Category: Inspirational

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

🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell, near Columbus)

🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

🌍 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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

🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium

🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

🐧 Akron Zoo (Akron)

🐆 The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)

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

🗺️ 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 “Wild Herd” experience—brings people close to giraffes, camels, bison, etc.

📌 Quick Comparison Table

LocationHighlights for Families
Columbus Zoo & AquariumCoasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenHistoric grounds, endangered species, hands‑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

✅ Family Day Tips

  • Each site offers conservation & educational programming—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, sunscreen—plus a stroller for little ones.

Special Events on the Summer 2025 Calendar:
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell)

🕒 Hours & Tickets

🎟️ Online Perks & Passes

🎉 June Events

🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

🎫 Tickets

🗓️ June Events

🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium

🎫 Tickets

🗓️ June Events

🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

🎫 Tickets

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

🗓️ June Events

Rick Springfield Concert: June 29 – ticket via Live Nation, sold separately toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1

Twilight Evenings: Wed & Thu, May 28–Aug 28; half‑price admission 4–8 PM, closes 9 PM 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): June 21 toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2

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WNZR shares an update from the United Way of Knox County

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Katie Ellis, Executive Director and Kristina Hagemann, Program Coordinator for the United Way of Knox County. The ladies shared exciting news about two new bike programs happening in our community. They also shared a report about the recent Power of the Purse Event. Katie and Kristina also shared highlights of their summer calendar, how to stay connected to the United Way and how to get involved with Women United.

Click HERE for the full conversation.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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WNZR presents the June 2025 MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR for our monthly MVNU Update.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Dr. Castleman shared his thoughts about graduation at MVNU and plans for the Summer of 2025.

We covered many topics including:

  • Travel plans for the Summer
  • Highlights of MVNU’s 2025 Commencement Weekend
  • Updates to Traditional and GPS enrollment
  • Innovative VR technology now being used in the MVNU Nursing Department.
  • Construction updates including for the MVNU Chapel and MVNU’s Women’s Auxiliary building

Dr. Castleman also shares special messages for the MVNU students, staff and faculty.

He also shares how we can pray for MVNU and his family throughout the month of June.

Click HERE for more information about MVNU.

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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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Do’s and Don’ts for parents of graduates!

The Morning Thing was focused on the Class of 25′ today! The hosts shared these do’s and don’ts when it comes to communicating with your adult child. These are just some good ideas and tips on how to effectively communicate and conduct yourself when your kids move off to college!

Click HERE to see the full list!

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