I Love the Akron Zoo - Akron, Ohio
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The Akron Zoo is the best little zoo around. Yes, I am biased because I grew up in Akron, Ohio. But I also have some facts and personal experiences to support my stance. First I will share MY reasons for loving the Akron Zoo then I will follow up with some facts about the zoo that may persuade you to come take a visit!
Location
The Akron Zoo, which is located at 500 Edgewood Ave in Akron, Ohio 44307, is only a 15 minute drive from my house. Inflated gas prices make the location of this zoo a major bonus in my book.
Size
The Akron Zoo is a smaller-scale zoo that you can walk through in just a few hours. You can still see everything without rushing around like a maniac. If your little one wants to spend 20 minutes watching the lion sleep you can relax and let him knowing you will still easily fit in the rest of the exhibits. I can take my three kids to the Akron Zoo at 10 am and still be home by 2 pm.
Gardens
Waterfalls and flowers galore, what’s not to love?! Even the most allergic individual won’t be able to stay out of these magnificent gardens filled with sculptures and benches. And yes, the children can stick their hands in the fountains – I have even seen adults do it! Okay, I admit – it was me. This is the perfect stop on the very hot day at the zoo.
Breakfast with the Penguins!
You will have to keep an eye out for this one on your own. Information can be found on the web site’s calendar of events. Breakfast with the Penguins is an annual event and a limited number of people can participate. I will be taking my daughter to this one because she is obsessed with penguins!
Jellyfish Exhibit
Oh, sorry. This one left at the end of 2011. But you know what – it delighted my children for years so I am leaving it in the article. Who knows, maybe someday soon the jellyfish will return. However, losing this exhibit opened more space for a new reef exhibit – which will debut in May 2012.
Carousel
The zoo boasts a new carousel featuring ALL your favorite animals. Stick your kid on that sucker and claim one of the many rocking chairs set around for weary parents.
Train and Petting Zoo
Your kids can also take a miniature train ride through farm country and come face to face with sheep, goats, and pigs. Does that sheep over there look hungry to you? Good, you can visit that little hut and buy some biscuits to feed him and his friends. Don’t forget to look in the shaded cages– you might catch a glimpse of the owl.
Akron Zoo Initiatives
Conservation
This zoo may be tiny but it’s still using resources wisely to benefit animals all over the world. The Akron Zoo is committed to conservation in the form of restoration, preservation, and reintroduction programs. The Akron Zoo designates 1% of all gate receipts and donations from the wishing well to the Akron Zoo’s Conservation Fund to support field research, to preserve habitat and to develop education programs.
Unique Experiences
Yes, you pay more for these experiences. But many kids already have so many toys they don’t play with. Why not gift an experience and save yourself the heartache of finding that new “beloved” $40 toy in the back of the closet? You can gift experiences such as Animal Encounters, a Behind the Scenes Tour, being Keeper for a Day, acting as Zoo Veterinarians for a Day, and becoming Trainer for a Day. For more information about these unique experiences click Akron Zoo – Unique Experiences.
Zoo Updates and Expansions
In 2013 the Akron Zoo will be opening a new exhibit, the largest expansion in the zoo’s history! The Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge will include over 6 different animal species including grizzly bears, black bears, red wolves, and coyotes. In addition, the river otters and the bald eagle are getting new exhibits that will offer both more room to roam.
Education
The Akron Zoo also offers several age-appropriate educational activities and opportunities. It offers Zoo Camp, ZooMobile, On Grounds Education Programs, Homeschool Programs, Early Childhood Programs, and Snooze at the Zoo. For more information on any of these programs please visit Akron Zoo – Education.
PARTIES!
The Akron Zoo can hold your next party – whether it is for a birthday, an afterhours engagement, an outdoors picnic package, a corporate meeting, or a wedding shower or reception. The zoo has numerous facilities available for rental and your party can even be catered.
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I love this cute little zoo and your awesome tour of it makes this hub such a pleasure to read. Akron zoo is the best!
Nicely done, Ardie. We frequented the Akron Zoo often when I was younger because we are only a half hour from it. It was always a good place to go spend the day, and it was relatively inexpensive compared to the other zoos. I must say we are rather fortunate in Ohio with our zoos.
I LOVE going to the Zoo Ardie! Last summer the girls wouldn't go with me - they said I am getting too big:) lol I am thinking about going to ours when the kids go to school on a warm day to take photos. I would have a blast visiting your Zoo, I bet.
Memphis has a very cool Zoo...it's been a while but I loved theirs too! St. Louis is pretty great but I don't have a lot to compare it to:)
This looks like a zoo I would like. We have a small zoo but it is a farther drive away. One of favorite parts of any zoo is the Children's Petting Zoo. I guess I'm just a kid a heart. I really like the garden picture at the Akron Zoo and I too would be tempted on a hot day to stick my hands in the fountain.
Enjoyed your tour of the Akron Zoo.
Ardie -this is a fun hub. I love the zoo and would love to visit Akron Zoo someday. My Dad was from Ohio and we used to travel up there fairly often. Quite a road-trip from South Texas :)
I like how you featured the various areas and activities. Cute pictures too. And who could resist a fountain?!?!
voted up!
Such a wonderful hub with a great positive tone. I love to see people truly enjoy and support their community. Great job!
Wonderful hub of your local zoo. Akron Zoo reminds me very much of the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo . I taught highschool near this zoo for ten years and kept a membership for years before having kids and then for many years during my kids younger days even though we'd moved an hour away. The Toronto zoo was impossible to complete in one day but it features many similar programs and has a conservation philosophy similar to the Akron Zoo. I enjoyed your hub very much. It brought back lots of fond memories!
I love the Zoo! I just saw the movie We Bought A Zoo and I still want to buy a Zoo! Be sure and watch the movie when you get a chance and HAVE TISSUES available!! Keep on hubbin' ... 30 will be here before you know it! I'm so impressed with you, Bela and Steve!:)
Cardisa, I couldn’t help it! Then after I stuck my hand in of course I had to let the kids do it too. Do you have a zoo close to you? I don’t think I realized you were in another country!!!
Haunty, I knew you would see things my way :) Akron Zoo IS the best. Im excited to see the new additions.
Joelipoo, thank you :) Inexpensive, doh! Why didn’t I add that to the list of reasons why I love this zoo? I think we’re fortunate too. I’ve taken my kids to the Col, Cin and Cleveland zoos too. Amazing. Next I want to visit the new aquarium in Cleveland!
RHW, hahah you are never too big for the zoo. Seriously though, what am I going to do when my kids say the same thing?! I know – I will rent-a-kid to take with me. I will keep the zoos you mention in mind. I’ve been planning family vacations around great zoos near and far. Last year we hit PA and this summer I want to see the one in Chicago.
Hi JAS :) thanks for reading! If you do ever decide to visit our tiny zoo just let me know and I will show you around. I prefer the smaller zoos because you can see everything without being too tired to drive home. The gardens are only a few years old (will have to verify that – they seem newer in my memory) and every year they are better and better.
Hello MissOlive. You have roots here! I bet it would only take you 3 days to drive here hahaha Thanks for the read and for the vote :)
Duffsmom, thank you so much for such awesome words! Now that you say it – I really DO love my community…never thought about it much before :)
Teresa Coppens, Im so glad this hub made you remember happy time :) I will look up the Toronto Zoo and see if they are zoo members together. But I am wondering if many zoos present similar programs. I will also have to see how far a drive it would be for me and the kids to visit Toronto and have a vacation. I know there’d be plenty to do.
Sunshine, thank you for reading! I remember seeing a preview for that movie - looks GREAT. I know my littlest will love it – she wants to buy a zoo too. She says she will build it in the field across the street from our house. And of course I get in free. She says when people ask her why I get in free she will stomp her foot and say “because SHE is my mom”. YOU are impressed with us?! Woman, you are in the single digits of your HubChallenge. YOU are my role model. I see you doing it and I know I can too :)
Hello Ardie, Very nice read from you. Beautiful Hub Keep it up
Hi disujaalbart, thank you so much!! :)
I am interested in that new aquarium in Cleveland too. It's receiving some rave reviews even though it just opened. It's supposed to be great. Toledo has a nice zoo too. It's about the only thing worth seeing in that city.
The Akron Zoo is great, I agree. However, nothing beats the Columbus Zoo!
Oh I think all zoos are pretty wonderful. They certainly help spread awareness and appreciation of things that a lot of persons don't have access to ever seeing otherwise.
I recently...er, a month or three ago visited a zoo in Texas. It was a totally un planned deal, and so all the camera I had was my mother's cell phone! ugh! I'm going to make a point of going back so that I can take better pictures!
Joelipoo, thanks for bringing up Toledo - I didnt even realize they have a zoo! Air museum is close too, right? Another fun trip :)
IJR112, I prefer the Akron Zoo when I want something close and easy to walk with three small kids. BUT I do love the Columbus Zoo too - I have some great pics from there as well...maybe another hub!
Hi Wesman, agreed! Any zoo that helps spread awareness through education and conservation is an awesome zoo :) Speaking of - LOVE your animal Hubs...just havent commented on any yet. If you do go back to the Texas zoo and get some pics please share.
Ardie, your ZOO REVIEW is cool and I love the pictures. It look really nice there. We used to visit Zoo's when our boy's were younger. We have safari park's here in the UK where you can drive around them in your car.
Hello PCC, thank you so much! And thanks for throwing keywords into my comment hahah I didn't even remember our safari parks. We have some good ones here too that you can drive through or ride a covered wagon through. Maybe an idea for another Hub for me! Thanks - you're the best. Now Im off to reply to your comment on my Fighting Infertility article...you are so bad ;)
Ardie,
Can you believe that as close as the Akron Zoo is to me, I have never been there. Of course, it's because the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a little closer :) But now you make me want to drive south for a visit. I have heard from others too that it is a great zoo to visit. Thanks for all the info :)
Sharyn
Sharyn! If you ever come to Akron for the zoo you better email me first so we can do lunch :) Then you can take my kids to the zoo while I relax hahah
Thanks for a very enriching virtual stroll through the Akron Zoo, Ardie. Loved it. Looks like a place I would want to visit for real.
Rika
Hello dear rsusan :) If you ever come to my boring, sleepy state of Ohio I will take you to the zoo and we can feed the penguins! Thanks for reading.
Hello Ardie. Nice Post Ma'am..
Hi disu and thanks! Planning on coming cross country to visit my tiny zoo? :)
Hi Ardie... sounds like a wonderful place to visit and check out all the possibilities. There are always some secret places hidden away to be discovered by those who are adventurous enough to spend the time. Great hub and certainly well worth the trip. Thanks for taking the time to share so many exciting highlights.
Hugs from Canada
Hello Rolly - its always a pleasure to see you around :) I cannot wait to go back to the zoo this summer and see how the construction projects have progressed. I will tell a secret here - my mom is terrified of grizzly bears and she is NOT happy they will be brought to Akron hahah poor mom!
I have volunteered at the Akron Zoo for 22 years, thank you for doing such a great job of promoting our zoo. My favorite big zoo in Ohio is Toledo--that zoo is awesome!
If any of you make it to "Boo at the Zoo" (we were the first zoo in Ohio to have this event) stop by the King and Queen station---almost 90% of the time I'm working at that station. Come see us in 2013 when the new exhibits open.
Marge, I am so very excited that someone local came across this Hub :) There are so many great things about the Akron Zoo. I visit several times a year with my daughters. However I've never been to the Boo at the Zoo. I will have to keep it in mind for this year :) Thanks for stopping in and for taking the time to comment. You just made my day!!
Cardisa Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago
I knew it was you who stuck your hand in the fountain...lol I love animals and would have loved the experience, pitty I live in another country :(