Get a break from the cold with a trip around the Tristate
As the winter weather continues, many Cincinnatians look for an escape from the cold. While some may escape south for warmer weather, not everyone can make the trip. Thankfully, several places around the Queen City offer relief from the winter blues—even if just for a day.
Cincinnati Zoo’s Winter Discount Days
An escape from the cold can be found at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. During the winter, the zoo’s discount days allow visitors to explore the indoor temperature-controlled habitats. These discounted tickets will be available through March 1.
The reptile house is the oldest zoo building in the United States and houses 35 species of reptiles. Try to sneak a peek at scaly creatures big and small in their enclosures made to replicate their natural warmer environment. From pythons to tree frogs, there is a host of cold-blooded animals all finding warmth in the reptile house. Other indoor habitats include Gorilla World, Manatee Springs and the Night Hunters exhibit.
Cincinnati Zoo &Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. cincinnatizoo.org
Krohn Conservatory’s Moonlight Menagerie
A Cincinnati staple, the Krohn Conservatory has numerous exhibits that make a good distraction from the dropping temperatures outside. There, guests can bask in the warmth of the Desert House and learn about plants that survive in the hottest environments. Likewise, guests can get whisked away to somewhere tropical in the Palm House and imagine a vacation hundreds of miles away.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the conservatory is looking to bring guests out in the evening, with “Moonlight Menagerie.” Visitors will be able to enjoy this new exhibition through April 26. “Moonlight Menagerie” shows visitors the beauty of night-blooming flowers, nocturnal life and the wonders of bioluminescence.
While also available to view during the day, nighttime is when the exhibit comes to life. Krohn Conservatory invites visitors to study the silver and white flora as it reflects the moonlight and appears to glow. You can also listen the nocturnal creatures of Ohio as a symphony of their calls plays, creating a soundtrack perfect for the occasion, and discover the secrets of the science of bioluminescence.
Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/krohn-conservatory/
Cincinnati Observatory
For those looking for something for an escape that’s a little more out of this world, an observatory may be a better fit. The Cincinnati Observatory in Mt. Lookout offers guests a window to the heavens. There, instead of missing those starlit summer nights, visitors can learn about them in a 19th century observatory.
The observatory is open every Tuesday and Thursday at the observatory. The site museum operates with hourly tours.
In addition to the regular programing, the observatory has special programing such as its Late Night Date Nights, which feature guided stargazing through historic telescopes, astronomy presentations and sweet treats. Meanwhile, Observatory After Hours invites adults to explore the night sky later than usual with behind-the-scenes access and a relaxed, after-dark vibe.
Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati. Tu-Th noon-3 p.m. cincinnatiobservatory.org
