Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Candy McCracken Interview!

We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!

To learn more about the event, click HERE!

Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Patrick Loudermilk Interview!

We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!

To learn more about the festival, click HERE!

Wild Adventures Await: Celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month with Family Fun in Ohio

Are you ready to have fun and make memories with your family and friends? Today, The Morning Thing celebrated National Zoo and Aquarium Month by sharing a list of destinations throughout Ohio.
Check out this list! Follow the links and you can start planning your trip. We would love to have you send us a picture – wnzr@mvnu.edu

๐Ÿฆ Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell, near Columbus)


๐Ÿฆ“ Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden


๐ŸŒ Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

  • Immersive exhibits, including a two-level RainForest and African Savanna with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs ohiorc.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
  • Interactive, familyโ€‘driven activities scattered throughoutโ€”great for kids to learn and explore hands-on ohiorc.org+1ohiorc.org+1

๐Ÿ  Greater Cleveland Aquarium


๐Ÿฌ Toledo Zoo & Aquarium


๐Ÿง Akron Zoo (Akron)


๐Ÿ† The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)

  • Ohioโ€™s massive safari park on 9,154 acres of reclaimed coal mine land en.wikipedia.org
  • Open-range enclosures for rare & endangered speciesโ€”plus zip-lining, horseback riding, fishing & biking en.wikipedia.org
  • Requires advanced reservations; less conventional but unforgettable wildlife immersion

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Bonus Spot: African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)

  • Drive-through safari with exotic animals; also walk-around petting zoo and train rides
  • More interactive with a โ€œWild Herdโ€ experienceโ€”brings people close to giraffes, camels, bison, etc.

๐Ÿ“Œ Quick Comparison Table

LocationHighlights for Families
Columbus Zoo & AquariumCoasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenHistoric grounds, endangered species, handsโ€‘on demos
Cleveland Metroparks ZooRainforest, African Savanna, immersive exhibits
Greater Cleveland AquariumTouch-pools, shark tube, diver shows
Toledo Zoo & AquariumMassive reef tanks, dive shows, evening events
Akron ZooCompact, educational programs, junior keeper
The WildsSafari adventure + outdoor activities
African Safari ParkDrive-through safari, petting train, exotic animals

โœ… Family Day Tips

  • Each site offers conservation & educational programmingโ€”ask about keeper talks or tours.
  • Check schedules for interactive experiences (feeding times, dive shows, rides).
  • Combine a Zoo + Aquarium visit (e.g., Cleveland Zoo + Greater Cleveland Aquarium).
  • For outdoor adventure, head to The Wilds or African Safari Park.
  • Bring snacks or picnic, water, sunscreenโ€”plus a stroller for little ones.

Special Events on the Summer 2025 Calendar:
๐Ÿฆ Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell)

๐Ÿ•’ Hours & Tickets

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Online Perks & Passes

๐ŸŽ‰ June Events


๐Ÿฆ“ Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

๐ŸŽซ Tickets

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ June Events



๐Ÿ  Greater Cleveland Aquarium

๐ŸŽซ Tickets

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ June Events


๐Ÿฌ Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

๐ŸŽซ Tickets

  • Nonโ€‘Lucas County: Adult $32, Child $29, Senior $29. Lucas County: Adult $30, Child $27, Senior $27 toledozoo.org
  • Parking included? Details online

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ June Events

Rick Springfield Concert: Juneโ€ฏ29 โ€“ ticket via Live Nation, sold separately toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1

Twilight Evenings: Wed & Thu, Mayโ€ฏ28โ€“Augโ€ฏ28; halfโ€‘price admission 4โ€“8โ€ฏPM, closes 9โ€ฏPM toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1

Weekly Evening Events: Garden tours, trivia, member mornings, family safaris, etc. See calendar details toledozoo.org

Zen at the Zoo (Yoga + Keeper Talk): Juneโ€ฏ21 toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2

Father’s Week on WNZR – Thursday!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some great messages that you can give to a father figure in your life this Father’s Day. They have all kinds of messages from funny to sappy! Whether your saying this out loud or writing it in a card it is sure to make your dad feel special!

To see the entire list, click HERE!

Father’s Week on WNZR – Wednesday!

Today we tied Father’s Day into the bible! By sharing some inspiring fathers in scripture! We should focus on God’s word this week as these amazing men inspire us to be more like them.

Some of the fathers we shared:

  • Adam – The First Man
  • Noah – A Brave Man
  • Abraham – The Father of Many Nations
  • Isaac – The Son of Abraham

These are just a few! To see the entire list, click HERE!

Father’s Week on WNZR – Tuesday!

Today, we wanted to give you some inspiration what to do for Father’s Day! Our hosts shared some great ideas on activities you can do to make your day feel special this weekend. There is something for every kind of Dad!

Some of our favorites:

  • Have a movie marathon
  • Play video/board games
  • Attend a ball game
  • Go hiking or biking

To see the full list of ideas, click HERE!

Father’s Week on WNZR – Monday!

Today, we kicked off Father’s Week here in WNZR and we’ll be sharing encouragement for dad’s every day!

We began with some roles that dads should embrace. These are important models that your children need in their lives!

We also shared some great examples that you can set for your kids! These are extremely important as children often mimic their parents so we want to be setting the best example we can.

To see the roles that dads should embrace, click HERE!

If you want to check out the examples you should set, click HERE!

All the details about June First Friday!

Lacey Filkins, the Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon, came to chat with us about this special event! She gives us all the details about June First Friday in downtown Mount Vernon!

There is so much happening and you will definitely not want to miss it! Come join in on the fun and while your there stop by Big Blue to register to win our “Take a sip, Take a dip, Turn it up” prize basket!

For all the details on tonight and what is happening, click HERE!

If you want to hear our conversation with Lacey, click down below!

Want to take more action in your own life?

Today, our host shared some great tips on how to take action in your life every single day! Taking action can be struggle but staying consistent is the key. These suggestions are things you can implement today that will make it easier to meet you goals going forward!

Click HERE to check out these great tips!

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