A trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden annual Zoo Blooms will spark the garden lover in you! Prepare yourself for a visit to your local plant nursery after one glimpse and deep breath of the Zoo’s hyacinths, daffodils and tulips.
Early April blossoms bring a sense of renewal for humans and animals alike. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Spring surrounded by fresh blooms and sunshine as precious little animals scurry about, soaking in that one last drop of daily renewal.
I was always a morning zoo visitor, you know, the sweet spot between breakfast and afternoon nap. It’s a prime time for parents to get out and enjoy the company of their fellow early morning ‘stroller buddies.’ As my kiddo gets older and I’m able to enjoy different parts of the day, I’ve fallen for Zoo afternoons.
Midday, the animals perk up, playfully prance, and soak up that powerful Spring sunshine. Sponsored by Pepsi, the hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and shrub bushes allow for a beautifully colorful backdrop. Dubbed “Tulip Mania,” the Cincinnati Zoo is proud to have one of the largest Tulip displays in the Midwest.
Utilizing the Zoo’s Erkenbrecher Avenue pedestrian entrance is my best piece of advice. Not only do you get a quick look at the elephant yard, but you also avoid the elevator/bridge back up. Negrita Tulips and Jan Bos Hyacinths lead your way into the main ADA/stroller friendly entrance.
Zoo Blooms runs from April 1-30 and is included with general admission. Visit the Zoo and Botanical Garden website to find a perfectly curated Tunes & Blooms playlist and Zoo Blooms Walking Tour. Come summer time, if you’re missing these robust blooms, the Butterfly Garden near the Insect House is home to tall wildflowers and busy bees. The Botanical Garden is a true Cincinnati treasure.
