The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical opened in 1875, making it the second oldest zoo in the country. With 3,000 plant species and more than 500 animals, the facility has the largest zoo collection in the country. Visitors can enjoy more than 20 exhibits, including the Penguin Walkabout, Rhino Reserve, Gorilla World, Wolf Woods, Insect World and Giraffe Ridge. The zoo also has garden and plant exhibits that display everything from endangered plant species to fruit-producing trees and plants. Kids can enjoy the on-site petting zoo, which features goats and sheep, and a children's playground is also on the premises. A train ride, carousel and 4-D movie theater are also on-site. As of October, 2010, admission to the zoo starts at $14 for adults, and $9 for seniors and children ages 2 to 12. On-site parking for the day costs $7. The zoo is open 365 days a year.
The Duke Energy Children's Museum is one of three museums at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, and one of the top children's museums in the United States. The facility, which opened in 1998, has eight exhibits that allow kids to climb, crawl and learn hands-on. Exhibits focus on art, science, culture and reading. Two exhibits are geared towards kids of pre-school age and younger. Adults can interact with their kids in "The Woods," an attraction based on wilderness survival. Other attractions include The Energy Zone and Kid's Town. As of October, 2010, admission costs $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for children, $4.50 for toddlers and $7.50 for seniors. The museum is open seven days a week.
Eastgate Adventures is a family fun park that allows visitors to play miniature golf, ride go-karts and play arcade games. The facility can host birthday parties for a minimum party of six kids. During birthday parties, all rides and attractions can be enjoyed, and pizza and drinks are provided at the party table. Money saving packages are available and groups of eight or more people get discounted rates. As of October, 2010, playing miniature golf costs $7.25 for adults and $5.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Riding go-karts costs $5.50 per ride, and passengers ride for free. From May through August the park is open seven days a week. During all other months, guests are advised to call for opening hours.
