Lions, and Tigers, and Koala's . . . Oh My!
Written: Jul 20 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Family Friendly
Cons: Half Price Wednesdays are very crowded
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| julieagee's Full Review: Fort Worth Zoo |
My family can't stay away from the Fort Worth Zoo! I'm not sure if it's because the zoo is so much fun or they think they see family similarities. We have been Safari Club Members for two years now and at a cost of $89.00 a year it has been money well spent. Non-members can pay $7.00 (adult) or $4.50 (children) for a one-day pass. Because our family has a pass we usually make short trips to the zoo, with a visit lasting around two hours. No matter how long you decide to make your visit, it will be well worth the effort.
The Zoo Facilities
As you approach the zoo grounds, you will notice that it is well kept and maintained. There is adequate parking with exception to half price Wednesdays when parking is a bear! The Ticket Area, Guest Services, and Safari Gift Shop are the first buildings you encounter and this is where the fun begins. The buildings are decorated with an animal theme, and you can hear the sounds of the jungle as you buy tickets, shop, and get ready to enter the zoo. The zoo is filled with lots of trees and bushes that provide a great deal of shade making your visit enjoyable. In the hotter months, extra shade is provided and the misting machines are put to work to cool the guests. Throughout the zoo there are many places to buy drinks, food, and souvenirs. These facilities are not the focal point and usually tie in with their surroundings. The zoo has recently added Burger King, Grandy's and an ice cream/coffee shop. There are several restrooms throughout the zoo, and they have been maintained and clean on our visits.
The Animals
The Zoo houses it's animals in habitats close to their wild status.
The monkeys and gorillas live in a jungle like mountain with waterfalls, and trees to climb. You can get very close to these animals by looking through the large windows or looking over the rocklike barriers.
The penguin house is home to not only penguin's, but also a wide variety of underwater creatures. There is a terrific aquarium to view from above and below. My children have been known to stand and watch this window for a very long time. The larger animals are housed in large open areas where they have space to move about. The snake house, my boys favorite, has a large variety of snakes, spiders, frogs, etc. to view. I am glad that these animals are caged, and not out in their natural habitat. The petting barnyard is a great attraction for children. Animals can be petted and fed special food. The outback was added within the last year and we enjoy watching the koala's and the kangaroo's as they move around. The newest addition is almost complete and it will house animals native to Texas. It is supposed to open this fall in 2000.
Family Friendly
This zoo is one of the most family friendly places I know. You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks, coolers, wagons, strollers, etc. The walkways accommodate strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. Though I will add that you will get a workout pushing or pulling because there are some winding hills throughout the zoo. If you don't want to bring your own stroller or wagon the zoo has a rental program in place. The cost is also family friendly, especially on Wednesday which is half price day. For families with young children there are some baby changing places.
Special Activities
The zoo also has several special activities for the community. In April the zoo sponsors a Zoo FunRun. In the summer a special event for Safari Club Members is held. In October the zoo hosts "Boo at the Zoo". There are also specials schools throughout the year for children and of course your child can have his party with the animals.
When To Go
Because our family has a pass we go to the zoo all throughout the year. Some of our best trips have been made during the winter months. Our winters in Fort Worth are usually pretty mild so there are several days that are perfect for a trip to the zoo. The best time the rest of the year is when the zoo first opens for the day. The crowds are lower and you will beat the heat.
Besides enjoying the animals just for their looks, it is easy to make the trip very educational. Some of the time we choose an animal and find out more about the animal when we get home. As your children get older, they can take pictures of the animals and make their own book about animals by including factual information.
Come find one of Fort Worth's Best Treasures!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
julieagee
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Member: Julie Agee
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 5 members
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