Photograph courtesy Cincinnati Zoo
Kate Rechtsteiner, director of visitor experience at the Cincinnati Zoo, considers herself the zookeeper for the people. She’s there to make sure you get parked, ride rides, and enjoy everything the zoo has to offer on every visit. She gave us the inside scoop on ways to get the most out of your experience.
What are your tips to avoid crowds?
If you’re a member, you get in an hour early—9 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. You can park and get in before it gets crazy. In general, early is best [in the warmer months] because the animals are more active before it gets hot. If you come after 3 p.m., most of the crowds have left and you can get a ticket at Twilight pricing.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually our slower days. Honestly, if you want the zoo to yourself, come when it’s raining or cold out. You have some unique opportunities if you’re coming on some of those off-peak times. You can also attend an after-hours event to enjoy the zoo in a more relaxed setting. We host adult 21+ events for the grown-ups, too.
What’s the best route to take when you walk into the zoo?
If you have a stroller, I recommend that you go to the right and start in Africa, and then you can head down Bear Hill, which is a very steep hill. When you loop around that way, it’s a little easier getting up on the way back.
Photograph by Lisa Hubbard
When are animals most visible?
The summer is the best time to come because all our animals can be out and on habitat. Once it gets below the freeze point, a lot of animals are heading to their indoor habitats.
What are some ways to get more interaction with the animals?
We have a schedule on our app with things that are not to miss. For example, our Wings of the World bird demonstration is a cool interactive experience where birds literally fly over your head. We also have our Barnyard Bonanza for the little kids, where you get to see animals getting trained. And the other one that is scheduled is our Cheetah Encounter. So, just check the schedule before you come.
Which food places have the shortest lines at lunchtime?
The Basecamp Café will get a line, and it will look scary, but they have four kiosks in there and the line moves fast. I would also recommend Hops, towards the front of the zoo. If you use the app, you can order ahead so you’re not waiting in a line.
Photograph by Mark Dumont
What are the best zoo snacks?
My all-time favorite are the funnel fries. I think the kids’ favorite are the Dippin’ Dots. And we are also very known for our popcorn and soft pretzels with cheese.
What’s your best Festival of Lights hack?
Come early to see the animals, stay to see the lights. If you can get to the zoo by 4 p.m., Santa is ready to see people, and you can park and not worry about the craziness. You get to see the animals, they go to bed, and then the lights are putting on a show for you.
Do you have any parking tips?
We have a brand-new lot right off Euclid Avenue. And we have another, smaller lot off Erkenbrecher. The main entrance off Vine is what people always go to, but the other lots are a nice hack.
When is the best time to purchase a zoo membership?
March and April, and November and December are our membership sales.
What should visitors know before they go?
You can use the app to plan your day and check for closures. You can also save by getting tickets online. You can see the days that are priced according to your budget, and book ahead for better deals.
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