Is a trip to the Zoo Worth it with A Young Toddler?
There is really nothing like taking your toddler to see something for the first time. The absolute joy and wonder on their face makes the bum-rush chaos to get out the door completely worth it. Definitely, right?
OR
Will they even be interested in the animals or will they lose it and have a complete breakdown when they realize they can’t pet the tigers?
Could go either way amirite?
I’m going to level with you guys. Part of the reason I started this blog is that since the pandemic started, it’s been really, like really hard for me to get out of the house with the kids. It used to be a part of our daily routine, but after staying home for a year the idea of packing up the diaper bag and stroller and carrier and whatever else, and getting in the car and being out in the world is daunting!
But we can’t remain agoraphobic forever, and outside activities are some of the safest for social distancing. So I wanted to share what worked for us at the zoo, because once we got there, we all had a great time!
Getting there: Plan ahead, pack your bags the night before and pick your time. We tried to get there as early as possible because we know we only have until lunch before major meltdown time. Maybe for your family, right after a nap is a good time to drive. We’ve also experimented heavily with taking naps in the car on the way to and from places with some success.
Avoid overstimulation: Ask your kid what they want to see before you go. Give them a few choices, and hype up whatever they pick. Our toddler was excited about flamingos, so I looked up flamingos online, and on the way we talked about all the fun facts that she could wrap her little head around. Then when we got to the zoo, we headed straight for the flamingos! She watched them in complete awe for almost ten minutes. It was kind of magic. I need to use this trick more often.
Eating: The snack bar by the big cats, Tiger Terrace, has healthier options than the snack bar all the way at the back of the zoo, Dino Bites. I got a quinoa salad and it was pretty good! This snack bar also has regular kid options like chicken nuggets etc. Every time I’ve gone to the Zoo the food trucks are closed but seems like there’d be some interesting options there too. Choosing the Tiger Terrace snack bar also helps you avoid the longer lines at the snack bar at the back of the zoo. According to the website, you can order ahead, but that doesn’t always seem to work so double check before you go. (Pro-mama tip, iced coffee available when you first walk in on the right hand side of the fountain)
Don’t - Do Not - tell your toddler you’re going to see an elephant. The Philadelphia Zoo doesn’t have one - but the Haddonfield Sculpture Zoo does!
Consider a membership, it takes the edge off. We realized that if we went to the zoo twice in one year, the membership would be worth the money. The membership includes free parking and discounts on food and gifts. The membership also gave us more flexibility. I didn’t feel pressured to drag our toddler around to see every single animal and attraction. When she was ready to blow, we were able to leave without feeling like we missed anything, because we can go back as many times as we want this year!
Think about age appropriateness. Our 2-year-old was pretty scared of the current exhibit Big Time, Life in an Endangerous Age. She ended up walking through it with her head buried in dada’s shoulder. Cute but maybe not worth the money quite yet.
Quick editor's note- did everyone else know you can drink at the zoo? Alcohol? Like literally when you walk in you can buy a vodka lemonade. There’s a beer garden. Every snack bar sells wine and beer! Drink responsibly people but also - beer helps with milk supply! 
Mama’s gotta have fun too!
When you split a beer with your hubby at lunch and you’re feeling your headband/ babywearing combo.