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 runners-up in the “best animal encounter” category.
Click here to view winners and runners-up in all categories.
Winner: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Home to over 2,000 animals representing 400 species from six continents, the year-round zoo features several unique destinations including African Savanna, Asian Highlands, Australian Adventure, Wilderness Trek and The RainForest, a unique, two-level indoor habitat with 600 animals and 10,000 plants from around the world.
clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
Runners-Up:
Akron Zoo
Get nose-to-nose with hundreds of rare and exotic animals from around the world. Check out the zoo’s many exhibits, including Grizzly Ridge, Pride of Africa and more. The Akron Zoo is sensory-inclusive to accommodate guests with sensory processing needs.
akronzoo.org
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Guests can get excited about the aquarium’s 11,000-gallon stingray touch pool and a 175-foot Shark Gallery seatube. GCA’s seven galleries are home to 3,600 animals representing 250 fresh and saltwater species. A working scuba dive team assists with animal observation, cleaning, guest interaction and education, encouraging guests to consider how their actions can impact waterways and the natural habitats.
greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a working farm and education center. This popular destination features dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits, horses, goats, a plant science center and more. Horse- or tractor-drawn wagons provide visitors with rides to all destinations throughout the park.
lakemetroparks.com/farmpark