We love fall! 5 great things about visiting the Zoo in the fall

The Zoo is open 362 days a year, and while visiting when the weather cools off may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a Clevelander, keep reading below for 5 reasons we think visiting the Zoo in the fall is great!

1) The scenery and fall colors are on point

Do you visit the Cleveland Metroparks reservations when the leaves change? Then you should be visiting the Zoo, too! Wooded paths, colorful hillsides and plenty of fall flowers lead to gorgeous backdrops for photos throughout the Zoo. Get a nice brisk walk in while exploring the colors. Our favorite spots? The backdrop of African Elephant Crossing, Waterfowl Lake behind Stillwater Place, the deckwalk up to Primate, Cat & Aquatics and the inner paths of African Savanna are great photo opportunities.

2) Awesome animal activity

The Zoo's animals really respond to the changing Cleveland weather. When it's no longer 90 degrees all day, a majority of the Zoo's animals become more active. We especially recommend visiting the animals in Wilderness Trek, where many of them thrive in colder weather.

3) Your very own zoo

Have a day off during the week when it's fall or winter? You can feel like you have the Zoo to yourself! The big crowds visit during summer break for many families, so you can take advantage of the small crowds by spending time with us in the "off-season." Remember, we are open 363 days a year!

4) It's always 80 degrees in The RainForest

Fed up with how cold it's getting in Cleveland? While we still have some time to go before spring and summer weather comes back, you can spend a few hours in a tropical setting. The RainForest is always a balmy 80 degrees, which can feel like air conditioning during a hot July afternoon or nice and toasty during a chilly fall (or freezing winter) day. With more than 10,000 plants and 600 animals from the jungles of Asia, Africa and the Americas, The RainForest will keep you busy.

5) Easy (and early) holiday shopping

The Zoo's Gift Shop has some great gifts for everyone on your list. And if you're a member, don't forget you receive a 10% discount on regular-priced items. Round up your purchase to support conservation and everyone's a winner!