13 degrees. Starting to snow. Sounds like a PERFECT day to go to the Henry Vilas Zoo!
Okay maybe not. But we did and had a pretty good time. Did we see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!)? Nope. We saw turtles, snakes, lizards, a river otter, sheep, bats, fish, seals, alligators, bison, a tarantula and even cockroaches! Sam loved racing around the almost empty zoo trying to find the few animals that were moving around. And the buildings that were open were warm, full of things to look at and lots of animals to see. Avery was enthralled with a turtle that was swimming around. The water was right at her eye level and she just stood their starring at it for a long time.
Of course the camera was left at home (again). Is it hard for any other moms to always remember everything? I seem to be always forgetting something; in winter the list of necessary items is just so long!
Had a great morning! How are you spending this snowy (at least for us!) Saturday?
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The Nitty Gritty!
Okay, I wrote the above portion much earlier today and then got distracted and didn't get back to the computer until late tonight. Gotta love writing these things at several points throughout the day!
Anyway, there are some good reasons to visit the zoo during the winter. Less people! If you are not a fan of crowds but still want to see the popular places in town try visiting them during the "off"season. For indoor places, like children's museums and bounce-house type places that would be in the summer and for zoos and parks that would be in the winter. Yes there are a few less animals to see but with significantly less people your view of the ones that are there will be better.
For the zoos that aren't free (unlike ours, YEAH Madison!) they may have cheaper rates during the off season or run specials on some of their "extra" things like trains, carousels or food.
When you go to places like the zoo during the off season you just have to be prepared to make a much bigger deal out of the things that you do see. A tarantula suddenly has to become as cool as a lion once was. It may be more taxing on the parent but worth it if you just need to get out of the house!
your rock going to the zoo in those temps and snow :)
Posted by: butterfly wishes and wonderland dreams | 02/26/2011 at 07:41 PM
Abbie -
We love the zoo in the winter too :). In fact, next weekend we are going to be in Milwaukee. Dane is super excited about checking out the zoo there again. We usually buy an annual zoo pass. We don't make it there that often, but it only takes 2 visits in a year to get your money's worth... and a lot of zoos have recipricating benefits. I know our pass came in very handy a few years ago when we traveled cross country. Anytime we needed a break to stretch our legs, we looked for a zoo! If you are ever interested in checking out our 28 day trip... I blogged about it here: www.amy-allan-and-dane.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amy A | 02/26/2011 at 08:59 PM
I have never been to the zoo in the winter...but what a great idea :)
Posted by: Tina @ Life Without Pink | 02/27/2011 at 08:14 PM