This past weekend, M had four days off. It was glorious. On Friday, we wanted to do something special for Charlotte to celebrate her birthday. What better way to celebrate than a trip to the zoo. Houston has a wonderful one, so we made the 45 minute trip into town and made a day of it. We have been wanting to take Charlotte for a long while now, but I think Friday was the absolute perfect time to do so. She was in a great mood, the sun was shining, and it was the perfect 50-60 degrees temperature.
We left first thing Friday morning and picked up breakfast at Whataburger. It’s Charlotte’s favorite. I think this set the tone for the day.
Once we arrived to the zoo, this child was in awe. She loved every new sight and sound and had a ball. We took her stroller of course, but she wanted nothing to do with being confined. Touché. She wanted to run around and be carried to get the best views.
One of her most favorite things that we did though was ride the carousel.
She cried when we had to get off. Really, she did. We had to distract her with a lion to get over it.
This sweet girl loved the monkeys, and she definitely knew how to make the “ooh ooh, ahh ahh” sounds.
She also loved the bears, the elephants, the lions, the sea lion, the birds, and the giraffes.
And we loved chasing our very own little monkey, too. It was such a fun day, one I’ll definitely remember forever. I can’t wait to go back and make more memories.
We ended up buying a year membership, which I think will totally be worth it if we go at least two more times. I’m thinking that will be easy peasy to do. Here are a few things I’ll definitely be doing next time…
1. Leave the purse at home and pack a backpack.
I brought my ginormous purse. Wrong, sir, wrong. It barely fit in the bottom of the stroller, so next time I’ll pack the baby backpack instead. The necessities are all you’ll need (diapers, wipes, sanitizer, etc.).
2. Pack water and snacks.
I usually carry around milk for the queen, but you’ll be there awhile meaning the milk will get warm. So unless you have a cooler or a freezer pack, pack water instead. And snacks. Lots of snacks. I took some “gogurts” as they are referred to in our house and some mini snacks. Your child will probably be running around expending all sorts of energy, so pack some reinforcements to fill up their tank.
3. Go on a weekday if you can and before nap time.
If you can, definitely go on a weekday. There was hardly a crowd, and being that we arrived early, it was so nice to not feel rushed or cramped throughout our walk through the park. We chose to go early before nap time because 1) we wanted her to enjoy her time there without being cranky (duh) 2) we wanted to beat rush hour back home and 3) we wanted her to take a nice long nap once we got home. For her sake of course.
4. Pay to feed the animals.
We didn’t know about this option until we got to the zoo, so we missed out. We’ll definitely be doing this next time. Take cash and get in line early. I think it will be worth it for sure.
5. Have a game plan.
Obviously, if I would have done a little more research on the zoo’s attractions and activities, I would have known about the feeding of the animals. Next time before I go, I’ll definitely be sure to make a list of things to do while we are there. Most zoos have daily activities planned, and they are listed on the zoo’s website. Noted.
I’m counting down until we can go again. Do you love taking your littles? What are some of your zoo tips?
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Aw it looks like she had an amazing time! I still love going to the zoo even though I’m an adult now. The animals are just mesmerizing sometimes :)
She had so much fun! :) It had been a while for me, so I definitely enjoyed it myself. Thanks for stopping by, Tori!
This is so cute! I think these are great tips and I’ll remember them when I bring small children to the zoo! ;)
Thanks, Daisy! :) You are too sweet.
Cute!! We don’t have any little ones but I still love going to the zoo. I’ve been to the ones in Tampa, DC, Cincinnati and Atlanta and they are all fantastic. Personally I’m partial to the giraffes but I just enjoy being able to see the animals.
Thanks, Ashley! Isn’t it fun? I loved walking around seeing the animals, too. :) Hope you’re having a great week!
Cute pics! You’ll definitely get your money out of that membership. And great tips. I’m a convert when it comes to backpacks, so much easier to lug around than a purse.
Thanks, Nina! I think we will, too. Yeah, next time I’ll definitely use the backpack!
Aw it looks like she had an amazing time! I still love going to the zoo even though I'm an adult now. The animals are just mesmerizing sometimes :)
Okay so I’m so embarrassed but I’ve never been to the zoo with Kennedy. She’s 3. But Greg did take her so there’s that. It seems like every time I’m off work it’s either BLAZING HOT or everyone else is off and it will be crowded. Glad y’all had a blast! Cute pics!
Aww, Meg! Well, I don’t blame you. Summertime is way too hot over here. ;) And thanks, my dear! You’re the sweetest!
We love the Houston Zoo! Especially on nice weather weekdays. There is also a great splashpad there for during the summer. The only thing we haven’t done yet is ride the little train they have just outside the entrance!
Thanks for the tips, Janet! I saw the train and that is definitely on our list. And I did see the splash pad. We’ll definitely have to do that in the summer. So fun! :)
This is so cute! I think these are great tips and I'll remember them when I bring small children to the zoo! ;)
Cute!! We don't have any little ones but I still love going to the zoo. I've been to the ones in Tampa, DC, Cincinnati and Atlanta and they are all fantastic. Personally I'm partial to the giraffes but I just enjoy being able to see the animals.
Cute pics! You'll definitely get your money out of that membership. And great tips. I'm a convert when it comes to backpacks, so much easier to lug around than a purse.
Okay so I'm so embarrassed but I've never been to the zoo with Kennedy. She's 3. But Greg did take her so there's that. It seems like every time I'm off work it's either BLAZING HOT or everyone else is off and it will be crowded. Glad y'all had a blast! Cute pics!
she is such. a. cutie!!!!! This looks so fun!
Thanks so much, Brandy! It was a blast. :) I can’t wait to go again. This is definitely a fun age.
The Houston Zoo is so good! I took Isla when she was much younger, so she only enjoyed the fish. I cannot wait to take her when she’s Charlotte’s age. Those tips are GREAT. Definitely good to aim for the weekdays… Sasha recently went on the weekend and parking is insane. xoxo
It was so fun! We got there as soon as the park opened and were able to park in the first lot. I am now officially spoiled. She loved the animals. I think she’ll only love it more and more the older she gets. :) Happy weekend, Ailee!
We love the Houston Zoo! Especially on nice weather weekdays. There is also a great splashpad there for during the summer. The only thing we haven't done yet is ride the little train they have just outside the entrance!
How fun! It looks like you guys had a great time at the zoo! I can’t wait until it is warm enough that we can start doing things like this again.
It was awesome! We are pretty lucky to have such mild weather. Hope you get to enjoy some soon. Have a good weekend, Tiffany!
She had so much fun! :) It had been a while for me, so I definitely enjoyed it myself. Thanks for stopping by, Tori!
Thanks, Daisy! :) You are too sweet.
Thanks, Ashley! Isn't it fun? I loved walking around seeing the animals, too. :) Hope you're having a great week!
Thanks, Nina! I think we will, too. Yeah, next time I'll definitely use the backpack!
Aww, Meg! Well, I don't blame you. Summertime is way too hot over here. ;) And thanks, my dear! You're the sweetest!
Thanks for the tips, Janet! I saw the train and that is definitely on our list. And I did see the splash pad. We'll definitely have to do that in the summer. So fun! :)
we love the zoo!!! I’m so jealous of your warm weather! and Charlotte is beyond adorable! I love her smile!
Hi Karra! We’ll send some warm thoughts your way! :) Thanks so much for the sweet compliments. Her smile is the best. I hope you and the babies are doing well! You are a rockstar for still blogging. ;)
Looks like you had a great time at the zoo! We love going to the zoo and we’re only 15 minutes away from our local zoo. We take full advantage of our membership :) The last time we were in Houston (visiting family) we drove by the zoo but it was 100 outside no way we were braving the zoo in the heat.
Thanks, Ileana! I am so excited that she’s finally old enough to enjoy it. :) I wish we were that close. We we would go as much as we could. And yes, Houston gets incredibly hot in the summer. It’ll be early morning trips during that season. Have a great weekend!
she is such. a. cutie!!!!! This looks so fun!
The Houston Zoo is so good! I took Isla when she was much younger, so she only enjoyed the fish. I cannot wait to take her when she's Charlotte's age. Those tips are GREAT. Definitely good to aim for the weekdays… Sasha recently went on the weekend and parking is insane. xoxo
How fun! It looks like you guys had a great time at the zoo! I can't wait until it is warm enough that we can start doing things like this again.
we love the zoo!!! I'm so jealous of your warm weather! and Charlotte is beyond adorable! I love her smile!
Looks like you had a great time at the zoo! We love going to the zoo and we're only 15 minutes away from our local zoo. We take full advantage of our membership :) The last time we were in Houston (visiting family) we drove by the zoo but it was 100 outside no way we were braving the zoo in the heat.
Awww… Looks like she had a blast!!! I can’t wait until Caleb is old enough to enjoy visiting the zoo!
She did! Thanks, Susannah! Kids are so great. They enjoy the best things. :)
Awww… Looks like she had a blast!!! I can't wait until Caleb is old enough to enjoy visiting the zoo!
Looks like such a fun time! We love going to the zoo here- these are some great tips. :)
Thanks, Keri! We definitely enjoyed it. I really can’t wait to make it a regular thing. ;) Happy weekend to you!
Thanks so much, Brandy! It was a blast. :) I can't wait to go again. This is definitely a fun age.
I can’t wait to take Kane to the zoo this spring! I think it’s at an age where he’ll enjoy it. Thanks for posting these tips! And I love the picture of her on the carousel–so cute!
Aww, thanks Tif! I think the age right where they begin to know animal sounds is the perfect time. Charlotte was acting like each different animal the whole time. It was hilarious. :) Hope you have a great weekend!
Great tips! We have a pretty decent Zoo only a couple hours north of us and Scarlett has a ball every time we go :) I love the photo of you fixing Charlotte’s bow, so beautiful! xo
Aww, thanks friend! How has it been a couple of days since we last text? Anyway, the zoo is pretty big here, and I’m looking forward to exploring it more the next time we go. :) These girls make life so fun, don’t they? Love it.
So sweet. I can’t wait to take Palmer to the zoo this summer. I know she will LOVE it!I will definitely be using these tips for when we go! XO
P.S. Charlotte looks darling, as usual! ;)
Awesome, Alycia! Glad the tips were helpful. :) And thanks so much for the sweet compliments. She is my heart. ;) Have a good one, girlfriend!
Looks like such a fun time! We love going to the zoo here- these are some great tips. :)
I can't wait to take Kane to the zoo this spring! I think it's at an age where he'll enjoy it. Thanks for posting these tips! And I love the picture of her on the carousel–so cute!
Great tips! We have a pretty decent Zoo only a couple hours north of us and Scarlett has a ball every time we go :) I love the photo of you fixing Charlotte's bow, so beautiful! xo
So sweet. I can't wait to take Palmer to the zoo this summer. I know she will LOVE it!I will definitely be using these tips for when we go! XO
P.S. Charlotte looks darling, as usual! ;)
It was so fun! We got there as soon as the park opened and were able to park in the first lot. I am now officially spoiled. She loved the animals. I think she'll only love it more and more the older she gets. :) Happy weekend, Ailee!
It was awesome! We are pretty lucky to have such mild weather. Hope you get to enjoy some soon. Have a good weekend, Tiffany!
Hi Karra! We'll send some warm thoughts your way! :) Thanks so much for the sweet compliments. Her smile is the best. I hope you and the babies are doing well! You are a rockstar for still blogging. ;)
Thanks, Ileana! I am so excited that she's finally old enough to enjoy it. :) I wish we were that close. We we would go as much as we could. And yes, Houston gets incredibly hot in the summer. It'll be early morning trips during that season. Have a great weekend!
She did! Thanks, Susannah! Kids are so great. They enjoy the best things. :)
Thanks, Keri! We definitely enjoyed it. I really can't wait to make it a regular thing. ;) Happy weekend to you!
Aww, thanks Tif! I think the age right where they begin to know animal sounds is the perfect time. Charlotte was acting like each different animal the whole time. It was hilarious. :) Hope you have a great weekend!
Aww, thanks friend! How has it been a couple of days since we last text? Anyway, the zoo is pretty big here, and I'm looking forward to exploring it more the next time we go. :) These girls make life so fun, don't they? Love it.
Awesome, Alycia! Glad the tips were helpful. :) And thanks so much for the sweet compliments. She is my heart. ;) Have a good one, girlfriend!
We took Ellie to the zoo for her first birthday and she loved it! You have some great tips on here and I will need to look into our zoo to see if feeding the animals is an option! I’ll also check out to see what other events are scheduled!!
Thanks, Ashley! Yep, we’ll definitely do that next time we go. :) I hope the weather warms up soon!
We took Ellie to the zoo for her first birthday and she loved it! You have some great tips on here and I will need to look into our zoo to see if feeding the animals is an option! I'll also check out to see what other events are scheduled!!
I love trips to the zoo! I wish there were one in our area but we actually have to travel about 2 hours for the nearest zoo but its definitely worth it. I was thinking about visiting the zoo for my son’s upcoming birthday. I’ll remember to check into feeding the animals too. Thanks for sharing! #shinebloghop
Me too! Thanks for stopping by, Brittany! Hope you have a great week!
Aw, looks like so much fun!
It was a blast! I’m hoping we get to go again soon. :)
I love trips to the zoo! I wish there were one in our area but we actually have to travel about 2 hours for the nearest zoo but its definitely worth it. I was thinking about visiting the zoo for my son's upcoming birthday. I'll remember to check into feeding the animals too. Thanks for sharing! #shinebloghop
Aw, looks like so much fun!
Thanks, Ashley! Yep, we'll definitely do that next time we go. :) I hope the weather warms up soon!
Me too! Thanks for stopping by, Brittany! Hope you have a great week!
It was a blast! I'm hoping we get to go again soon. :)