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 could not pick the animals out of their environments with his untrained eyes. We’d stand right in front of an enclosure with giraffes in it, and couldn’t be sure that he could see them. He did see a lot of running water that excited him, though, and there are areas for babies and toddlers to crawl around.
Just like the children’s museums, when you join, you get to go whenever you want all year. My local 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 startling reptiles your child will soon be fond of, this is a Good Thing.
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.
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.
We’ve gone to different zoos a few time in my son’s 2.5 years. So far he hasn’t really been interested in the animals. Most recently he spent most of his time collecting rocks out of the landscaping. At least I like to see the animals!