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10 Things to Do While Visiting The Wilds

By: amanda osborne, apr 20 2023.

If you ask most visitors… and even the locals…The Wilds is the best-kept secret for adventure seekers and those who yearn for a connection to the natural world.

Nestled in southeastern Ohio, The Wilds sits on nearly 10,000 acres and is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in North America. Home to rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and other rare and endangered animals, The Wilds also serves as a living laboratory for international and local conservation scientists, with strong emphasis on Restoration and Wildlife Ecology.

Let’s plan your adventure!  In no particular order, here are 10 activities at The Wilds for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Stay in a Yurt

Enjoy an exclusive, adults only (21+) overnight stay for two at The Wilds!  Nomad Ridge provides luxury in traditional nomadic-style structures, immersing guests in the outdoor sights and sounds of nature. With a 24/7 concierge services, wi-fi access, and discounts on special experiences, it’s a truly unique glamping experience!

Take an Open-Air Safari Tour

Book a Safari

Rough it at the Outpost

Dine on a Rooftop

Gaze at cheetahs, African painted dogs, and dholes while you dine at Terrace Grill…it’s rooftop! Food selections include grilled burgers, jumbo grilled hot dogs, soda, and more. Located at the mid-point of most tours, it’s an excellent stop for lunch.

Learn about Dining at The Wilds

Zipline Over Animal Pastures

This experience is designed to thrill anyone with a love for wildlife and a passion for adventure. Soar over animal pastures on up to ten breathtaking ziplines during the day OR in the evening!   Hint: Try the “Howl at the Moon” Zipline Tour!

Book Your Tour

Enjoy the Beauty of a Sunset Tour

Experience the magic of the Wilds at sunset! Take in the sweeping views of the Wilds' beautiful landscape bathed in the late evening sun. Enjoy a buffet style dinner, on the deck of the Overlook Café before boarding an Open-Air Safari for a guided tour through the open-range when the animals are most active at feeding time.

Go Mountain Biking

Thanks to a dedicated group of mountain bikers at Appalachia Outdoor Adventures, The Wilds offers a challenging complex of mountain bike trails, open to the public north of State Route 146.

Bring Your Birding Binoculars

With nearly 10,000 acres of grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and lakes, The Wilds is home to a great diversity of bird species. Audubon has recognized The Wilds as one of Ohio's Important Bird Areas, and birdwatchers from near and far have discovered the abundance of bird life here.

Recognizing the value of the birding community to the future of our organization and conservation in general, The Wilds has worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife to construct an observation deck, which is open to the public year-round, seven days a week, at no charge.

The Birding Station at Jeffrey Point is a great spot to watch raptors in winter, hear grassland nesting birds in spring and summer, and watch the ospreys returning to the hacksite in the spring. Look for it on State Route 284, between Zion Ridge Road and International Road.

Book a Horseback Tour

Learn About Conservation at The Wilds

Weaved into every activity and opportunity for adventure at The Wilds is a powerful theme: Animal Conservation. Nestled into the southeastern Ohio countryside on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes, The Wilds is a conservation center making an incredible impact for wildlife in America's Heartland and across the globe.  We are committed to assuring the future of rare and threatened species through breeding, the continuation of science, and education.

Learn more about conservation at The Wilds

Learn more about The Wilds by visiting https://www.thewilds.org.

Partners in Conservation

Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.

Donate to the Wildlife Conservation Fund!

At the Zoo, the Manatee Coast is not your average exhibit:  It’s a rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Everyday Actions

Learn about actions YOU can take to protect endangered species like the manatees.

Summer Zoo Camps

Summer day camps for Zoo enthusiasts ages 3 all the way to 7th grade! 

Teen Eco Summit

Register your team and make a difference at your school!

Become a Zoo member!

Volunteer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

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Columbus Zoo Express

Spend the day at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with a Zoo-It-All Wristband.

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• Spend 9 hours at Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Columbus, OH - one of the best zoos in the USA!

access to boat ride, carousel, pony and camel rides, 4D theater, train ride and all the rides at Jungle Jack's Landing.

• Home to more than 800 species divided by regions of the world

There's a lot of ground to cover at the Zoo! Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather and sturdy walking shoes. Lot's of walking!

Sunscreen is suggested, and sunglasses just look cool. 

Wheelchairs, electric scooters, and strollers are available to rent, while supplies last.

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The Wilds - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.24 mi) The Lodge at the Wilds
• (8.09 mi) Secluded Deluxe Log Cabin Overlooking Beautiful Stocked Pond
• (9.81 mi) RiverView Kampground & Marina
• (7.02 mi) Walkabout Creek Campground
• (9.99 mi) Quiet remodeled 8 acre ranch home with firepit, pond and bar
• (9.66 mi) Lock 9 Pizza
• (9.91 mi) El Palenque Mexican Restaurant
• (9.96 mi) Dairy Queen
• (9.75 mi) Subway
• (9.78 mi) Horseshoe Bar and Grill
• (0.04 mi) Wild Zipline Safari
• (7.16 mi) AEP ReCreation Land
• (7.29 mi) Terra Cotta Vineyards
• (6.20 mi) Blue Rock State Park
• (9.00 mi) Big Muskie Bucket

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Columbus Zoo & Aquarium by Lenzner Tours

Enjoy a day at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio. Children 8 and older are more than welcome. We suggest you have lunch on your own. Enjoy the zoo your way! Photo Courtesy of Keith Thorsen.

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Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

General Admission Ticket

Tour Goes "Rain or Shine"

Children Age 8 and Above are Welcome

Click HERE for Tour Flyer

Enjoy Columbus Zoo and Aquarium your way for the day. Children ages 8 and above are welcome. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and we suggest having lunch on your own. General Admission ticket is for the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. The trip goes rain or shine.

Includes:  Transportation, general admission ticket, and taxes.

One-Day - Cancellation and Refund Policy: 30 days prior to departure - Full refund less any non-refundable charges (i.e. theater tickets, service fees, etc.) unless notification of difference is noted on tour description.

NO REFUND after 29 days prior to departure.

Written notice of cancellation is required before monies refunded: mail, email or fax.

Depart:  Monroeville 5:30 am

            Pittsburgh  6:00 am 

            Sewickley  6:30 am 

            Washington  7:00 am

            Wheeliing  7:30 am           

Return: Approximately 9:30-10:30 pm.           

Walking Code: 4:

To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.

Insurance: Travel Insurance is optional. To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existiong medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 15 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit and for the prepaid non-refundable payments or deposits. If purchased, the insurance premium is refundable during the 15 day review period, unless you ahve filed a claim or departed on your trip. The insurance premium is non-refundable after the 15 day review period . To view/download the Policy, go to:

http://policy.travelexinsurance.com/312A-1217 .

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At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Explore and Discover

An Immersive Nighttime Experience at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The experience: Join us on a journey through an incredible world of colorful illusions and extraordinary wildlife. Where creatures long extinct and those on the edge of extinction still roam. UNEXTINCT is the first of its kind – bringing over 70 extinct and threatened species back to life for an immersive digital nighttime experience like none other.

15 Scenes: the number of different experiences within UNEXTINCT

90-120 minutes: is the amount of time it takes to walk through the experience, all unextinct ticket holders will have the opportunity to enjoy the historic 1914 mangels-illions grand carousel, and for the roller coaster enthusiasts, tidal twist will also be available for free during your visit..

March 14 – May 26 | Fridays & Saturdays through May 25 and Sunday, May 26 Gates open at 8:00 p.m. | experience is 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Tickets from $28.99 (General) and $25.99 (Child)

Additional UNEXTINCT Information.

Columbus Member Advantage

Enjoy the benefits of your columbus member advantage and save $3 on general admission to unextinct, special theme weekends.

Premium VIP Experience

Presented by Dr Pepper

April 20, May 4 & May 18

Adults Only Night

April 12 & May 17, May 24

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Copyright UNEXTINCT 2023. All Rights Reserved.

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New after-hours experience at the Columbus Zoo: UNEXTINCT

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is unveiling a brand-new, exciting after-hours event with UNEXTINCT . 

Embark on an immersive nighttime journey of light and sound amongst awe-inspiring illusions that shed light on the critical need for wildlife conservation.  

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo: UNEXTINCT

This experience is open on select dates from March 14 – April 27, 2024 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Crafted by former Disney Imagineers from Mangolin Creative, it takes attendees on an immersive journey using illusions to transport them into a digital world of natural wonders.

This unique experience immerses participants in the worlds of endangered and extinct species, creating a captivating and informative narrative.

As the Zoo animals settle in for the evening, UNEXTINCT comes alive, promising an evening stroll that will be unforgettable. Guests will experience:

• Fifteen areas to explore illusions of over 70 extinct and threated species 
• LED Bar serving up cocktails, S’mores Experience, and shopping
• Exciting interactive activities
• Various entertainment in the entry plaza of the Zoo
• The 1914 Mangels/Ilions Carousel and the 4D Theater will be open 

Zoo animals are not a part of this experience. Animal areas such as Adventure Cove, Asia Quest, and Discovery Reef Aquarium will be accessible throughout the event, but animal viewing in any region is not guaranteed.

photo: Columbus on the Cheap

Admission details

UNEXTINCT is a separate ticketed event and not included with Zoo admission . Zoo members get $4 off UNEXTINCT tickets. Please note that an additional fee applies to some activities, and the availability of activities is subject to change.

Buy tickets and find out more here ! 

General Admission for Adults (ages 10+): $28.99 General Admission for Children : $25.99 Zoo Members receive admission discounts!

Special Nights

Premium VIP Experience: April 6 & 20 Get the most out of your UNEXTINCT experience when upgrading to our exclusive lounge VIP package, including your UNEXTINCT ticket, exclusive seating access to our Lakeside VIP lounge, two complimentary drink tokens at our private bar, a commemorative souvenir cup, and so much more.

Adults Only Night: April 12 Call the babysitter and arrange your ride – it’s Adults Only Night at Columbus Zoo! Leave the kids at home and take in all the sights, sounds and more of UNEXTINCT!

Regular Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily during March, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in April and May. UNEXTINCT begins March 14 and runs on select dates through April 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4850 W. Powell Rd. Powell, Ohio 43065 (614) 645-3400

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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 W Powell Rd Powell , OH 43065 614-645-3400

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Beyond the Zoo- Best Places Around Columbus and Ohio to See Animals

My children are animal lovers so we fill lots of our family time with visits to farms, zoos, sanctuaries and parks. We are lucky to have one of the best zoos in the country right here in Columbus, but there are many other unique places to see and interact with animals. You’ll find a list of experiences in Columbus, quick day trips, and spots to explore throughout Ohio.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

This is one of our favorite Metro Parks. My children find it fascinating to learn about what life was like back in the late 1800’s. The volunteers and staff are dressed in old-fashioned clothing as they do chores and upkeep for the farm, barns, garden and animals. There are many special events, so be sure to check out the event calendar.

New additions have been added to the playground. It’s a great spot for climbers. Check out some pictures here: Slate Run playground

Animals You May See: pigs, cows, geese, horses, sheep

Location: 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester OH, 43103

Website: Slate Run Living Historical Farm

Stratford Ecological Center

Be sure to walk the wooded trails on this beautiful property. This is a non-profit organization with a mission of educating children and adults about the environment and living things.

Animals You May See: sheep, chickens, cows, goats

Location: 3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, OH 43015

Website: Stratford Ecological Center

Sunrise Sanctuary

This non-profit animal shelter fosters over 170 abused, neglected and unwanted farm and companion animals. These animals freely roam around the property and you can pet and interact with them. The volunteer staff is full of knowledge and have always been so willing to answer our questions and fill us in on the animals. Sunrise Sanctuary allows the public to come to the property on one Saturday each month from April-October for Open Barn Days. Check out the upcoming schedule for Open Barn Days  and be sure to click the link to purchase tickets in advance. The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child age 4-17 and children 3 and under are free.

Animals You May See: cows, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas, turkeys, ducks, dogs, cats

Location: 6730 Martin Welch Rd., Marysville, OH 43040

Website: Sunrise Sanctuary

Olentangy Indian Caverns

From exploring the caves, to mining for gems, hitting golf balls on the miniature golf course, playing on the playground and seeing animals there are so many things to do here.  There are prices for each of the activities, but the 50,000 square foot animal encounter exhibit is only $4.00 per person. The new Treasure Hunt Maze  opened two years ago.

Animals You May See: deer, goats, cows, chickens, rabbits

Location: 1779 Home Rd, Delaware, OH 43015

Website: Olentangy Indian Caverns

Ohio Wildlife Center

(NOT currently open to the public due to the pandemic but keep it mind for one day in the future.) Stroll the grounds of this wildlife rehabilitation center and see various animals. Be sure to check the calendar for the dates this facility is open to the public. Wild Story Time is geared towards preschoolers and is on the first Wednesday of each month.  2nd Sundays  and Family Night Hikes  (not recommended for under 5) are other opportunities to explore the Ohio Wildlife Center.

Animals You May See: birds, coyotes, opossum, snakes, red fox, turtles

Location: 6131 Cook Rd. Powell, OH 43065

Website: Ohio Wildlife Center

Gallant Farm

Although there aren’t many animals on this farm, children will enjoy hearing from the volunteers, seeing the barn and taking a look at the farmhouse.

Animals You May See: chickens, ducks

Location: 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road, Delaware, OH 43015

Website: Gallant Farm

Nature Centers

Currently all of the nature centers are closed at the columbus metro parks but use the information below to plan out where you’ll go once they reopen., battelle darby creek.

This state of the art Nature Center is amazing. My children love sticking their hands in the live stream that flows through the exhibits. There are often many events such as story time. The bison roaming outside of the Nature Center are also a big hit. The hours vary by month, but I love that in the summer months the Center stays open until 8 p.m. Be sure to also check out the wonderful hiking trails.

Animals You May See: bison, frogs, fish. There are also tables where you can touch many different types of animal fur.

Location: Nature Center- 1415 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH, 43119 (There is a different entrance into the park for the hiking trails.)

Website: Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Blacklick Woods Nature Center

Sit and watch the wildlife and you never know what you might see. There are other activities too that will keep the kids occupied such as books, art materials, small toys and some animal related items to touch.

Location: 6975 E. Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH

Website: Blacklick Woods Nature Center

Highbanks Nature Center

Watch wildlife out of the windows, read the books on display, assemble the puzzles, interact with the puppets and climb in the play tree. There are a few live animals on display inside, but one of the coolest things is to walk over the indoor stream and see if you can discover any creatures.

Location: 9466 Columbus Pike (US Rt 23 N), Lewis Center, OH

Website: Highbanks Nature Center

Day Trips from Columbus

There are various tours available to explore this 9,000 plus acre open-range animal area.  This picturesque setting is a beautiful way to imagine what it would be like to see wildlife roaming in their native habitats. Several different tours are offered including open air, zip line tour, sunset tours, horseback tours and more. Another neat experience is to go glamping and stay in a yurt at Nomad Ridge (21 and older only) or stay in a private luxury cabin at The Lodge . Bring a map or download directions before you go because your GPS may not work. *Remember to book this ahead of time because it is reservations only now due to the pandemic.

Animals You May See: cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, deer, camels and more.

Location: 14000 International Road, Cumberland, OH 43732

Website: The Wilds

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

There are so many options here to explore! Discovery Zoo is indoors and has over 100 animals to view. My children love the pretend play area ( Explorers Crossing ) where they can dress up and work at a grocery store, veterinary clinic, pizza shop, courthouse and more. It’s a science center, zoo and children’s museum mixed into one.  Even better, if you are a COSI member, admission is half off!

Animals You May See: river otters, meerkats, porcupines, Burmese python and more.

Location: 2600 DeWeese Pkwy, Dayton, OH, 45414

Website:  Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Young’s Jersey Dairy

This working farm has a long history.  Here are some of the things you’ll find: farm animal petting zoo , two miniature golf courses , covered batting cages , driving range and more! The food is really good and be sure to save room for the delicious homemade ice cream ! There are a lot of seasonal events that take place here (the Halloween activities are some of our favorites), so be sure to check out the event calendar .

Animals You May See: goats, cows

Location: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Website: Young’s Jersey Dairy

Marmon Valley Farm

Take a horseback trail ride through the scenic countryside in Logan County. The guided tours are for ages 6 and up. There are many events offered throughout the year. One to note is Summer Fun Days where in addition to horseback riding there are other experiences like visiting with dozens of farm animals, hayrides, swimming and paddle boating in the pond, climbing wall and play barn.

Animals You May See: horses, cows, chickens, miniature horses and rabbits

Location: 7754 State Route 292 S, Zanesfield, OH 44681

Website: Marmon Valley

The Farm at Walnut Creek

Explore this working farm on a horse-drawn wagon ride or drive-through in your own car and see the exotic animals. The majority of these animals roam freely and you can hand feed the animals. The property is beautiful and very serene. *They don’t accept debit or credit cards so remember to bring cash.

Animals You May See: Over 500 animals are on this farm, including exotic ones. Examples: giraffes, kangaroos, camels, llamas, porcupines, horses, cattle, pigs, birds, tortoises and more!

Location: 4147 County Road 114, Sugarcreek, OH 44681

Website: The Farm at Walnut Creek

Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery

Head to Amish Country and make a stop here. Not only will you find wonderful bakery goods but there’s also a free family petting zoo . There are pony and horse rides for a small fee.

Animals You May See: goats, pigs, sheep, cows, and horses

Location:5452 OH-557, Millersburg, OH

Website: Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

What a wonderful way to spend some time walking the property and observing various bird species. While we were visiting, we went into the Songbird Aviary and my children were excited to feed the birds and see them up close. This Sanctuary charges a small fee.

While in the area, be sure to venture to Little Buckeye Children’s Museum (it’s about 9 miles away)-it’s currently closed but is supposed to reopen soon. It’s a great place for kids to be creative, engage in pretend play, explore and learn. If the weather is nice, there’s a hand-carved wooden carousel you can walk to from the museum. Check it out: Richland Carrousel Park

Animals You May See: all different types of birds including eagles, raptors, vultures, songbirds, owls, etc.

Location: 3774 Orweiler Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903

Website: Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Malabar Farm State Park

Since 1939, this Ohio State Park has been a historical landmark. This is a working farm so animals have the freedom to roam the 300-acre property. There are  guided tours (farm tours or houses tours), hiking trails ,  special events  and camping . On the property you will find “The Big House” where author Louis Bromfield lived. Also, part of the movie “ The Shawshank Redemption ” was filmed here.

Animals You May See: beef cows, miniature horses, Shetland pony, turkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep, dairy goats, cats, etc. Get more information about the animals here: farm animals and livestock

Location: 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, OH 44843

Website: Malabar Farm

Velvet Ice Cream- Ye Old Mill

Seasonally, there’s a small petting zoo on the property. The FREE ice cream factory tours are a great family activity.  Be sure to check the schedule. Also, mark your calendar for the popular Utice Sertoma Ice Cream Festival  which typically happens Memorial Day weekend.

Location: 11324 Mount Vernon Road, Utica, OH 43080

Website: Velvet Ice Cream

A Bit Farther in Ohio

African safari wildlife park.

There are two options to view animals: walk-thru safari or drive-thru safari . Other activities include a giraffe adventure, camel rides, rabbit row, kangaroo feeding, gem mining and educational animal shows. *This is close to Cedar Point so that’s another place you might want to visit before or after.

Animals You May See: white alligator, white-handed gibbons, warthog, camel, elk, bison, zebra and more.

Location: 267 S Lightner Road, Port Clinton OH 43452

Website: African Safari Wildlife Park

Lake Metroparks Farmpark

This working farm in the Cleveland area is a great family activity! There are wagon rides, lots of animals, interactive displays, indoor play areas, a playground, greenhouse, cafe and more.

Animals You May See: Cows, pigs, goats, horses, sheep, chickens and more

Location: 8800 Euclid Chardon Road (Rt. 6), Kirtland, Ohio 44094

Website: Lake Metroparks Farmpark

Take a short drive to Penitentiary Glen Reservation  for hiking trails, forest, fields, deep gorge and nature center. Right next to the nature center is the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center -this and the nature center are currently closed. Injured and orphaned animals come here for rehabilitation so they can hopefully be released back into the environment.

Idle-Hour Ranch

This is a family owned and operated agricultural facility with animals and other activities such as gem mining.

Animals You May See: There are over 200 animals, representing 45 species. Some include red foxes, two-toed sloth, river otters, kangaroos, wallabies, wolves, skunks, coyotes and more.

Location:  4845 W Fenner Rd,  Troy , OH   45373

Website: Idle-Hour Ranch

Noah’s Lost Ark

This non-profit animal sanctuary provides a place for abused and unwanted animals to live.

Animals You May See: lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, wolves, bears, and other animals.

Location: 8424 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center, OH 44401

Website: Noah’s Lost Ark

Safari Adventures Animal Park

Resort guests and the public are welcome to this animal park operated by Kalahari.

Animals You May See: giraffes, camels, birds, rabbits, kangaroos, porcupine, zebra, ostrich and more.

Location: Kalahari Resort (7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870)

Website: Safari Adventures Animal Park

Wagon Trails Animal Park

This family-owned park was featured as one of the ten great places for a North American Safari as featured in USA Today.

Animals You May See: zebras, donkeys, kangaroos, ostrich, emu, porcupine and more.  See the full list here: animals

Location: 907 Youngstown Kingsville Road SE (State Rt. 193), Vienna, OH, 44473

Website: Wagon Trails Animal Park

Surprisingly, there are even more animal encounter spots I didn’t list in this post. Do you have a favorite you’d like to see added?

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https://www.glenhelen.org/raptor-center near yellow springs. Well worth a visit

This sounds like a great spot. Thanks for letting us know!

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The Wilds Animal Park: An African Safari Experience in Ohio

Last updated: December 4, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 22 Comments

The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in North America, set on about 10,000 acres of land in Southeast Ohio. The Wilds safari park is home to a number of rare and endangered animals from around the world, including cheetah, rhinos, camels, antelope, zebra, and giraffes, as well as a number of local native species.

Visitors can not only do regular bus safaris to see the animals, but The Wilds in Ohio also offers horseback safaris, fishing safaris, ziplining, a butterfly habitat, education programs, summer camps, and overnight lodging. This non-profit open-habitat safari park is a pretty amazing place given that this is reclaimed land which was strip mined for coal from the 1940’s to the 1980’s, which destroyed most of the natural wildlife and resources in this area.

If you are in Ohio, this is definitely a place to consider adding to your itinerary. We’ll give you all the information you need to plan a trip here and tell you about our own experience visiting The Wilds animal park.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information for Visiting The Wilds in Ohio

Here is all the info you need to start planning your trip to The Wilds in Ohio.

What is the Address of The Wilds?

14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio 43732

How to Get to The Wilds Ohio?

The Wilds is located outside the small town of Cumberland, Ohio and the best way to get here is by car. I could not find any public transportation options but you could of course book a taxi or Uber if needed.

It is approximately 75 miles (1.5 to 2 hour drive) from Columbus, OH, 20 miles (35 minute drive) from Zanesville, OH, and 140 miles (2.5 hours) from Cleveland, Ohio. You can find   directions online provided by The Wilds depending on your location. Note that there is a $6.00 parking fee to park at The Wilds unless you are a member.

When is the Best Time to Visit The Wilds?

The best time to visit The Wilds for most activities is from May through September. The Wilds is typically open for its regular visitor season daily from 10am to 4pm May through September and then weekends only in October.

Recently, The Wilds has also started the Winter at the Wilds Tour that allows for pre-registered guests to visit and tour The Wilds from November to March. While many of the regular tours are not available during the winter, the Winter at The Wilds tour is run twice a day. These are more intimate tours with up to 6 people.

What Safari Tours are Offered at The Wilds?

The most popular activities not surprisingly are the Wilds safari tours, and most people take one of the group safari tours that are led by knowledgeable guides. The main tours are given in an open-air bus with a canopy, and there are a couple of places the bus stops where you do a bit of walking.

Tours last approximately 2 hours, but I would allot at least 3 hours for your visit as you’ll need to get the shuttle to and from the parking area, may want to visit the butterfly habitat or other exhibits, and there are also places to shop and eat. 

If you interested in a more intimate experience, you can reserve a Wildside Tour and get a more exclusive safari experience with an Animal Management specialist amongst a smaller group (these are typically offered in an open-air pickup truck) and you get to see some of the daily happenings at The Wilds such as an animal medical procedure, help in feeding the animals, or an ongoing conservation project.

All of the tours at The Wilds take you through all the open-range enclosures where you’ll get to see many of the animals roaming in the fields as well as stops at Lake Trail and the Carnivore Center. You also have access to the Butterfly Habitat which you can explore at your leisure before or after the safari tours. On the weekends during the summer months, these tours are also offered at sunset and include a buffet dinner at the Overlook Café.

Check out The Wilds website for current tours and tour prices , with the open-air bus tours (May through October) currently set (as of October 2021) at $35.00 per person. Wildside Tours (and Winter at the Wilds tours) are currently priced at $137.50 per person for non-members.

Note that all tours must be booked online in advance prior to visiting.

Other Activities at The Wilds?

In addition to the main animal safari tours, there are a number of other visitor activities offered at The Wilds. You can easily spend a full day or a full weekend at the Wilds. These include fishing, horseback riding, sunset tours, and ziplining. The Wild Zipline Safari provides the opportunity to view parts of the large preserve and some of the wildlife from above across 10 different ziplines (a shorter version that includes only five ziplines is also available).

For those who live nearby or have more time for a visit, the Wilds also offers educational programs, WildeCamps, and Family Camp weekends during the summer months. They can also accommodate a wide range of events from corporate retreats to weddings to birthday parties.

The Wilds has also been recognized one of Ohio’s Most Important Birding Areas by Audubon. It is a good place to see a number of birds, including raptors, grassland nesting birds, and ospreys. The Wilds has made a birding station located at Jeffrey Point accessible to the public and it is open 24/7 for no charge. 

Accessibility at The Wilds

The visitor areas at The Wilds are generally accessible for those with reduced physical mobility and those in wheelchairs and meet ADA guidelines. There are tour buses and shuttles that can accommodate those in a wheelchair, and you can denote that you need a wheelchair space when you book your ticket.

Most of the tour is spent inside the bus but there are stops where participants can disembark to see the parakeet aviary (a short distance) and the carnivores’ enclosures (a slightly longer distance). 

As with most places, it is wise to call in advance to discuss any special accessibility needs before booking.

What Dining Options are there at the Wilds?

Food and snacks are available for purchase at the Safari Snack Depot, Terrace Grill, and Overlook Café. Note that many of these close during the winter months. Food available includes hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken, ice cream, snacks, soda, coffee, and beer and wine. Evening safari programs during the summer often include a buffet dinner at the Overlook Café.

Can you Stay Overnight at The Wilds?

You can stay within The Wilds parkland or you can stay in a nearby town. The Wilds as you might imagine are in a very rural location but there are towns with lodging within 20 miles of the park.

Staying Overnight in The Wilds park

You have a few options if you want to stay overnight at The Wilds, including staying in a luxury yurt or a large family-friendly cabin.

The yurts are currently adults-only (21+) and are located within the park at Nomad Ridge and are built on large platforms with screen windows, bamboo floors, wooden doors, a private bathroom, and an observation deck for private wildlife viewing.

There are also several cabins that have been recently built around Straker Lake within The Wilds which provides another option. These can accommodate up to 6 persons and are perfect for families or small groups.

If you are coming with a big group or family, you might also consider The Lodge which is a large 6-bedroom cabin complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, bathrooms, television, Internet, washer and dryer, gas fireplace, outdoor fire ring, games, books, canoes, and fishing and boating equipment.

If you book a reservation in one of the yurts or The Lodge, you’ll receive discount pricing on many of the tours and activities offered at The Wilds. We did not stay in any of these lodging options, but we did see them while we were there and both options looked quite nice.  

NOTE: No pets are allowed on The Wilds property, including in any of the lodging, for obvious reasons. They may also not be left in your vehicle, so please be sure to leave your dogs at home. Service animals are of course welcome.

Staying Outside The Wilds

If you are looking for nearby lodging outside the park , you can find a range of options in the nearby cities of Caldwell, Cambridge, Zanesville, and Marietta. The closest lodging is in the town of Caldwell which has several motels and hotels. Some recommended properties are as follows:

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham , Caldwell – a 2* well-reviewed good value hotel offering en-suite rooms with inclusive continental breakfast. Offers wheelchair-accessible rooms. Free on-site parking. About a 25 minute drive from The Wilds.
• Best Western Caldwell Inn – This hotel offers a 24 hour front desk, indoor swimming pool, free Wifi, fitness center, and free breakfast. Note that the included breakfast is often served at the nearby family-owned diner (walking distance) Lori’s Restaurant. Offers wheelchair-accessible rooms. A 25 minute drive from The Wilds.
• Baymont by Wyndham , Cambridge – a 2* hotel offering en-suite rooms which also feature a microwave and free on-site parking. Breakfast is included. Just over 30 minutes drive to The Wilds.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites , Zanesville – found in downtown Zanesville, this 2* hotel offers rooms with coffee makers and refrigerators. Free parking is available, breakfast is included, and there’s an indoor hot tub. Offers wheelchair accessible rooms. Around 30 minutes drive from The Wilds.
• Comfort Suites , Marietta – conveniently located for the Interstate, this 3* hotel has an indoor heated pool and a fitness centre. Offers wheelchair-accessible rooms. It’s also pet friendly (fee applies). Free parking is available nearby, and rooms have microwaves and fridges. Around a 50 minute drive from The Wilds.

You can see more options and compare prices here . 

Need More Information to Plan Your Trip to The Wilds? 

The official  official website  for The Wilds is a very useful to find information or book tickets, but you can also call them at 740-638-5030 or check out their active Facebook page where you can see recent photos as well as potentially find a discount code or win a free visit.

If you want to explore the area around The Wilds more fully you check out other things to do nearby  around Zanesville, Ohio and wider tourism information for the state of Ohio . 

Our Experience Visiting The Wilds 

I grew up near The Wilds and it is by far the largest tourist attraction in our local area, but for some reason or another I had never visited while I was growing up. During college, I knew several people who did research practicums and internships here given the amazing educational and research opportunities that are available here to local students.

In fact, I went to the same college as Jack Hanna , a famous zookeeper and animal expert who has worked with and promote The Wilds. I guess it is one of those things where you look back and realize that you never visited many of the cool places in your own backyard after you have left.

So on a return visit to Ohio to see my family in winter 2014, I made sure that I had time to include a visit to The Wilds. It was definitely time I finally made it here!  After that winter 2014 visit, I returned again in the summer of 2017 to experience one of the open-air tours that was not offered when I visited in the winter in 2014. So I’ll break this down by The Wilds winter visit first and then a bit about the summer open-air safari experience.

Winter at The Wilds Tour Experience

I made a reservation in advance for the Winter at the Wilds tour which is the only tour that is regularly given during the winter months. Ethan and I visited in November 2014 and it was a cold day and so we were bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves for our visit. We arrived at the parking lot (there is a $6.00 parking fee) and we were met within a couple of minutes by someone from the park management team and then our guide who was a member of the animal management team.

The Winter at the Wilds tour is similar to the regular Wildside Tours given during the rest of the year. However, instead of an open-air vehicle, we were in an enclosed heated vehicle, but we were able to roll down the windows as needed to take photos so that was not a problem and we needed the heat! While you cannot get out of the car within the open animal enclosures, you’ll get to walk around in other areas  such as around the Carnivores Center and if you visit the barns during the winter. 

A Bit of Ecology & Conservation at the Wilds

Our first stop was actually not to see wildlife but to see a restoration project being conducted by the Wilds Restoration Ecology department. Friendly Rachael and Kelsey who were hard at work in the wetlands area, talked to us about conservation within the wetlands and they showed us a neat water system they use to monitor and maintain water in the wetlands area.

This is a good reminder that a visit to the Wilds does not just have to be about the animals, but there is almost 10,000 acres of land here and all kinds of ecosystems. Strip mining negatively impacted much of the land and streams in this area and it is amazing to see the revival that has come about because of the hard work by the folks at the Wilds. If you are interested in ecology, botany, water management, birding, insects, etc. let your guide know as there are many different types of environmental projects happening here at any given time!

The Big Cats and Dogs

The next major stop on the tour was to the Wilds’ Carnivore Center. Here you can get out of the car and walk around and see the animals from various viewing points. During our visit, there were painted dogs, dholes, and cheetahs.

Be careful to stay back if you get near the African painted dog enclosures as they are not friendly puppies! I had never seen a dhole before but I remember my friend in college talking about these while she worked at the Wilds. They are super cute canines that are native to Asia and look quite a bit like a fox.

Breeding programs and research at the Wilds is geared towards helping the survival and conservation of these threatened and endangered species. The Wilds has been successful with its cheetah program as the first cheetah cubs were born here in 2010!

The Open Range Animal Pastures

The rest of our visit focused on driving through the open range enclosures, which contain the vast majority of the animals at the Wilds. These include camels, bison, zebra, Southern white rhino, wild horses, ostrich, giraffes, and various types of deer and antelope. You are also likely to see some of the native species that roam around the Wilds such as local deer, birds, or coyote.

If there are certain animals that you are very interested in seeing or want to learn more about, just tell your guide so they can better allocate your time as there is a lot of open space. As animal management specialists who work with the animals, they can help give you the best chance to see the animals you want to see and also give you more time with them if they can. 

During any tour, since the animals live in large open enclosures you’re likely to see many of the species up close while others are likely to be hidden a bit in the trees or near the lake where you might not get an up close view. For instance, we only got distant views of the ostriches who preferred to hide themselves amongst some trees on the opposite end of the lake from us.

We got a good look at most of the animals and we were able to get within touching distance (no touching!) of several animals who largely ignored our vehicle. The Sichuan takin are interesting animals that I have never seen before and there were a lot of these critters along with a number of deer, horses, and antelopes. Some of the deer were losing their antlers or were in the process of doing so which occurs in the winter months. The type of camels at the Wilds are quite funny to watch as they are very curious and will get very close to the vehicle. When they walk, their two humps of fat flop around quite a bit on the older camels. 

Typically, visitors would have the opportunity to tour some of the winter facilities for the animals on a Winter at the Wilds tour to see animals that need to be kept inside on cold days such as the giraffes. But a white rhino baby had just been born a day or so before our visit and so we were unfortunately not able to visit the barns. The animal management team did not want anyone disturbing the new rhino calf and there had not been a press release yet about the new baby. Although this sadly meant we could not visit the animals that were in the winter housing and barns that day (rhinos, zebra, giraffes), it is a remarkable event as the calf was the first fifth generation white rhino born outside of Africa and is a testament to the breeding and conservation program at the Wilds.

Summer at the Wilds Open Air Safari Tour Experience

In the summer of 2017, I returned again to the Wilds with my husband Laurence. This time we did an open-air animal safari tour. These are the most common type of tour that people take on a visit to the Wilds and are typically available from May to September. The tour took two hours and was in an open-air bus.

It was definitely a different experience to visit on a hot summer day, and it was nice to not be all bundled up in a winter coat and gear. It was also nice to see the green grass, full trees, and local wildflowers.

In terms of the animal, we saw many of the same animals I had seen in 2014; however, we also got to see a few animals I had not been able to see on my winter visit such as the parakeets in the small aviary, the giraffes, the white rhinos (although at a distance), and the ostriches. We also got to see the tankins really up close as they were fighting, playing, and mating near our vehicle!

Overall Thoughts on Visiting the Wilds in Ohio

Overall, we had a fun time on both our safari tours at the Wilds. We learned a lot, saw lots of animals, and received a warm welcome from our knowledgeable guides and other staff. A great advantage to visiting in November was that we had the park to ourselves since there are relatively few visitors during the winter months. The only disappointment during that visit was not being able to see the giraffes or rhino, but we totally understood that the health of the newborn rhino calf took precedence over our visiting the animal barns!

During the summer tour, it was nice to see the Wilds all green and alive. It was also nice to see some of the animals like the giraffes and rhinos that I had missed on the previous winter tour. The open-air safari bus makes for a nice way to experience the park and see the animals, and reminded my a bit of my safari experience in Africa. Another good thing about the summer is that there are more food facilities open so you have more opportunities to get a snack or have a meal.

 Overall, I would definitely recommend a trip to the Wilds if you find yourself in this part of Ohio. Not only is it a great place to view wildlife, but the organization is a top-notch research and conservation facility committed to a number of good causes. For me, this was a great chance to visit a cool place that I had missed growing up in this area! 

Are there places near where you have lived that you never took time to visit and then regretted it once you left? Planning your own trip to the Wilds and have a question? As always, feel free to ask us questions about our visit to the Wilds in Ohio or share your own experiences in the Comments section below!

**Disclosure: Just so you know, we received complimentary tours at the Wilds as press. However, as always, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our  Ethics Code  about how we work.**

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Emma Post author

June 10, 2023 at 7:01 am

Hello All. It is now 2023 and I am just now becoming aware that this place even exist, hopefully it still does. I am very interested in visiting there. Is the reservation still operating? I imagine Covid played an enormous role in why it seems the comments went silent. Also is the climate uninhabited by primates? I absolutely love the great Silverbacks and the chimps. Is this climate not suitable for them? Do you plan on ever having them?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 14, 2023 at 7:50 am

Yes, The Wilds is alive and well, and you can certainly come and visit. COVID-19 certainly was not great for the park but all is now open and most of the services have returned to normal. The summer season tends to be the busiest and most popular time to visit as it is a nice time to do the open-top buses or the Wildside Jeep or truck rides.

I don’t personally work for The Wilds, I am just a travel writer but I did grow up near The Wilds and have visited several times now over the years.

So there are no primates such as chimpanzees or gorillas at The Wilds. The focus of The Wilds is mainly on conservation and research and most of the animals are ones that can live in open enclosures, basically fields, such as the rhinos, horses, camels, zebra, giraffes, ostrich, etc. Primates would require large enclosures/tress etc. and it would probably not be a great fit for them here. At The Wilds, they do have a couple of enclosures for predators (e.g., painted dogs, dholes, and cheetah), but most of the rest of the animals can roam fairly freely in the open fields. There is also a barn area to keep animals protected and warm in the winter as needed.

In terms of climate, I would say that Ohio is probably not a good fit in terms of the natural habitat for chimps or gorillas. We recently were in Uganda which has both mountain gorillas and chimps and the reclaimed coal fields in southeastern Ohio is a pretty different climate and habitat than most of the places you would naturally find these animals.

As far as I know, there are no plans to have primates but you can of course ask yourself if you visit for any plans and reasoning on their part! The Columbus Zoo, the sister organization to The Wilds, has several primates in its care, although I don’t believe they have any chimps.

Hope that helps and hope you are able to enjoy a visit to The Wilds soon!

Best, Jessica

Becky Malterer Post author

March 30, 2023 at 8:31 am

Have the animals ever attacked anyone?

March 30, 2023 at 9:36 am

As far as I know (I don’t work here), there have not been any serious injuries of visitors caused by an attack by an animal at The Wilds.

When you visit, you are in a bus or Jeep for most of the visit when in the areas where the animals live and roam. The carnivores are behind fences. So visitors are fairly well protected from the animals and most of the animals (e.g., giraffe, cattle, zebra, ostrich) here rarely attack humans anyway. However, they are still wild animals and of course visitors should always be careful and aware during their visit and follow all the staff instructions.

Hope that helps and hope you enjoy your time at The Wilds if you decide to visit!

Jack Alloway Post author

July 15, 2021 at 4:32 pm

I was down in about 10 or 12 years ago and it was a beautiful place and it sounds like you people have done a lot more with it I’m looking forward to coming back down and staying the weekend. Thank yo

July 16, 2021 at 4:01 am

Hope you get a chance to return to The Wilds. Yes, it has changed quite a bit from 12 years ago!

tom hamm Post author

February 29, 2020 at 3:37 pm

look like a great place to visit. Would like to make a trip there in the spring or summer of 2020.

March 1, 2020 at 4:31 am

Yes, Spring or early Summer is a great time to visit The Wilds. It is nice to go when it is warm out but not super hot.

Enjoy! Jessica

Kurstin Chandler Post author

January 6, 2020 at 1:47 pm

Hi, interested in visiting your place.

January 6, 2020 at 1:58 pm

Hi Kurstin, If you are interested in visiting The Wilds now, or between November and April, they are only open to the public for their Winter at the Wilds tours. These need to be booked at least 72 hours in advance of when you want to visit. So I’d go onto their website or give them a call to schedule one of those if of interest. You can find links and their phone number above in the post.

But if you are visiting in the Spring/Summer months, then there are more daily tour options that will be available and you don’t have to book in advance (although still a good idea if you know when you want to do the tour).

Terri Mitchell Post author

April 13, 2019 at 6:56 am

Thank you for your comprehensive review! Just caught the end of Jack Hanna’s wildlife safari insisting The Wilds. I found your site when I searched for info. Happily it sounds like this is a trip that all ages can enjoy and we can camp too! Thanks to your thorough review we’re planning our own visit to The Wilds this summer!!! Happy Travels

April 13, 2019 at 12:10 pm

Hi Terri, Glad you enjoyed our review of The Wilds, and do let us know if you have any questions about planning your trip to The Wilds. Yes, Jack Hanna was very much involved in the planning and conservation efforts at The Wilds (he is a former director of the zoo in Columbus Ohio) and has been a long time ambassador for the park 😉 Best, Jessica

Mark Staib Post author

March 28, 2019 at 2:50 pm

I have a scout troop ,and we are interested coming down and camping either there or near by. We will want to tour and zip line. We would be arriving July 21 and have all of the 22nd to do all of the above.Please let me know if this is do able and how much it would cost.

March 28, 2019 at 4:42 pm

Hi Mark, That sounds like a fun scout trip. You’ll need to call The Wilds directly to get pricing and to book the trip for your group, phone number is (740) 638-5030. Best of luck, Jessica

DONNA AZZ Post author

July 4, 2016 at 3:37 pm

Hi – we will be visit “the wilds” in two weeks and staying for 2 nights (July 19&20). Are there any suggestions you can give us to enhance our visit?

travelcats Post author

July 4, 2016 at 4:32 pm

Hi Donna, I am sure you will have a great time at The Wilds! The summer is a great time to visit as all the facilities will be open and the animals should be out and about.

I would reserve your tour in advance so you get the dates/times you want. The open-air safari tours are great in the summer and a good value, you can also consider a private encounter or a Wildside Tour if they are within your budget.

As many animals will seek shade and naps in the middle of a summer day, I’d recommend trying to be on the first tour of the day or the last as you may see more animals and also it may be less crowded.

Since you’ll be there for two nights, you have plenty of opportunity to see the full park and choose the time of your tour and also explore at a slow pace. If you are staying overnight in the park, be sure to ask what activities are going on during your stay. Often there are boating, fishing, swimming, ziplining, and horseback riding activities available.

If you are traveling with kids, it can be really fun to teach them about some of the animals and have them try to then spot them during your tour and from the observation deck of where you are staying. If you have a pair of binoculars, these can be fun to bring. I’d also recommend buying a few snacks/drinks to bring with you at a grocery store before getting here so you don’t have to rely on always eating at the park as it can add up.

Have a great trip and feel free to come back and comment about your visit to The Wilds!

AwesomelyOZ Post author

August 3, 2015 at 3:36 pm

That’s so awesome! I love the photos of all the animals, esp the camels 🙂 That was a big boy! Looks like a great safari experience 🙂 Thanks for sharing and have a great one Jessica! -Iva

August 14, 2015 at 6:18 pm

Hi Iva, I think that may actually be a big girl:) It was a fun experience, it was not quite Africa but it is as close as you can get in Southeast Ohio and a great place to visit!

Seana Turner Post author

July 25, 2015 at 1:05 pm

You know, this is why I follow bloggers. I’ve been in that part of the country many times and had no idea this even existed. What a fun place! I think I’d rather roam around on a warm day, but I’ll bookmark it for the next time I’m driving though Ohio!

July 26, 2015 at 7:57 pm

Hi Seana, yes the Wilds is a great place to visit the next time you are in Ohio. It is a bit out of the way but a great place to spend an afternoon!

Mar Ward Post author

July 25, 2015 at 6:26 am

When I worked at the Zoo in Alaska, Jack Hanna was a guest speaker at our yearly fundraiser and talked about the Wilds. Ever since I had wanted to visit. Thanks for sharing your experience and some great photos.

July 26, 2015 at 6:57 pm

Hi Mar! Yes, I almost mentioned Jack Hanna in the post. I went to the same college as an undergrad that both he and his wife graduated from and the Wilds is located only about 20 minutes away. He was director of the Columbus Zoo in Ohio for many years and the Wilds now has a close partnership with that zoo. Jack Hanna has visited the Wilds many times and helped promote it. If you are in the Midwest, you should definitely plan a visit as I think it is still the largest wildlife conservation center in North America.

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Tours at The Wilds

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

With an experience right for everyone, a tour of The Wilds will leave you feeling exhilarated.  Choose one, or schedule a few! The Wilds is located in beautiful rural southeast Ohio. 

Each experience and tour at The Wilds will be unique. As one of the largest conservation centers in the world at 10,000+ acres, you may see different animals in different locations each time as they roam our pastures and wooded lands. Because of that, we cannot guarantee that guests will see every species that call The Wilds home during your tour...but we CAN guarantee memories that will last a lifetime! 

NEW TOUR FOR 2024: Behind-the-scenes safari

Get a unique look at The Wilds alongside the Animal Care team and learn about their daily routines, animal care, and more in this customized adventure!

DAILY TOURS 

All daily tours must be booked in advance. See each tour option for details. 

GROUP TOURS

Group tours guarantee to excite by providing encounters with rare and endangered species living in natural, open-range habitats spanning over 10,000 acres. Safari guides will educate groups about animals, ecology, and the crucial conservation work happening at The Wilds.

Group Tours are available May 1 through October 31, and you can book your tour now!

ANIMAL ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP

Learn why enrichment is an important part of our animal care plan, and help make goodies for the animals in our care.

YOUTH EDUCATION SAFARI

Customized for kids (and chaperones), this two-hour tour makes stops in several wild places, including our carnivore center. 

GROUP SUNSET SAFARI

See The Wilds while the sun sets over the beautiful horizon! This 2-hour tour is a must for any group. 

PRIVATE SAFARI

A customized 2-hour tour for groups seeking adventure.

Know Before You Go!

Discover our Policies

10 Ways to Celebrate the Savannah Bananas World Tour Coming to Columbus

Get ready to go completely bananas! The Savannah Bananas World Tour is stopping in Columbus May 24-25 at Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers AAA Baseball Team.  

The Savannah Bananas became a TikTok sensation in recent history known for frequently creating viral content during their games and inviting their audience to participate.  

With the Savannah Bananas coming to town, there are a bunch of ways to celebrate all things banana while you’re here for the game.  

The Savannah Bananas take on the Party Animals in Columbus May 24-25, 2024. Image source .

Sip on the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie from Bada Bean Bada Booze 

Sip on 16 ounces of pure banana bliss! The Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a staple on the menu at Bada Bean Bada Booze, a cafe/bar combo and favorite among locals. With two locations in the city, this smoothie is always within reach. 

Taste the homemade Banana Pudding from Understory 

Understory is perhaps one of the dreamiest spaces in Columbus featuring a full cocktail bar, restaurant and patio space. Housed inside the historic Open Air school, Understory is a great place to dine before or after the game. Stay on-brand and order their homemade banana pudding for dessert! 

Pick up your new favorite scent, Banana Brulee, from Penn & Beech  

Penn & Beech , a women-owned, pour-your-own candle making space in Columbus is a great activity for dates, girl’s outings and more. Guests are invited to pick a vessel that fits their style and create their own scented candle with help from their staff. The retail side of the business offers ready-made candles for purchase including the famed scent, Banana Brulee.  

Penn & Beech Candle Co. offers ready-made scents. Image source .

Feast your eyes on the Banana Trees at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens 

Banana Trees in Columbus? Bet. Franklin Park Conservatory is known for showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and even Dale Chihuly artworks throughout its expansive indoor/outdoor space. Located inside the pacific island biome you’ll find a lush collection of Banana Trees, some of which are currently flowering and will produce small fruit! 

The Pacific island biome at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Savor Banana Flavors from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams 

Did you know that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams originated in Columbus? Inside the historic North Market, Jeni Britton started what grew into a nationally renowned brand. In honor of the Savannah Bananas, head to one of their eight Columbus-area scoop shops to take your pick from festive flavors like Banana French Toast, Brandied Banana Brulee and Banana Cream Pudding from Jeni’s dairy-free menu.  

Sip on Banana Spirits at Lumin Sky Bar 

There’s nothing arrested about the development of a good time at Lumin Sky Bar , a luxe rooftop locale in downtown Columbus. There is no shortage of tasty signature cocktails to try, but if you’re looking for boozy and banana-y, we recommend the There’s Always Money in the Banana Stand featuring Basil Hayden, Creme de Banana, Creme de Cacao and Chocolate Bitters. Cheers! 

Cocktails at Lumin Sky Bar. Image source .

Power up with the Banana Almond Butter Toast from Alchemy 

At Alchemy the mantra is simple: eating really good food is the foundation for a happy, healthy life. While you’re in town visit one of their two locations to fuel up before you head to the game. While there are many banana-rich offerings on the menu, we recommend the Banana Almond Butter Toast to get your day started off right. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more than 10,000 animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 

Did you know that Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was voted the #1 zoo in the U.S.? While you’re here, visit the zoo to see more than 600 species and 10,000 animals including many banana-loving primates like chimpanzees and gorillas.  

Take your tastebuds to new heights with the Cloud Nine Pancakes from Northstar Cafe 

Get the day started off on a dreamy note at Northstar Cafe , with a stack of Cloud Nine Pancakes, three ricotta pancakes served with Ohio maple syrup and bananas. Northstar boasts four central Ohio locations, making it accessible no matter where you’re staying. 

Sip on the Banana-Rama Milkshake from Cap City Fine Diner 

From the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants family, Cap City is a retro-style eatery serving up classic diner favorites. We recommend trying the Banana-Rama Milkshake, featuring Johnson’s Triple Vanilla Bean ice cream, fresh banana, caramel, cinnamon graham cracker, whipped cream and topped with a cherry.  

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Insights on What to See and Do in Columbus, Plus a Seasonal Calendar of Events

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Columbus Zoo's 'Unextinct' brings extinct and endangered animals to all ages

W hen the sun goes down at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, animals not usually seen there come to life, some of them for the first time in centuries.

"Unextinct," the zoo's new interactive digital experience , is composed of 15 areas where projected illusions of extinct species and critically endangered critters swim, jump, frolic, fly and roam.

A scattered selection of hardy souls braved the bitter cold on Thursday night to walk through the wildlife wonderland.

"It really offers something different to do," zoo guest Liz Gruhalla, of Columbus, said.

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The display, which debuted on March 14, drew more than 1,000 guests on its opening weekend, according to Anthony Sabo, the zoo's vice president of operations and guest services.

"(The experience) is the first of its kind in Ohio and the second in the United States," Sabo said. "It's a completely different way to see the zoo, a totally different vibe than what the zoo usually has."

The immersive event will be open from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on select Thursdays (March 21 and March 28), Fridays and Saturdays through April 6, after which it will run Fridays and Saturdays through April 27.

When guests arrive, they are greeted by the Living Water display at the central pond, where ghost-like visions of coelacanths , sawtooth sharks, humpback whales and other underwater denizens soar through the air, an effect achieved with a semi-translucent aqua screen.

The 14 other "worlds" in "Unextinct" include Arachnoglitch, an exhibit of eight-legged crawlies; Soaring Panorama, a world of long-extinct birds; and an ultraviolet art tunnel where African and Asian elephants , a Javan green magpie and other winged creatures, vultures and more burst from the scene in DayGlo colors.

The ground-breaking technological wonder is the work of Mangolin Creative , a Los Angeles-based studio specializing in immersive experiential design.

Mangolin co-founder Morgan Lee Richardson said "Unextinct" was six years in the making, shifting and morphing before it was unveiled at the Sacramento Zoo last year.

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"'It was built off the notion that animals perceive the world differently than we do," Richardson said, adding that besides blending art and entertainment, "Unextinct" is meant to call attention to global wildlife conservation .

The installation is indeed equal parts entertaining, educational and environmentally edifying, with fact-filled narratives accompanying the visuals at each stop.

Though the project is his baby, Richardson admitted he was slightly biased when he selected the species to feature in "Unextinct."

"I was playing favorites when I picked the animals I wanted to include. I also wanted to choose animals you would not see in a zoo," he said, listing the hellbender salamander among his favorites.

Richardson said public reaction to "Unextinct" thus far has been positive. "It feels great. It's always fantastic to see and hear the guests chattering," he said.

Sabo said the experience has attracted guests from preschoolers to grandparents. "'Unextinct' is great for all ages," he said.

As evidence of this, Tad and Vernonica Delicath, of Columbus, turned out with their three sons, Hal, 4, Xavier, 2, and Remy, 6 weeks. "We love glow-in-the dark stuff, so when we heard about this, we said, 'We're there,'" Veronica said.

Citing the Living Water exhibition, her husband agreed: "That was so cool!"

General admission to "Unextinct," which is separate from zoo admission, costs $28.99 for those 10 and older and $25.99 for children ages 3-9. Upgrade to a premium ticket for $38.99 and receive an interactive glow bracelet and souvenir cup. Members of the zoo, Zoombezi Bay and The Wilds receive discounts on admission prices.

Before you go, you can download the zoo's free mobile app from the Apple or Google Play store to see the animals featured in "Unextinct," along with conservation information about each.

For more information about "Unextinct," go to columbuszoo.org .

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Zoo's 'Unextinct' brings extinct and endangered animals to all ages

Gorilla Kisses Newborn Baby Through Glass At Columbus Zoo

Even gorillas know that babies are innocent little beings.

In moments like these, you forget animals in a zoo are genuinely wild, but it also reminds you of the emotional intelligence that monkeys, gorillas and other primates carry. If they really wanted to, they could run the world, I’m convinced…

A woman took her newborn baby to the Columbus, Ohio, Zoo. While most animals would mind their own business and continue munching on their snacks or playing with their friends in their enclosure, this one gorilla was fascinated with the tiny human.

The large mammal sat in front of the glass, mesmerized by the baby wearing a yellow spring outfit as the mom held her for the gorilla to observe.

The gorilla was staring at the baby; at first, you weren’t sure what was going through its head. In all honesty, it crossed my mind that the animal might not be fond of the tiny human. If you are familiar with the video of the enormous silverback gorilla charging and breaking the glass nearly a decade ago, I was watching this with fear the same thing might happen. But that could not be further from the interaction that took place.

The gorilla leans towards the glass, placing a gentle kiss on the barrier between itself and the baby. A choir of “Awwww” erupts behind the person, videoing as all the children near the baby are also in awe of the tender moment.

This might be the sweetest thing you’ll watch all week.

@hanessssssssss Gorilla kisses for baby Noah 🦍💋# #goviral #columbusohio #zoo #fyp #animal #gorilla #family #babylove #babytok #zoodate🙈🦖 #love #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Hannah

The comments section is filled with people who love the tender interaction. I must confess I might have teared up if I had witnessed this in person. Something about animals loving on babies gets me.

“That was so cute omg.”

“Gorillas know the little humans are pure of heart.”

“That’s so sweet. They’re more human than you think.”

“They are very protective of babies.”

“From most fierce to most gentle…amazing.”

“What a sweetheart.”

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