Best Spots to Take Animal Lovers in Northeast Ohio

The Northeastern Ohio region falls along the shores of Lake Erie, and it’s full of culture and history. This area of the Midwest is also great for animal lovers. Northeastern Ohio has several activities, locations, and programs for people who love seeing, interacting with, and learning about all types of animal life. Here’s our list of the best places for animal lovers to visit in Northeastern Ohio.

Hale Farm & Village

White lamb at petting zoo pumpkin patch by Joyful Captures is licensed with Unsplash License

The Hale Farm & Village is a living historical site managed by the Western Reserve Historical Society. This land was purchased by Jonathan Hale in 1810, and his descendants farmed the land for over a hundred years. After being sold to the historical society, the farm transformed into a living museum depicting a historic village. You can stroll through 32 historic structures, view craft and trade demonstrations, interact with farm animals, and admire the gardens. It offers an immersive learning experience for families or people interested in farm life. Tickets are $8 for youth and $15 for adults.

Location: 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, Ohio

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a large zoo with tons of exhibits. The zoo has many wildlife protection programs, and there are so many animals to observe when you visit. You can marvel at the indoor rainforest, feed giraffes, and see a large variety of wildlife. From elephants to koalas and ring-tailed lemurs to orangutans, you may see a species you’ve never even heard of. Tickets are $14 for children ages 2-11, $18 for adults, and $16 for seniors ages 62 and up.

Location: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, Ohio

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from November through March.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Since Cleveland faces Lake Erie, it’s no surprise that the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is full of local fish and other aquatic specimens. You can observe over 300 species in the aquarium with the unique eye-level 360-degree view. If you feel brave enough, you can feed the stingrays or even dive with sharks. The aquarium is home to more than 2,700 freshwater and saltwater animals. Tickets for the aquarium cost $13.95 for children ages 2-12 and $19.95 for adults.

Location: 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, Ohio

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery

Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery is a quaint farm in the heart of Amish Country, which features a petting zoo, produce market, and food stall. You can shop at the store or pick up some traditional Amish baked goods during your visit as well. Hershberger’s is a great choice for people who want to see animals in a natural environment. At the petting zoo, you can pet and feed farm animals like chickens, rabbits, goats, horses, cows, and many others.

Location: 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg, Ohio

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Noah’s Lost Ark

Noah’s Lost Ark is an exotic animal sanctuary. This nonprofit organization rescues and rehabilitates wild animals like lions, tigers, cougars, and bears. Dedicated to providing all animals with a safe place to live, you can learn about exotic and endangered animals through guided tours. Along with learning about endangered species, you can see and interact with some of the animals during your visit. Tickets are $10 for children between 3 and 17 years old, $12 for people older than 55, and $15 for other adults.

Location: 8424 Bedell Road, Berlin Center, Ohio

Hours: Hours vary based on the season

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary is home to many bird species native to Ohio. The sanctuary also serves as a nature preserve and living museum. Birds are rescued and rehabilitated at the sanctuary. You can enjoy various educational programs or simply walk the trails of the nature preserve to see what birds you can spot along the way. The sanctuary provides birdseed, like mealworms, so you can interact with the creatures up close. Tickets are $3 for children and $5 for adults 16 and older. The sanctuary is a great way to enjoy nature on a beautiful Ohio day.

Location: 3774 Orweiler Road, Mansfield, Ohio

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday

The Farm at Walnut Creek

The Farm at Walnut Creek is a working farm in Amish Country. With over 500 animals, you can view, feed, and interact with various species from your car or a horse-drawn wagon. Consider visiting the farm in different seasons to observe varying activities, from planting to harvesting. After the tour of the grounds, you can buy fresh produce or take a tour of the farmhouses. General admission is between $12 and $15, with a discounted rate for groups. If you prefer a wagon ride, tickets cost $16 for children and $21 for adults.

Location: 4147 County Road 114, Sugarcreek, Ohio

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday but closed for the season from November to March

Majestic Meadows

Majestic Meadows is a family-owned farm and boutique with alpacas, llamas, sheep, miniature horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, camels, and highland cows. Majestic Meadows has 20 acres with open pastures for visitors to roam. Participate in goat yoga, become a junior farmer, or simply pet and feed the animals when you visit. This is a great farm for children of all ages since you can interact with farm animals in a relaxed environment. Tickets cost $10 for a self-guided tour.

Location: 4195 Abbeyville Road, Medina, Ohio

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday

Northeastern Ohio is home to many native and exotic animals to visit, observe, and interact with. Whether you prefer aquatic creatures or farm animals, you can easily find something to enjoy. Do you know of other great places for animal lovers in Northeastern Ohio? Let us know so we can add them to our list.