Akron Zoo
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
830 reviews
Excellent
482
Very good
256
Average
55
Poor
25
Terrible
12
Joe Fox
3 contributions
Oct 2019
Not a huge, however, one can spend a lovely day at this zoo. The prices are a little bit above what they should be and currently there are parts under construction. Nonetheless, Overall I would suggest this as a nice escape from the rundown urbanized half city that is Akron. Honestly, the only attraction that is worthwhile in this area.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kami P
1 contribution
Sep 2020
So disappointed with this zoo. Not only are the exhibits small for the animals (except the bears), this zoo has gone well beyond the requirements of the CoVid rules. Why are all the play equipment closed? The playgrounds in the city are open, so this is not ok. Also, why can't masks come off outside when social distancing? Columbus Zoo has my full support, and have nothing closed, and you can take your masks off. Will not visit again.
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe K
Toledo, OH9 contributions
Apr 2022
The Akron Zoo appears to have been built in the mountains. When entering the park, there are many parking spaces and, easy access to the main buliding for purchasing tickets. Once you step into the zoo proper, it's a little confusing walking from site to site but, once you get the drift of the trails, it becomes pretty clear where you're heading; and, that would be UP. I must admit, for an older guy with back issues, it wasn't the most pleasant walk but, I made it to the top and found plenty of benches to park it for a few moments before heading on. The animal exhibits were very nice although, the birds were not on display at the time of our visit. The zoo docents were extremely helpful, friendly and, knowledgable. Definitely a great time and glad we were able to walk to all the exhibits.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neal B
Clinton, OH165 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Visited Akron zoo 12/26 for the wild lights displace. It was outstanding! The whole zoo was lite up w fun displays of animals and festive scenes. Plenty of areas for family photo ops, easy to maneuver w parking onsite and an easy walk to entrance. Definitely worth a trip over to c the display.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DWathenYoungstown_OH
Youngstown, OH300 contributions
May 2022
Had been some years since I last visited. Sadly, the birds were all off exhibit due to bird flu concerns. About half of the zoo's exhibits are birds. All exhibits are very nice. One could get close up views of most of the residents. Very nice indoor exhibits of reptiles, fish, and insects. We went on a Wednesday and thought it was kid's day given the number of kid's groups. Ample parking and nice gift shop. Food is available. Nice way to spend a couple of hours.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay
Ohio212 contributions
Jul 2021
Lots of different types of animals and many ways to view them, that's what I want in a zoo. The zoo isn't too big and is good for smaller kids (but anyone will love it). The boma and carousel are really fun and the gardens are especially beautiful. A good place to spent 2-4 hours or so and see some animals.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken
Orient, Ohio267 contributions
Jul 2023
Great staff. Engaging and knowledgeable about the zoo, species and SSP. Don't hesitate to spend time chatting, even about areas not within their expertise.
Well designed habitats. Good visibility for the most part though, as a photographer, shooting through mesh is impossible and shooting through glass is always challenging. I do prefer zoos who manage to creatively avoid both and give the illusion that barriers don't exist. Akron Zoo has the handicap of limited acreage so it's more of a challenge.
Terrain can be a little challenging, especially for those with mobility issues as most of the pathways are inclines. Not steep but not many flat spots either. Appears the entire zoo is on a hillside with habitats constructed on the slope.
Lehner Family Gardens is a beautiful asset and I nice spot to take a break.
Good variety of species with some unique critters. Loved the nocturnal building. Though most people think it's just bats, there are several species to discover. Their population of Seba's short-tailed bats is impressive and I can't say I've seen them at any other zoo that I can recall. Was especially entertaining to hear the people as the keeper was in with them, hosing off the bat cave walls. Andean condors are impressive close up with their wings spread. Jaguar and snow leopard are beautiful. Red panda exhibit gives a unique perspective from tree level, instead of ground. The fact that they have a coyote habitat is cool considering this species is much maligned and persecuted by humans just because they were able to outsmart us and survive among us. Don't overlook 'Curious Creatures'.
Unfortunately, the red wolf habitat was closed, hopefully for a good reason, like new pups, and not something unfortunate.
Several kid oriented activities well spaced throughout the zoo. Do wish they had more in the way of scheduled presentations/enrichments.
Overall, while I would not consider this an all-day experience, it was a nice way to spend the morning and early afternoon before the drive home.
Well designed habitats. Good visibility for the most part though, as a photographer, shooting through mesh is impossible and shooting through glass is always challenging. I do prefer zoos who manage to creatively avoid both and give the illusion that barriers don't exist. Akron Zoo has the handicap of limited acreage so it's more of a challenge.
Terrain can be a little challenging, especially for those with mobility issues as most of the pathways are inclines. Not steep but not many flat spots either. Appears the entire zoo is on a hillside with habitats constructed on the slope.
Lehner Family Gardens is a beautiful asset and I nice spot to take a break.
Good variety of species with some unique critters. Loved the nocturnal building. Though most people think it's just bats, there are several species to discover. Their population of Seba's short-tailed bats is impressive and I can't say I've seen them at any other zoo that I can recall. Was especially entertaining to hear the people as the keeper was in with them, hosing off the bat cave walls. Andean condors are impressive close up with their wings spread. Jaguar and snow leopard are beautiful. Red panda exhibit gives a unique perspective from tree level, instead of ground. The fact that they have a coyote habitat is cool considering this species is much maligned and persecuted by humans just because they were able to outsmart us and survive among us. Don't overlook 'Curious Creatures'.
Unfortunately, the red wolf habitat was closed, hopefully for a good reason, like new pups, and not something unfortunate.
Several kid oriented activities well spaced throughout the zoo. Do wish they had more in the way of scheduled presentations/enrichments.
Overall, while I would not consider this an all-day experience, it was a nice way to spend the morning and early afternoon before the drive home.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen F
19 contributions
Jun 2022
The Akron Zoo is a wonderful place to spend the day. I have been to MUCH larger zoos, but Akron Zoo is just a very nicely maintained place to visit. They actually have lions, and tigers, and bears. Oh MY!
My wife's favorite part of the zoo is the Penguin exhibit. It is set up with tanks where you can watch the penguins above and below the water.
There is a bat cave. Lots of brightly colored frogs, which seem to glow with the black light features. Too many animals to name them all. The otters are a blast to watch.
We try to go at least once a year. If you are in the Akron area, don't miss this great zoo.
My wife's favorite part of the zoo is the Penguin exhibit. It is set up with tanks where you can watch the penguins above and below the water.
There is a bat cave. Lots of brightly colored frogs, which seem to glow with the black light features. Too many animals to name them all. The otters are a blast to watch.
We try to go at least once a year. If you are in the Akron area, don't miss this great zoo.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin P
6 contributions
Sep 2021
Nice little zoo. My mom and I visited at the end of the day and we were able to see everything in less than 1.5hr. Lots of new areas like Asia and Africa and seems like there are more expansions and updates in the works. Not very many animals considering how much space the zoo takes up.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian P
Akron, OH31 contributions
Dec 2019
The Akron Zoo does a great job with the space they have. They are always improving to give the guests a great experience. I visited Zoo Lights and was amazed at the scenery. Although this was my most recent visit, I have been many times before and will visit again.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Akron, OH
Do you offer a discount through McdPerks?
Anita S
Chesterland, OH67 contributions
I do not work for McDonald's...this is a discount program for their employees & their friends. Ask someone who works in the restaurant (a manager would be the one to talk to) & you can get your answer that way.
AS
Do you offer military discount on admission tickets?
Trip299782
Olean, NY11 contributions
Unfortunately no. However they do offer Senior Discounts
pennyshreve44077
Painesville, OH
Do you guys have foxes?
Caron W
Lockport, IL79 contributions
When we went the beginning of August, they did have foxes.
The animals we did not see there were monkeys, elephants, and giraffes.
pennyshreve44077
Painesville, OH
Do you guys have foxes
Amanda D
21 contributions
There were foxes present the last time we went, earlier this summer, yes.
Pat-Nick-sicily
Akron, OH1 contribution
Credit cards?
bratbabybrunner
Van Wert, OH18 contributions
Yes we paid with either credit or debit card.
Didn’t give discount for being a AARP member though.
Has anyone taken a behind the scenes tour? What was the experience like?
MonsterKronen
Akron, OH37 contributions
As jkzoo stated, the zoo has organized themselves better and now more prepared for customer services in the behind the scenes atmosphere. A great deal and awesome experience for the price.
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Claim your listingAkron Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Akron Zoo
- Akron Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Akron Zoo:
- (1.08 mi) Berrodin Bed & Breakfast
- (0.38 mi) Portage House
- (3.39 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Akron
- (1.67 mi) The O'Neil House Bed and Breakfast
- (4.32 mi) Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
- Restaurants near Akron Zoo:
- (1.06 mi) Diamond Deli
- (1.56 mi) Luigis Restaurant
- (0.60 mi) Krispy Kreme
- (1.21 mi) Aladdin’s Eatery
- (1.47 mi) Crave
Akron Zoo Information
Excellent Reviews | 482 |
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Very Good Reviews | 256 |
Akron Zoo Photos | 362 |