3 Secrets to Surviving a Day at The Zoo
My kids like to drive me bonkers by jumping like monkeys and laughing like hyenas. They growl and sneer when asked to do chores and have appetites that rival that of a bear. It’s no wonder it feels like a zoo in here!
I was skeptical when J-F suggested we take all 3 kids to the Zoo Granby – a whopping 2 1/2 hour drive away – for a fun-filled, holiday weekend Saturday, family day of f*ck. Yeah, I said it. 3 kids. 1 zoo. Thousands of opportunities for oh-shits and get-the-hell-outa-theres.
3 kids. 1 zoo. Thousands of opportunities for oh-shits and get-the-hell-outa-theres. #traveltips Click To Tweet
Thankfully I have these 3 secrets to surviving a day at the zoo. I accept wine and coffee as thanks 😉.
The first step in surviving a SATURDAY at the zoo? Get there before opening time to get a parking spot that is less than 10 miles from the gate. You don’t want the kids pooped before you even start the day! Remember that a zillion other parents had the same idea you did; once inside the park skip the first ‘continent’ and go straight to the 2nd section – you can always loop back at the end. It will still be busy, but your whole day will be less congested than if you spent it herding your way through with all the parents who showed up bright and early like you did.
The second step for survival when kids outnumber the adults is to bring food. Lots of food. And if your kids are a tad OCD like mine make sure every child has exactly the same thing. Our cooler – which we put in the wagon’s ‘cargo hold’ area – had exactly 3 of everything for the kids. Apples, drinkable yogourt, granola bars, nutri-grain bars, water bottle and juice box. We also had 1 loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter. We did buy them a treat mid-way but I wanted to save our spending money for the fun things, like camel and train rides.
Lastly, bring a wagon. Any wagon. I don’t care how old your kids are. Ours (a folding number from On The Edge Marketing) held water, food, extra kid’s underwear & pants, diapers, wipes, a light blanket, a neck pillow and from time to time a napping toddler or a tired preschooler. Trust me, you don’t want to be carrying a 40lb tired toddler half way across the zoo.
We ended up having a terrific day. As you can see from the pictures below everyone had a great time – mostly. Though I will admit to reaching for the wine bottle when we got home I have to say the day was a success thanks to my 3 secrets to surviving a day at the zoo.
3 secrets to surviving a day at the zoo #kids #travel #tips #parenting Click To Tweet
What are your tips for surviving family outings? Check out the image gallery below then comment with your suggestions!
My boys love going to the zoo. These are great tips. We always take water and last trip we took the wagon and it was great. Also extra clothes are great at our zoo as they have a splash pad play area to cool off.
Oh yes, we always bring lots of snacks. No matter where we go 🙂
These are great tips. We always pack lunch and try to go during the week when it is less crowded.
You have to get to the zoo early. That’s the best tip. We’ve gotten to the zoo after opening, and it was seriously such a long hike that by the time we got to the gates, the kids were already cranky!
Great pictures. I think skipping the first exhibit is a great tip.
Thanks! I’m in love with the leopard …. I want him on my wall lol 🙂 And yes – skipping that first one was our day saver lol
Bringing food is a great tip! Food at the zoo is so expensive and hungry kids are cranky!
Oh I remember many days at the zoo and you have some great suggestions. My tip is to make sure the kids don’t get over hungry or too tired. We never went too fast… and took our time.
I think the idea of the wagon is brilliant. Even if your kids are older like mine, it is perfect for carrying our stuff.
Bringing a wagon is definitely a good idea. Having everything in canvas bags becomes so tiring!
Bringing a wagon is a great idea. I’ve seen so many people do this with little kids and it seems to be a hit!
Food is always a must for any outing. Hungry kids are not happy kids.
It sounds like you had fun. I always try to get there early. My kids do best in the morning so it’s easier to get everybody doing the same thing at the same time.
when in trouble, I always pull out a snack! Wagon is a great idea too for multiple kids!
I agree with the Wagon, or even a stroller. I find that just when I think she is old enough that she wont need a ride at some point she proves me wrong and I find myself renting one of the zoos clunky strollers.
These are great tips. I love a day at the Zoo, but you’re right that you have to be prepared.