It’s time to introduce your baby to lions and lizards. And won’t you feel like an official parent when you brag that you take your child to the Zoo?
My friend Sarah gets credit for this one. “It’s fun for parents, too,” she says. Honestly, I think it’s mostly fun for parents. Even at 12 months, Julian cannot pick the animals out of their environments with his untrained eyes. He did see a lot of running water that excited him, though.
Just like the children’s museums, when you join, you get to go whenever you want all year. The Oakland Zoo membership includes free parking and a few other benefits. Also, the Zoo is a non-profit, so membership is a feel-good thing (not to mention a tax deduction). The money helps take care of the animals. Since as a mother, you now have a Responsibility to all things living, including those nasty reptiles your child will soon be fond of, this is a Good Thing.
There are all sorts of membership configurations, but in Oakland for $68 per year, two adults and up to four children can enter the zoo whenever they like.
It is fun to imitate the animal’s noises when you see them and then later in the car on the way home or anytime you’re looking for a new way to be silly.
[...] Even though I know the Zoo is awesome, I’m often too lazy to pack up the diaper bag, or too fearful that traffic is going to stick me in a small space with a whining toddler for longer than I can handle. But I need to get over my fears, and get on with my dog-food-eating. [...]
My girls Love the zoo. I must admit, I must admit I do not take them often enough. One year we did have a membership, and we went 5 or 6 times in the year. But if that is all you go the membership is more than worth it. It was $16 an adult times 2 is $32 every time (plus kids). Well we paid $80 for a year’s membership, and we got free guest passes. So when Grandma comes to visit she can go for free too. I always love to read your ideas. One of my categories on my site is outings and activities. This was a great reminder, and something to add. Look for another shout out to come your way.
[...] I was reminded today by Rookie Mom’s to check out the zoo. I know, I know, nothing new right? But, how long has it been since you checked it out? I realized my daughter is 19 months old and never been! When Emily was 2 (she is 5 now), we had a 1 year membership to the zoo for $89 (Atlanta Zoo) It cost $16 per adult, so especially if both parents go you have more than paid for the membership in 3 visits. Membership cost is tax deductible, plus it usually includes free guest passes, so when a stay at home mom wants to go with a friend it is a free trip all the way around! When you have a membership, even when the money is tight, you have a great trip to take. Atlanta zoo does things such as Christmas lights and “Tastes of Atlanta”, so there are fun things to do all year long! For older children they even have a “spend the night at the zoo” a few times a year. (Membership Invitation only) [...]
[...] Activity #455: Wrap your baby and stay warm – See picture. Activity #38: Learn baby massage – I took a free class at Elephant Pharm this week. Next one is Aug 28. Activity #494: Build a better Kleenex box – I sent a personalized Kleenex box with a picture of my baby to all three grandmothers. Activity #17: Soothe that baby – Validating that a swaddled baby naps longer. Activity #92: Go to the theater where crying is allowed – Scarlett’s first movie was Hairspray! Activity #122: Say “Yes, thank you.” – I am pleased with myself because when my seven months pregnant friend Lisa asked how she could help, I told her to come over and hold Scarlett for 20 minutes while I go drive Julian to school. I’m proud of myself for saying “yes” to the help. Activity #100: Get a pedicure – Heather and Milo came, too, and we sat in spa chairs while the babies sat in their carseats. Activity #205: Meet a monkey at the zoo – Ok, this was really for Julian’s benefit, but the result of being #2 is that you get to go to the zoo when you are just a few weeks old. Activity #361: Make some easy kids pants – I made a pair of tiny tiny pants for my tiny tiny girl out of a cute pink tshirt. It took about twenty minutes. Super fun to tell people I made them when they comment. [...]
[...] Heather and Milo came, too, and we sat in spa chairs while the babies sat in their carseats. Activity #205: Meet a monkey at the zoo – Ok, this was really for Julian’s benefit, but the result of being #2 is that you get [...]