The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards seeks to gather the opinions of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Our readers and online followers voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, family services and more.
Here are the winner and finalists in the “Best animal encounter” category.
Click here to view winners and finalists in all 26 categories.
Winner: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
There’s always something to explore at the 183-acre Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Meet animals from around the world in amazing ways: feed a giraffe right out of your hand, get nose-to-nose with Amur Tigers, swing by The RainForest to say “Hi” to the orangutans, and more. Unlock your adventure with KeyBank ZooKeys to learn more about your favorite animals. Kids will especially enjoy a ride on the Circle of Wildlife Carousel or Boomerang Line.
clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
Finalists:
Akron Zoo
Get up close to hundreds of rare and exotic animals from around the world at the Akron Zoo, which is right-sized and easily accessible for families. Don’t miss Wild Asia, an all-new habitat that houses Sumatran tigers, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons, and recreates Southeast Asia jungles and Himalayan forests.
akronzoo.org
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Kids can learn about where their food and clothing come from, as well as the care required for farm animals, at this family-favorite spot in Kirtland. In addition to the arena, barnyard, shepherd’s field and other facilities, the café, wagon rides and Showman’s Circle playground make it easy to spend the entire day at the Farmpark.
lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/farmpark