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

0

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.

0

New Directions First Family Block Party!

New Directions of Knox County is doing something very exciting this year, and Callie Pillow, from New Directions, got to tell us all about it! They are having their first ever Family Block Party Fundraiser and it is going to be an exciting night.

Come out and enjoy live music, food trucks, activities, and more!

Callie tells us about everything happening at the Block Party and also shares background information on their shelter.

To learn more about the event, click HERE!

0

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!

0

Sonfest 2025 Announcement!

We got to talk with Zoe Bricker and Ben Slater from MVNU Admissions, for the big announcements about Sonfest!

They share everything about Sonfest including:

  • Where is it?
  • When is it?
  • How can I get tickets?
  • Who is performing?

We are excited to welcome ELEVATION RHYTHM, John Mark McMillan, Citizens, and more to MVNU’s campus, as a part of the concert lineup!

For more information or to get tickets, click HERE!

0

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!

0

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!

0

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!

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑