The Toledo Zoo is the perfect destination for all ages if you are looking for a day trip with your family. This day trip spot is just a little more than an hour away from Livingston County. You can travel, enjoy the animals and attractions and make it back for dinner at home if you wish.
My family and I have been zoo members for years. We make the drive to Toledo at least two times each summer and visit several times when the weather cools. The holiday light display over the winter months is a family tradition to celebrate my son’s birthday. (He was born December 26th so we like to get away from the house and make a day of it in Toledo.)
There are different levels of zoo memberships you can purchase. Memberships also give you FREE parking (a $13 savings), discounts at concessions and gift shops and much more.
My 12-year-old was very excited for our first zoo trip of the summer. He had seen the previews of the new BEAR EXHIBIT and couldn’t wait to check it out. Kodiak Ridge did not disappoint. The 3 large bears , two Grizzly sisters and a Kodiak, have so much room to roam and play. You can view nearly every inch of their enclosure from the large glass windows.
We enjoyed watching them swim and splash with each other. Crazy to be up close and personal with Dodge, a Kodiak Bear who is 10ft tall and weighs more than 1,000 pounds!!!
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The zoo was not very busy on this day, most likely due to the heat and humidity. This worked in our favor as we were able to talk one on one with many of the keepers.
We learned that one of the elephants, Renee, is expecting a baby in March of 2024. (Did you know that elephants are pregnant for 22 MONTHS!!!)
This visit we decided to head over to the Giraffes and get the full experience of feeding them as well. You and your family can walk out on the deck and get face to face with all the Giraffes. Lettuce needs to be purchased. For $6 you get 4 pieces of lettuce or for $11 you can get a family bunch of lettuce, 12 pieces.
It was another opportunity to talk to the zoo keepers and learn about each Giraffe as it came up to the deck.
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While animals are the focus of any zoo visit the Toledo Zoo also has some fun opportunities for little ones to take breaks. There is a playground and Water zone in the center of the zoo right by the new farm animal area. For the more adventurous you can try zip lining and the high ropes course that takes you over the enclosure with Ostrich, Zebras, Gazelles and more. This is the same enclosure that you can circle and see up close while on a train ride.
When the heat sent some of the animals towards the shade, we went inside the aquarium to explore and cool down. The exhibits and touch tanks make it a site to see to keep everyone in the family oohing and ahhing.
Some notable points if you plan to travel. If you are a frequent visitor, some food stands and cafes have changed a bit since covid shutdown. The zoo website is great resource to plan out your day in advance.
MEMBERSHIP INFO Membership - Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 2023 - Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
ZOO ATTRACTIONS Attractions - Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
