Going to the zoo has to be one of our family's favorite things to do.  Not only is it a lot of fun, but with two little ones, it's one of the most economical "day out" activities we can enjoy.  A few things I highly recommend before going to any zoo:

1.) Explain the rules carefully to the little ones (and your spouse).

2.) Eat before going and pack a picnic lunch.  Most zoos have picnic tables or other facilities where you and your family can eat outside the gates.  If not, take a picnic blanket just in case, any nice shade tree around the outside of the fence will do as long as it's not next to the elephants! Who wants to smell that while they eat???

3.) Be sure to check with your local zoo to be sure they are part of the AZA. Check our list of all the zoos and aquariums that are members, and also a list of those that are "reciprocating" zoos.  This (reciprocating) means that if you have a zoo membership at your local zoo, they will honor your free passes at any of the zoos on this list!  For instance: We have a family membership at our local zoo in Columbia, South Carolina.  (Cost was only around $35 dollars for our whole family for a year!!!)  When we recently took a trip to Houston, Tx, our entry to their zoo was free as well!  So this can save you a ton of money and make for some cheep week-end trips if you are animal lovers like we are.

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