For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored with wildlife. My love affair with all things animal related has been passed down to my three year old daughter who recently told me she would rather go to the zoo than Disneyland! I couldn’t agree with her more. A visit to the zoo is a great way to spend the day outside as a family while educating children on the wonders of the wild kingdom.
Since I love zoos so much, I thought I would take the opportunity to introduce you to some of our country’s finest. Our first stop is my home turf, the West Coast. Here are five zoos that you don’t want to miss:
NYCmama loves this zoo “for its manageable size, wonderful collection of animal life and proximity to the ocean!” I do too. It isn’t the largest zoo but it is certainly big enough to spend a few leisurely hours admiring the leaping lemurs and gasping at the grace of the long and lovely giraffes. With Ocean Beach literally across the street, you can always rely on this zoo to be a nice escape from the heat during those scorching Northern California summers. Be sure to catch a penguin feeding and don’t forget to take the little ones on the Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train.
Check out more reviews by Trekaroo families of the San Francisco Zoo here.
We recently paid this zoo a visit for the very first time and had an absolute blast. The Arizona Trail section provided a fantastic introduction to the animals of the desert southwest and the camel rides were an absolute hit with my kids. Explore this large zoo on one of their four person bike rentals or cruise on a paddle boat around the main lake. Definitely be sure to visit the Monkey Village where there are no cages separating you from the squirrel monkeys swinging from the trees above. Looking for a break from the animal action? Check out one of the many unique and fun playgrounds dispersed throughout the park. Where else can you slide through a Saguaro Cactus?
Check out more reviews by Trekaroo families of the Phoenix Zoo here.
Photo courtesy of Trekaroo member LivingBeaverton
Started in 1887 by a pharmacist who collected animals, the Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi. It is also one of the best. With exhibits such as the Great Northwest, a wonderful collection of animals indigenous to Oregon, and the newly opened Predators of the Serengeti, its no wonder that families return to this zoo again and again. Pitstopsforkids offers this great tip: “You can picnic with a lunch on the wide lawn by the Africa section (where the main food venues are located).” Like trains? Be sure to check out the Washington Park and Zoo Railway during your visit.
Check out more reviews by Trekaroo families of the Oregon Zoo here.
Photo courtesy of SeattlePI.com
I remember visiting this zoo as a kid and loving every minute of it. Here you can explore Alaskan tundra on the Northern Trail, dream of cuddling with a red panda in the Temperate Forest Zone, and wander amongst the wallaroos in the Australia Zone. If you have children aged 8 and younger, be sure to check out the Zoomazium. Perfect for those drizzly Seattle days, this indoor nature-themed play area has everything from a mountain cave to explore to a rope bridge in a tree canopy to cross to a 20 foot tree to climb. Feeling hungry after all that exploring? Mary C. Brady reassures us that the Woodland Park Zoo “ has a food court that features a wide variety of lunch choices beyond just pizza and soda.” Personally, the next time I am in town I will try the clam chowder at the Pacific Blue Chowder House on site. Sounds like the perfect compliment to a day exploring in the Pacific Northwest.
Check out more reviews by Trekaroo famlies of the Woodland Park Zoo here.
We are proud annual pass holders to this incredible zoo. Its certainly one of the world’s finest with over 4,000 animals on 100 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. First timers will benefit from the 35 minute Guided Bus Tour which gives a nice overview of the zoo and allows you to plot your plan of attack. Some of my family’s favorite exhibits include the newly reopened Polar Bear Plunge, an incredible walk through time at Elephant Odyssey, and of course those cuddly looking endangered giant pandas. It takes a very full day (and alot of walking up and down hills) to see it all, so plan accordingly. Or better yet, schedule two days at this amazing zoo into your calendar and make a weekend out of it. Either way, its impossible to walk away disappointed.
Check out more reviews by Trekaroo families of the San Diego Zoo here.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids and the woman behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Trekaroo parents have been on the streets and in the mountains around Knoxville, Tennessee and we’ve compiled a list of their favorite destinations for their kids. A simple look at the horizon leaves no doubt that the Great Smokey’s are a near perfect place to explore nature, but parents have also shown that with this unique geography comes unique parks, museums and entertainment. So take a wander through some of the most visited and enjoyed places in the Knoxville area by parents and their kids.
#1 Kid-friendly Activity and Best Amusement Park for Kids: Dollywood
Parents all around the Smoky’s and beyond loved their family outing to Dollywood. This southern-styled theme park is a short drive from Knoxville and boasts country music star Dolly Parton as its owner. One Trekaroo parent, Mom Most Traveled, liked the bit of Dolly history found in the park. ”I particularly enjoyed the veritable shrine to Dolly Parton within the amusement park [...].” Despite Dolly’s unique story, most kids will be attracted to the rides. Krisco32′s kids loved the rides that resulted in a good soaking. ”The River Battle ride was fun, but really wet; and you are pretty much stuck at the mercy of anyone outside the ride who decides to shoot you.” For those who can resist the thrill of being targeted by water cannons, there are plenty of water-free rides to fill the day. Kjsbristol’s family particularly enjoyed their subterranean journey on the “unique vertical climbs and dark tunnels” of the Mystery Mine. Dollywood makes a great effort in trying to have something for all ages and tastes. ”For those too small for most of the rides, there are two playgrounds on opposite ends of the park,” said RunnerGrrrl. On top of the rides and playgrounds, the park also has mkmom’s favorite BBQ and all the frills and thrills of a great tourist stop.
Photo Credit: Trekaroo/kjsbristol
Best Place to Sight the Local Animals: Cade’s Cove
Just a hop and a skip from Dollywood is Cade’s Cove, flaunting nature’s grand display of mountains, forests, and wildlife. Locals like josalynandpeytonsmom love Cade’s Cove with it’s “waterfalls, trails, and wildlife inside the park for all to enjoy.” StephanieSays had “never seen so many deer in [her] life” before her visit to Cade’s Cove. ”There were so many different animals to see and kids can ooh and ahh to their heart’s content.” The area is within the National Park and offers many options for enjoying the scenery, from driving an 11 mile loop to exploring the numerous nature trails that meander through the beautiful mountains. There are also many different sights to see, “Off the loop are many nature trails, historical cabins and homesteads, and picnic areas,” said knoxvilledoula. It’s a great area for all styles, whether your want to drive, hike or bike. Cade’s Cove promises unforgettable sights to the entire family.
Photo Credit: Trekaroo/jenc17
Most Exciting Museum for the Kids: Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
About 25 miles outside of Knoxville, Trekaroo parents have found a museum that their kids adore. One Trekaroo parent, going by the moniker Hyperpraise, said, “This museum was so nice that my children ask to go back.” These repeat customers were drawn to the large-scale doll house, capable of accommodating the munchkins of many sizes, as well as a climbable space ship and castle. Krisco32 found stumbled upon the museum while searching for a nearby destination, but her family wound up loving this fortunate mistake. ”It was one of the only times I’ve been lost that actually turned out to be better than what we’d planned,” she said. Children’s Museum aficionados may find this museum to be similar to many others, but Knoxvilledoula said it best, “So long as the kiddos like it, that’s what is important.” And the kids have kept their parents going back again and again, which is why the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge tops the list.
Photo Credit: Trekaroo/RunnerGrrrl
Best Place for Kids to Play: World’s Fair Park
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, this park is a massive stretch of land that includes grass fields, fountains, water falls, and a great playground, but most importantly Trekaroo parents and their kids find it grand! Kristen, a Trekaroo parent, said the park is a wonderful destination during those hot and humid Tennessee summer days. Near all the water works is a great playground for kids to climb and swing to their heart’s desire. More than anything, the World’s Fair Park has a great atmosphere and community. Lldenton describes the scene, “On a given day, with nice weather, the park is full of children playing on the new playground, college students studying, and many others lounging or passing through.”
Photo Credit: worldsfairpark.org
Most Entertaining Performance for Kids: Dixie Stampede
Pigeon Forge is an entertainment center in the middle of the Smokies, thus it is no surprise that Trekaroo parents would find the most entertaining show for their kids at this locale. Lemonyemilyo describes it as a “non-stop rodeo theater” and gives an overwhelmingly positive endorsement of the food saying it’s “very yummy”. With this winning combo of good entertainment and good food, kids can’t help be entertained (and satiated). Srwstars describes the show like this: “The Dixie Stampede has amazing energy. You can’t help but be excited while watching the amazing show. It’s an interactive show that gets people from the audience to help with skits and playing games.” All this excitement does cost a pretty penny, but Lemonyemilyo assures us the “experience is worth it.”
Photo Credit: flickr/Jim Moore
Orlando is famous for some of the top theme parks in the world. With warm weather year round, Orlando is also home to some of the most fanciful hotels that make families feel like they’re in paradise. With so many great hotels to choose from in Orlando, which ones do Trekaroo families truly love? Here’s the our verdict for 2010.
#1 Kid-friendly Hotel Orlando and Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Although this Disney hotel is the farthest from the theme parks, it’s seems that being able to wake up to giraffes and zebras at your window is an experience so unique and wonderful that it’s worth every penny. Dancing Queen declares that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas are “Beyond Fantastic…Nature hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, night vision goggle observation of the animals, fireside storytelling, it goes on and on.” AuntieMie recommends getting a room with a balcony because “the animals, food, and surroundings are amazing” and kids will simply love gazing out their window. Restaurant Bomo also gets a big thumbs up from families.
Parent Review of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Rates begin at $237/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Really Near Magic Kingdom:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Located just a mile from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge got a raving review from HTanner who says it’s the “Best on-site hotel for families”. Why? Maybe it’s the beautiful architecture, or the two amazing pools complete with water slide and waterfall. Perhaps it’s the more affordable prices and close proximity to Magic Kingdom. That’s not even mentioning the funny waiters at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also has a kids club and myrid of fun activities for the whole family. Amanda Lisk says, “This resort was less expensive than the Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary – but just as nice and convenient!”
Parent Reviews of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Rates begin at $219/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Epcot:
Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with it’s old southern charm received top votes by Trekaroo families. Families on Trekaroo love what they get at this moderately priced hotel. Metro927 summed it up by saying that they “LOVE this hotel. Definitely going back”. Their sentiment was shared by several other families. Leigh’s “children LOVED the pool area, huge slide and kiddie pool area.” Hope says this is their favorite moderately priced hotel because “the rooms are spacious and (they) loved the view in Alligator Bayou”. Families also loved the large pool with a water slide and the shuttle to the theme parks as well as the excellent service and chocolate milk on tap. A big bonus – many rooms accommodate a family of 5 in one room.
Parent Reviews of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Rates begin at $136/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Universal Studios:
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Located just minutes from Universal Studios, Trekaroo families love Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It’s no surprise, because this hotel has a fantastic pool designed to look like a South Seas Lagoon. This is not just a pool. The landscape transports you to a tropical paradise complete with water cannons, fake beach, and water polo equipment. You even get free use of the cool water taxi to Universal Studios, as well as no wait access to Universal’s parks and rides. PaulaKaronline sums up her impressions, “The hotel was breakthtaking, the food was excellent and the pool area was fantastic…the staff was super-friendly and eager to please.”
Parent Reviews of Universal Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Rates begin at $161/night. Check Availability
Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Activities for Kids in Orlando?
Top Activities for Kids in Orlando, Florida - voted by parents
More Resources for Orlando
- All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida
- More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax
- 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney
- Disney Hotels for Tween and Teens
- Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens
- Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers
- Water Parks in Florida
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LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
Trekaroo families have the inside scoop, and the word on the ‘roo is that the Orlando area has a slew of magical adventures for the little ones. Cities within the city were even specifically built for youngsters (and their wallet-toting parents, of course). Orlando boasts Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, gigantic water parks as well as thematic journeys through Medieval Times and the Holy Land. Yet, Orlando is not all leg-achingly gigantic parks, it’s a city growing fast in may directions with unique venues for locals and tourists alike. It is also in the midst of vibrant natural areas with diverse wildlife. Trekaroo parents have given us an inside look to the best of the best in the Orlando area.
#1 Activity and Best Amusement Park for Kids: Disney’s Magic Kingdom
“You can’t skip Disney. You MUST visit Disney at least once in your life.” There’s not much room for disagreement with this imperative from Lilkidthings. With 73 Trekaroo families giving unanimously positive reviews, it’s clear as the crystal that Disney is an amazing destination. “You don’t go to Dinsey unless you plan to have a fun filled day,” says bukosker. Even a skeptic will believe in magic by trip’s end. Take bejolly65′s comment: “I was so hesitant and cynical when we decided to go to Disney World. [...] But I guess there is a reason that Disney World is so popular. They really know what they are doing.” The kids need no such convincing. Many a trekaroo family speaks of how enchanted their child was seeing Cinderella or taking a magic carpet ride. “The girls loved Magic Kingdom, because as we all know Cinderella’s Castle is there,” says Trekaroo family metro927. While kids will be excited just being in the Kingdom, Trekaroo parents all agree that a day at Disney needs to be planned for maximum magic to occur and they have left a goldmine of suggestions. Keebz, an iPhone equipped mom, downloaded the Disney app and scoped out wait times. Don’t be alarmed if the plan falls apart, it’s only natural as parents and kids alike get lost in the atmosphere. As Travelingmom says, “This place can make an infant out of a grown man!”
Photo Credit: flickr/ninjapoodles
Best Museum for Kids to Explore: Orlando Science Center
From hurricanes to space shuttles, the Central Florida area is one of the most interesting places for science and the Orlando Science Center works hard to capture the creative energy of the area. Trekaroo family apalanza says that the Science Center is great for all ages, but suggests packing your own lunch to save some cash. For locals, WE3REEDS suggests the annual membership that allows unlimited access throughout the year. “Imax is included as well as all their special events.” For denizens of more distant lands, the Orlando Science Center is a great excuse to get away from the parks and explore the town.
Photo Credit: OSC
Best Place to See Animals in Action: Sea World
While Disney may have your kids singing “Under the Sea”, Sea World journeys under and over while riding on the back of an orca whale. Trekaroo parents concur that Sea World magnifies the wonders of ocean life with spectacular shows. ”All the shows were great and VERY entertaining,” said akotash. But it’s not all just high-flying whales, mischievous sea lions and acrobatic dolphins. ”The last time I was at SeaWorld, we were able to get up close and touch the dolphins as we fed them,” commented Kat569. Sea World offers many opportunities to get close to the animals and for some extra greenbacks, you can take behind the scenes tours. Younger kids will certainly be amazed by the high-energy shows and every child will love the massive playground area in Shamu’s Happy Harbor. What parents love most, though is seeing the look of amazement on their child’s face as the animals show their power.
Photo Credit: flickr/Big C Harvey
Best Natural Experience for Kids: Kelly Park
With an amusement park on nearly every corner, it’s easy to forget that Orlando is set among natural wonders of its own. Kelly Park is a great place to get away and experience Florida’s abundant flora and fauna without having to drive too far from the city. Shauna, a Trekaroo mom, commented that Kelly Park is “a great family outing for next to nothing!” With a cost of ONE dollar, it will be by far the cheapest activity of any Orlando vacation. Shauna also suggests renting a tube and floating down the river as a great way to eco-tour Central Florida. Even without the aquatic journey, there are plenty of reasons to pay the park a visit. Volleyball courts, picnic tables, nature trails and even camping make the park a relaxing destination that is close enough to escape to on a whim.
Photo Credit: flickr/systemslibrarian
Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Kid-friendly Hotels in Orlando?
Top Kid-friendly Hotels in Orlando, Florida - voted by parents
More Resources for Orlando
- All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida
- More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax
- 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney
- Disney Hotels for Tween and Teens
- Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens
- Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers
- Water Parks in Florida
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Stephen Wanta is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
Portability and safety seem to be the features of choice. Congratulations to Comment #69, Brandi Westmoreland. You’re the new owner of a fabulous new Snazzy Baby Travel Chair.
One of the reasons I love Trekaroo is how I’ve got a community of thousands of parents keeping me up-to-date on what’s hot when traveling kids. One our newest Trekaroo members, Kailani (the mommy blogger behind An Island Life) tipped me off to the Snazzy Baby Travel Chair. Weighing in at less than 1 pound, the Snazzy Baby Travel Chair has been awarded the Most Portable Travel Chair by Trekaroo. It also fits into any diaper bag!!! Woo Woo! (Here’s the full article on Best Travel High Chairs).
The Steal – Win the Most Portable Travel High Chair
We knowing that eating outside the house is often difficult for kids who are more eager to play than eat.
Number of Winners: One (1)
Prize: 1 Snazzy Baby Travel Chair in Red for Valentine’s Day
To enter:
Tell us what feature(s) is important to you when shopping for a portable high chair. You can leave a comment below, tweet your thoughts to @trekaroo, or leave a comment on Facebook.
For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to leave a separate comment for each one.
- Subscribe to The Talking Trekaroo’s feed
- Follow Snazzy Baby on Twitter
- Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
- Tweet this giveaway
- Fan Snazzy Baby on Facebook
- Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
- Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Snazzy Baby
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
- Multiple entries allowed per person
Deadline to enter: Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
A Sweet Valentine’s Deal
Purchase a Snazzy Baby travel chair for $34.99 and get a free pair of leg warmers (value: $7.99) for your special little Valentine. 
Just go to http://www.snazzybaby.us/shop and enter in the code: TREKAROO when you purchase a Snazzy Baby Travel Chair and a free pair of leg warmers will be added to your purchase. You just choose the color! (Available in for funky colors: Wild Blue , Pink Pizzaz, Jungle Green and Oceans Blue.) Jump on this deal before it expires at the end of the month on 2/28/2010.
Don’t need a pair of leg warmers. Purchase the chair on Amazon for $29.59 and it’s eligible for free shipping savings .
Related articles:
- Best Portable High Chairs for Travel
- Best Baby Travel Cribs
- Best Travel Toys for Babies and Toddlers
- Toys on the Fly
- Pack for Baby Without Bringing the Nursery
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle or Broadway tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.
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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
