As one of only two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo has much more to offer than sassy hippos. Zoo Blooms takes over the grounds each April with an explosion of color and elaborate floral displays.
Dubbed “Tulip Mania,” the zoo has planted more than 100,000 tulips in a rainbow assortment of colors that will bloom throughout the month, in addition to more than 1 million combined yellow and white daffodils, hyacinths and flowering trees and shrubs.
To accompany the event, the zoo hosts after-hours Tunes & Blooms concerts every Thursday evening in April.
These family-friendly events are free and feature food (and alcohol) sales. Things kick off with Cecil Jackson & Dry Ridge Band and Shiny Old Soul, followed by Brother Smith (April 11), Honey & Houston (April 18) and Mama Said String Band (April 25). Keep an eye on the weather; concerts can be rescheduled because of rain.
April 1-30. $19 adults; $13 children. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
