Do you find yourself often considering awesome locations around Cleveland for future field trips? You’re not alone! Locals love to get out of the house, and there is so much to do around Northeast Ohio that the possibilities seem endless.

There are even opportunities to experience international culture without leaving The Land, as is the case of cultural hubs like Little Italy, assemblages like the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and landscapes like the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Did you know you can ride a train at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo? On pleasant days, you’ll feel like you’re on an exotic tour of the untamed Australian Outback. This is one excursion you’ll want to keep in mind for your next adventure!

All aboard! Today we’re going to embark on an excursion through the Australian Outback without ever leaving Cleveland.

Tim Evanson/Flickr Way back in 1882, Cleveland’s zoo was founded in what is now Wade Park. It featured mostly local animals, like deer, until monkeys, sea lions, and other exotic animals were introduced decades later. Eventually, the Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of the zoo in 1975 and things have been smooth sailing ever since.

Your adventure starts in the Australian Adventure portion of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Tim Evanson/Flickr As you arrive in this eclectic portion of the park, you’ll feel miles away from home. The Australian Adventure encompasses features like the Reinberger Homestead and a Yagga Tree with a snake slide.

Here, you can connect with your inner kangaroo.

Sonya Holland/Flickr As you embark on your journey, you’ll see that kangaroos and wallabies are commonplace in the Australian Adventure. And, thanks to these cool ears, you can pose for a picture that you will always cherish.

And you can also hop on the Boomerang Line for a bit of relaxation.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Facebook Aching legs? Relax on this train! You can enjoy a ride on the Boomerang Line for just $2, weather permitting.

The train operates April through October, so this is something you’ll want to keep in mind for your next fun day.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Facebook Assuming the weather is cooperative, you’ll enjoy a trip through the Australian Outback on this train. All the while, you’ll pass critters that you wouldn’t typically encounter on a traditional train ride in Ohio.

Wave at the wallabies and kangaroos as you pass, and marvel at the camels and horses along the way.

mrkittums/Flickr Aside from size, do you know what makes a kangaroo and a wallaby different? Both are marsupials with pouches, but wallabies tend to have splotchier coats (with shades of red, gray, and blonde mixed in) whereas kangaroos have a more even coat.

Oh, and sit back, relax, and enjoy a view of the Northeast Ohio greenery.

Tim Evanson/Flickr Though you’ll feel like you are on a tropical excursion a million miles away from home, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to admire the vibrant trees and flowers along the way. As October approaches, this ride only grows more beautiful.

After you’ve rested your legs on the train, you might enjoy a visit to indoor attractions like Gumleaf Hideout.

Tim Evanson/Flickr You’ll find koalas at Gumleaf Hideout, perched on live eucalyptus trees.

No matter what, you’ll want to bring a camera along for this adventure.

DavidFreeman/Flickr Get up close with domesticated critters at Kookaburra Station, or get your hop on as you visit Wallaby Walkabout.

Adventure awaits in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Tim Evanson/Flickr For hours, special events and programs, and the latest news from the zoo, click here.

Did you know you can ride a train at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo? Have you ever taken this adventure? Tell us about it in the comments!

Tim Evanson/Flickr

Way back in 1882, Cleveland’s zoo was founded in what is now Wade Park. It featured mostly local animals, like deer, until monkeys, sea lions, and other exotic animals were introduced decades later. Eventually, the Cleveland Metroparks assumed management of the zoo in 1975 and things have been smooth sailing ever since.

As you arrive in this eclectic portion of the park, you’ll feel miles away from home. The Australian Adventure encompasses features like the Reinberger Homestead and a Yagga Tree with a snake slide.

Sonya Holland/Flickr

As you embark on your journey, you’ll see that kangaroos and wallabies are commonplace in the Australian Adventure. And, thanks to these cool ears, you can pose for a picture that you will always cherish.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Facebook

Aching legs? Relax on this train! You can enjoy a ride on the Boomerang Line for just $2, weather permitting.

Assuming the weather is cooperative, you’ll enjoy a trip through the Australian Outback on this train. All the while, you’ll pass critters that you wouldn’t typically encounter on a traditional train ride in Ohio.

mrkittums/Flickr

Aside from size, do you know what makes a kangaroo and a wallaby different? Both are marsupials with pouches, but wallabies tend to have splotchier coats (with shades of red, gray, and blonde mixed in) whereas kangaroos have a more even coat.

Though you’ll feel like you are on a tropical excursion a million miles away from home, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to admire the vibrant trees and flowers along the way. As October approaches, this ride only grows more beautiful.

You’ll find koalas at Gumleaf Hideout, perched on live eucalyptus trees.

DavidFreeman/Flickr

Get up close with domesticated critters at Kookaburra Station, or get your hop on as you visit Wallaby Walkabout.

For hours, special events and programs, and the latest news from the zoo, click here.

Love animals? Believe it or not, kangaroos and other oddities have been spotted in Greater Cleveland.

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Address: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA