It's all happening at the zoo.....

Friday I had an ultrasound at Johns Hopkins so we decided to make a family day of it and try out the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. We've been to the National Zoo in DC numerous times but only recently learned about this one (thanks for the tip Corinne). It was a hot day, not super humid though and there were some passing clouds and a breeze. But definitely not an ideal day to be outdoors. We made the best of it and enjoyed the many shaded areas of the zoo.

That morning before we left I researched a bit and figured out that we could use our Friends of the National Zoo membership to gain admittance for free! The $55 FONZ Household membership is the best deal around. You get reciprocity with a 100 other zoos around the country plus free parking at the National Zoo (which is $16 a day usually), free cookies, a calendar, a magazine, etc. Plus it's the least expensive family membership fee. Admission to the Maryland Zoo for 2 adults and 1 child would've cost $40! I love great deals! It almost seemed like we were cheating getting in for free.....

Since it was our first time we had no idea that the zoo itself was a long walk/stroller ride in the sun before you got to any exhibits. Had we realized this we probably would've waited for the next tram. It was just after 1PM when we arrived, not the most ideal time you might think. BUT as we entered, the hordes of school groups were exiting. : ) A nice thing to see indeed. We had the place practically to ourselves the entire afternoon.

We watched the polar bears eat some fish before heading to the food area for a late lunch. After a carousel and polar bear ride we visited the farm animals. They had same very tame goats in a pen where the kids could walk around and brush them. That was a lot of fun, especially Spot the smiley goat who is a very old 11 years.


This was Henry's first time at the zoo since he was a little baby. There's nothing like watching your child's eyes open wide in excitement taking in new experiences, seeing things that bring a smile to their face and make them jump up and down and point with eagerness. The chickens and cows and ducks he liked especially. The polar bear at the beginning captivated him.


After the farm animals we started at the beginning of the Maryland Wilderness trail. It winds through the major biomes of Bogs, Caves, Meadows and Farms with great play areas and exhibits throughout. Some of the play areas were for ages 4 and up, but because it was so empty we let Evalyn try them out anyway. She LOVED the giant slide that comes out of a huge tree. Some of the dark tunnel areas made her a little nervous but Henry just ran through them pell-mell taking it all in. It was nice and shady along this whole path with native plants throughout. A very nice stroll indeed.

By the time we looped back to the farm area the zoo was closing soon and we were all beat. So we gingerly side-stepped the African Safari portion hoping Evalyn wouldn't ask about the giraffes or elephants. : ) We'll save that for another outing. On the way home we asked Evalyn what her favorite animals were. She said the bats. Mine were the river otters, goats and polar bears. Matt liked the smiling goat. And Henry seemed to like everything. Except being buckled back in his carseat.