The Zoo

Yesterday Piper and I joined our fellow playgroupers on a trip to the zoo. I think it had been about ten years since I had been to the Kansas City Zoo, so I was excited for the chance to sort out my memories of what I thought were from the KC zoo, but I was worried were mixed with my memories of the St. Louis Zoo. The Phoenix Zoo memories are pretty much all straightened out since we went there over our Christmas vacation.

Alright, so I guess I'm making a pretty good case for the people who think all zoos are basically the same and don't see the point in going to them because of that very reason. Well, all I have to say is if you don't enjoy going to the zoo, either you've had a really bad experience at one or you're just not from this planet. As far as I'm concerned, the zoo is a great form of entertainment for everyone, regardless of their age and interests. Plus, you get to be outside enjoying nature with the comforts of paved sidewalks and flushing toilets!

Aside from some people thinking all zoos are the same (I will agree that they are similar, but duh, of course they are!) I have heard some of the following complaints as well, so here are my solutions to those complaints:

1. The zoo is crowded. Yes, it can be, so don't go on the weekend or a major holiday. Go right when it opens on a weekday.

2. The zoo is too expensive. Let's see, if you go on Tuesdays, adults are $8.00, I believe that is the cost of going to see one movie at AMC and you can't bring your baby and sit through that. Hmmm...I'm feeling a movie theater blog rant coming on... Now, the food is definitely too expensive, so take 10 minutes to plan a lunch to bring. Souvenirs are expensive, but that's what a camera is for. Go to the St. Louis Zoo! It's free!

3. It's too hot. Yes, if you go when it is too hot.

4. There's too much walking. Come on, people, it's a fun way to get exercise! And here's my suggestion for the KC zoo, save Africa for the very last, walk it, and ride the tram that is 75cents a person back up the gigantic hill.

5. My children don't like the zoo. Okay, as I mentioned earlier, you must be dealing with a child from another planet, in which case I don't have a suggestion for at this point...

So, a little more about our zoo trip. I think the highlight of the day was the sea lion show. I was really amazed at how much they are like dogs. They play, they do tricks, and they bark! I was even more amazed that Piper didn't call them dogs. I think it's because she has her own dogs at home.

The next best part of the day was the walk down to "Africa." It was so beautiful with all the full green trees and the large lake. It reminded me of the Ozarks. The weather was perfect, in the 70's with a breeze. Plus, there are no bugs yet!

Without question the worst part of the day was waiting in line to purchase something to eat. I was smart and packed my own lunch, but I really needed a drink and didn't have one with me, so I stood in line for about 20 minutes and later realized I could have bought for the same ridiculous price at a vending machine. Not only that, but some of the registers could only accept cash. This information was posted on a typed sign that was attached to the front of the defective registers, which were covered up by the person who was first in line waiting to order. So, when a person came up with a credit or debit card and saw the sign, they were sent to the end of another line to wait even longer. I'd just like to point out that all of this could have been avoided if I had followed my advice in zoo problem #2 and brought my own drink.

All in all, Piper and I had a great time, as did the other three mommies and their baby girls. She was such a trooper! Thank goodness for travel bubbas, cheerios, pacifiers, and decked out strollers.