The Cincinnati Zoo does not have a dedicated water park, but it does offer some water-based attractions and features for visitors to enjoy. While there is no full-fledged water park, the zoo provides several water-related experiences that can help visitors cool off and beat the heat during their visit.
Hippo Cove: Underwater Viewing of Nile Hippos
One of the main water-based attractions at the Cincinnati Zoo is the Hippo Cove exhibit. This exhibit features a 70,000-gallon pool where visitors can view the Nile hippos from an underwater viewing area. The water is super-filtered to ensure a clear view of these massive, semi-aquatic mammals.
Splash Zone: A Bygone Attraction
While there is no current evidence of a dedicated splash zone or water park within the Cincinnati Zoo, some visitors have reported that a small splash zone area existed about 20 years ago. However, this attraction is no longer operational, and the zoo does not seem to have any plans to reintroduce a similar feature.
Water-Based Rides and Attractions
The Cincinnati Zoo does offer some water-related rides and attractions that are included in Platinum and Gold memberships. These include the Safari Train and the Carousel, which may provide a refreshing experience on hot days. However, these rides are weather-dependent and may have mandatory water breaks during periods of high temperatures.
Staying Hydrated at the Zoo
Although the Cincinnati Zoo does not have a water park, the zoo encourages visitors to bring water and take breaks, especially when participating in physically demanding activities like the Dornette Kanga’ Klimb. This emphasis on hydration helps ensure that visitors can enjoy their time at the zoo without succumbing to the heat.
Nearby Water Parks
While the Cincinnati Zoo itself does not have a water park, there are several water parks located in the greater Cincinnati area that visitors can explore. Some popular options include:
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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Water Park: This water park is located adjacent to the Cincinnati Zoo and is operated by the zoo. It features a variety of water slides, splash pads, and other aquatic attractions.
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EnterTRAINment Junction Water Park: This water park is located in West Chester, Ohio, just a short drive from the Cincinnati Zoo. It offers a range of water slides, lazy rivers, and other water-based activities.
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Coney Island Amusement Park: This historic amusement park in Cincinnati includes a water park area with slides, pools, and other water-based attractions.
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Cincinnati Nature Center: While not a dedicated water park, the Cincinnati Nature Center does offer a variety of water-based activities, including a stream exploration area and a water play area for children.
Conclusion
While the Cincinnati Zoo does not have a water park, it does offer several water-based attractions and features that can help visitors cool off and enjoy their time at the zoo. From the Hippo Cove exhibit to the water-related rides and encouragement to stay hydrated, the zoo provides a range of water-based experiences for visitors to explore. Additionally, there are several nearby water parks and water-based attractions that visitors can consider as part of their Cincinnati zoo experience.
References:
– https://www.reddit.com/r/cincinnati/comments/13u4ja3/water_park_at_the_zoo/
– https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoo-is-testing-the-waters/
– https://cincinnatizoo.org/plan-your-adventure/
– https://cincinnatizoo.org/plan-your-adventure/rides-attractions/
– https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g60993-d105691-t768307-Do_they_have_a_splash_area_for_kids_to_cool_off.html