Tuesday & Peanut

This was one of those outings where my toddler was completely happy — and I was… thinking a lot.

We spent about three hours walking through the zoo. There’s enough to see, and for kids, it’s genuinely exciting. But as an adult, especially as a parent, the experience feels a bit more layered.

What toddlers will love

There’s a lot here that works well for young kids.

The highlights for us:

• Giraffes, zebras, and the African area
• Hippos and white rhinos (both were really fun to see up close)
• Flamingos — especially because they’re all together, moving and making noise
• The dinosaur area (this was surprisingly one of the most exciting parts for my 2-year-old)
• The mini train (we didn’t take it this time, but will probably try it next time)

Everything is fairly spread out, which makes it feel like a proper outing rather than a quick visit.

What I noticed as an adult

Some animals are really beautiful.

The snow leopard, for example — the patterns are incredibly elegant. Each of the big cats feels very distinct in its own way.

But at the same time, there were moments where I couldn’t help but pause.

Some enclosures felt small.
Some animals looked less active than I expected.
The tiger, in particular, seemed quite thin and not very energetic.

The bears also felt like they had limited space.

t’s one of those places where you become aware of the balance:
they’re cared for, but they’re also confined.

A small detail that stayed with me

The flamingos.

They’re loud, busy, always moving — but they’re together.
And somehow that felt comforting compared to animals that seemed more isolated.

I also read that hippos are social animals, which made me wonder about how they’re kept when they’re separated.

It’s not something most kids will notice, but it does stay with you a bit.

Practical things to know (this part matters)

If you’re going with a toddler, this is what actually helps:

✔️ Stroller-friendly
The paths are wide and mostly flat, so it’s manageable with a stroller.

✔️ Time needed
Expect around 2–3 hours.

✔️ What to bring

• Water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• A light jacket or blanket (for people who gets cold easily)
• There isn’t much shade, and it can get cold quickly when the sun disappears.

✔️ Seating
Not many places to sit and rest — plan for a lot of walking.

✔️ Washrooms
There are portable toilets.
They have toilet paper and sanitizer, but no baby change tables and overall quite basic.

✔️ Cost for non-members
Adult (18-64) $38.00

Senior (65+) $27.00

Student (18+ with ID) $27.00

Child (3-17) $27.00

Toddlers + Infants (2 and under) Free

Train $10.00 per rider*

You can rent a critter cruiser or safari cycle with a valid Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent.

• Critter Cruisers (animal-themed electric carts seat 4 people) $50 an hour

• Safari Cycles  (shaded bikes feature 2 seats for kids and 2 to 4 seats for adults) $25 an hour

Here are more photos from the day trip: