I can not begin to say enough great things about the Oregon Zoo in Portland. I started taking my kids there when they were tiny. It was a place to go to get fresh air. My kids could look around and see animals (or other people) and they could run around and get some exercise. They loved it! But the Zoo definitely isn’t cheap. If a family of 4 is going it’s expensive. But with a membership it’s actually somewhere we can go that’s pretty reasonable. We go at least 8 times a year (not including our trip to see the Zoo Lights). If you look at it that way, it’s totally affordable!
This was the first time my kids and I have seen the newest exhibit Predators of the Serengeti. We thought is was fantastic! The lions were out, which was an impressive sight. And there were lots of hands on things the kids could do to learn about the different animals of the Serengeti.
We went on Sunday. The weather was beautiful for a February day. We’re used to going to the Zoo in the summer when it’s hot. This was definitely a different experience. The animals were out and they were actually playing! They weren’t all hiding from the heat and sleeping.
I think I liked the polar bears the best. They were playing in the water with giant plastic balls. They were splashing around and doing flips. It was so entertaining I could have stayed there for hours!
My son’s favorite exhibit is the Bats. He stands there and watches them for the longest time. We got there right after their lunch was given to them so they were awake (most of them) and eating. They really are amazing little creatures!
But I can’t go to the Zoo without looking at my favorite animal – the hippos! What amazing… things??? They were out of the water on Sunday which was pretty remarkable. Most times they are both submerged in the water and are pretty hard to see.
One of the great things about going to places like the Zoo is that there are no policies about bringing in your own food. Normally I bring a back pack in (or a cooler) and we eat a picnic lunch on the lawn while watching the bird show. But with the weather being a little uncertain (and my desire to not lug around a heavy backpack), we decided to eat at the AfriCafe. They changed their menu a little bit (which I’m not sure if I like or not) but my kids didn’t mind. They ordered a kids meal and thought they were on a great adventure.
And, of course we had to finish our trip with a visit to the Elephant Ear stand.
** And don’t forget “discount days”!!! The second Tuesday of every month you can tour the Zoo for only $2 per person! (And, as always, children 2 and under are free!) **
What a perfect day! The Oregon Zoo is one of the best in the country and always fun to visit. I want to go with you next time!!!!!