5 Simple Tips For An Easier Visit To The San Diego Zoo With Kids
Nestled in the heart of Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is always a favorite for both locals and tourists! The park sits on 100 acres and features over 12,000 animals from more than 680 species. Needless to say, it can be a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared. But don’t sweat it; as your guide, I’m going to make sure you have the best experience possible! As a San Diego family photographer, I adore working with parents to make sure each and every moment can be memorable. Here’s everything you need to know to tackle the San Diego Zoo with kids!
Plan A Perfect Day At The San Diego Zoo With Kids With These Tips
Visit on a Weekday
I’m going to be honest with you. The San Diego Zoo gets crowded with kids! Their annual passes make them the top destination for local, stir crazy families looking to break out of the house, and the renowned animal collection makes them a favorite for travelers. While you’ll get crowds pretty much any day, it tends to be a little lighter on the weekdays, making it the best time to stop by!
Guided Bus Tour
As I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of ground to cover. The tour bus gives you an easy way to hack the San Diego Zoo experience while traveling around in style with kids. The bus is open-air, and kids tend to love the trip. Plus, it’s the best way to see as many animals as possible.
Just a few tips:
If you can, book your ride at the beginning of the day! The lines will be shorter, plus the animals tend to get pretty sleepy in the afternoons (relatable, to be honest).
They do have stroller parking. Just don’t leave any snacks behind unless you have an airtight container. The sneakiest critters at the zoo–the squirrels–will steal your food any chance they get!
Prioritize Your Favorite Animals
It is literally impossible to see all the San Diego Zoo animals in one visit, especially with kids. The key is to figure out what animals you want to see, and put them at the top of your priority list! The night before your visit, sit down with your family and go to the zoo’s website or the app. They have all the available animals listed, plus they have a map so you can create a realistic route. You can make your list together and have the perfect plan for your great adventure.
Spend Time at the Children’s Activities
Your kids are going to have tons to do throughout your time at the San Diego Zoo. Be sure to check out the kid-friendly activities! Of course, there’s the Explorers Base Camp (more on that in a sec!), but there are also playgrounds scattered throughout. You can learn more about the creatures at the 4D Theater, or you can take a ride on the carousel. All the available kids’ activities should be listed on the app to help you out!
Explorers Base Camp
The Explorers Base Camp is a total must for kids ages 2-12! Scattered across over 3 acres, your child will have tons of ways to play. I always suggest having your child wear their swimsuit so they can cool down at the splash pad. If they don’t feel like getting in the water, they can climb on the ropes course or run beneath a tunnel. While it’s always exciting, I recommend waiting until your kids get a little tired of the animals so you can have a break.
These Tips Should Help Ease Some Stress When Visiting The San Diego Zoo With Kids
Hopefully, this list helps you as you start to make your family’s perfect trip to the San Diego Zoo with kids! And if you need a friend to help you remember all your San Diego memories, just let me know! As a San Diego family photographer, I adore working with parents to capture sessions so they can cherish these moments for years to come. Send me a message if you think I might be the photographer for you! Let’s chat soon!
