Cruise the Zoo: Tips for taking a trip through Cleveland Metroparks drive-through zoo
CLEVELAND, Ohio– The day following the closure of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo due to the coronavirus pandemic, zoo officials began to brainstorm a safe way to bring people back to the zoo.
Soon enough, Cruise the Zoo was born.
For $40 per car– or $20 for zoo members— guests can drive through the streets of the zoo, taking in the sights and sounds.
Here’s what to expect when you head to Cruise the Zoo.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
A bit of a wait
Though the zoo sells tickets with allotted reservations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through May 31, lines have been long as visitors slow to take photos or even to simply take in the animals as they pass.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
An enthusiastic staff
Upon entering the zoo, staff members are there to greet you with a wave and direct you along the path.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Some special guests
Along the journey, there are some special guests for the children. We won’t give too much away, but various dancers, Disney characters and super heroes line the path to greet each car.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. A baby giraffe nurses during the tour. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
A view of some of your favorite animals
Though some animals aren’t visible along the path due to concern for their safety, most of the zoos more popular animals are on display. Along the path, cars will pass by the Asian Highlands, African Elephant Crossing, Rosebrough Tiger Passage and more.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Snack and drink stops
While families are welcome to bring their own food and drink to the zoo, there are stops along the way to pick up snacks and soft drinks.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Gift stops
Parents beware, the zoo does have stops with various items for purchase, including stuffed animals and apparel.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. Cars line up for the second day of the event. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Tight passages
There are points during the adventure during which you might actually feel as if you’re on an African safari. Though vehicles will fit through the terrain, there are points at which the path narrows significantly.
A tour of the Cruise the Zoo event was available to the media on Thursday morning, May 21. The zoo began the drive-thru visits on Wednesday morning. About 150 tickets are available for each hour of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday through May 31. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
An audio tour
The zoo offers an audio tour with 15 separate chapters throughout the tour for cars to play upon their journey. You can find the audio tour here.
To see the full experience from the perspective of a car going through the zoo, watch the video from our Facebook page below.
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