Top Attractions for Families at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is truly one of the best zoos in the country. Our family is fortunate enough to live close by so we purchase an annual membership and visit the zoo often. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the ideal attraction for families with kids of all ages. If you are visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, make sure you don't miss these top attractions for families.

Giraffe Feeding. One of the greatest attractions for families at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, and one that sets this zoo apart from others across the country, is the ability to feed the zoo's giraffes. Giraffe Ridge is built in such a way that visitors are literally face to face with the amazing creatures. For just a couple bucks you can purchase special biscuits at set times during the day to actually feed the giraffes. A photographer even takes a snapshot of the event if you are interested in taking home a special souvenir of your encounter (or bring your own camera and take your own photos for free!).

Lorikeet Landing. If your family enjoys interacting with the animals then Lorikeet Landing is a must visit at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. At Lorikeet Landing, visitors can purchase a small cup of nectar, then enter a huge enclosed Lorikeet habitat. The small colorful birds will then land on your arm, your shoulder, and maybe even your head in their quest to drink the nectar. If you aren't a fan of birds, skip this one, but children in particular have a blast with this Cincinnati Zoo attraction.

Bug House (World of the Insect). The bug house (officially named "World of the Insect") is a must visit for families at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Inside the bug house, zoo visitors can see amazing bugs from all around the world. Kids (and adults!) can even step on a special scale to see how many "bugs" they weigh. Interactive exhibits are peppered throughout the animal habitats giving visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo an intimate look into the lives of insects.

Meet a Keeper. When you first arrive at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden make sure you scope out the day's "Meet a Keeper" events. You can really get to know some of the zoo's animals by attending any number of these talks that occur throughout the park on most days of operation. Actual zoo keepers from the Cincinnati Zoo discuss specific animals, often bringing the animals out of their homes for an up close appearance. Get some inside information on the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo by attending some of the Meet a Keeper sessions.

Petting Zoo. The petting zoo at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is great for families to visit. In the petting zoo, parents and families can enter a fenced area to feed goats directly out of hand. Not comfortable getting that up close and personal with the goats? You can always just feed them safely on the other side of the fence. Families may also get the opportunity to pet other visiting animals (wallabies are one that we have encountered before) in the petting zoo as well as play on a fun, animal-themed playground.

Manatee Springs. Families will be in awe of these beautiful creatures as they get the chance to view manatees from underneath the ocean. This Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden attraction features a huge glass wall where onlookers can gaze into the world of the giant manatee. Other Florida native animals, such as alligators, are also housed in this indoor exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the greatest animal attractions for families in the nation. Pack your own lunch if you want to save some money (the Cincinnati Zoo permits visitors to bring in food and drinks) and enjoy these tips for family fun at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.