mobility device.

📅Booking Policy

• • Online ticket purchases save money (up to $10 per ticket) compared to ticket window prices.
• • Members are required to have account pictures for entry (adults and children/grandchildren) beginning May 1st, 2025. Photos can be added at any ticket window. Government issued photo IDs (or school IDs for children) will still be accepted in lieu of photos.
• • ECV rentals can be reserved online in advance (limited quantities).
• • ScooterPals are first come, first serve – not reservable. Renters scan a QR code (no app download needed) and complete a form. Payment is by card only, no cash.
• • Memberships are non-refundable, non-transferrable, and cannot be extended. All sales are final.
• • Primary and secondary adult member names cannot be changed during the membership year.
• • Memberships are not applicable for admission or rides during school field trips or separately ticketed events (e.g., company picnics, birthday parties, wine events).
• • No refunds or rainchecks are offered because the park remains open during inclement weather.
• • Commercial use of photographs, video, and film taken at the Cincinnati Zoo is strictly prohibited without the Zoo’s full written consent. Film crews must contact [email protected] in advance to set up their video shoot and pay a fee.
• • Re-entry is allowed for the date of ticket purchase (get a stamp at turnstiles).

🚗Parking Information

• • Main Zoo lot is located at 3427 Vine Street.
• • Additional parking lots are located across the street from the Zoo on Vine St., Erkenbrecher Ave, and Dury Ave.
• • Parking costs $10.
• • Payment for parking can be made at any parking kiosk or by scanning QR codes posted around the lots. Cash is not accepted; credit cards are accepted.
• • Parking cannot be guaranteed on high attendance days as it is first-come, first-served.
• • Free parking is included for Platinum, Gold, and Standard members (limited to one vehicle per named adult on membership per day).
• • 8 electric vehicle charging ports are available in the main Vine St. parking lot.
• • Parking is for Zoo visitors only and for the duration of the visit. Parking for other purposes is prohibited and may result in towing.