Project Explore Washington has been a bust this summer, but I’m not giving up. I had planned on exploring different areas of the state with the family now that the kids are old enough for some over nighters. We successfully journeyed to Crystal Mountain and Portland…and then that’s it.
It’s not my fault though.
When the school year ended kids pulled out of the daycare for the summer and my spending funds took a hit. Turns out paying our mortgage means more to Pat than taking the kids to Mount Rainier for the weekend so that I can post about the exploration on my blog.
The upside to that little setback is that I realized how lovely it is to only have six kids home with me as opposed to twelve and an assistant. So I’m keeping it this way.
In the mean time we’ll need to be a little more frugal with what exactly we’re exploring in Washington, so for trip number three I give you…The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
Hardly the cheap way to go…the cost to get into the zoo is $16.50 per adults and $11.00 for kids. Add in the cost of parking and food IF you choose to splurge…you’re looking at a spendy day trip of well over sixty bucks. But if you have a zoo membership and park on the street and feed your kids before you go than you’ve got a free trip on your hands.
I have to admit, we hadn’t been to this zoo in years until becoming members earlier this year. My dislike for keeping animals in captivity skyrocketed after the whale incident and it wasn’t until recently that I’ve been able to accept the zoo again. I realize what an amazing learning experience it is for the kids though so I’m sucking it up for them.
And it’s a good thing. Because this zoo is beautiful. I could walk around it all day with or without the animals. It’s lush and green and pretty and huge. It’s so big that you don’t even realize it’s packed with everyone so spread out. There were plenty of moments where we were the only people walking its winding paths and wooden bridges.
There’s an indoor tree house climber that trumps all climbers.
The kids were delighted with the animals.
I was delighted seeing them delighted.
And it was altogether a successful trip…Project Explore Washington (on a budget) #SUCCESS!
Paper Mom says
Visit your local library. They often have discounted or free passes that you can check out on your library card for local attractions. It’s a great way to save and once the kids go back to school the demand for passes goes way, way down….
Amanda says
I love going to the zoo here in Columbus. I also think the captivity aspect is sad, but also good for learning. Columbus has a great breeding program for many endangered species so that makes me feel a little better about it.
Glad that your kids had a great time!!
Mama Kat says
How the animals were “captured” makes a big difference to me…also the size of the animal I think comes in to play. Whales and dolphins need to be in the ocean unless they’re sick and being rehabilitated. Just my opinion.
Jen says
We have a zoo membership too and I would love to be able to use it but this summer has just been too darn hot!
And I don’t do well with hot.
I do believe that I melt.
Mama Kat says
The trick is to go FIRST thing in the morning and then leave by lunch time. We go at 9:30 and get a good two hour walk in before going home. Since we’re members and can go any time I don’t try to see every exhibit.
Liza says
What a fun trip! Your photos remind me of the San Diego Zoo – same thing with how big it is. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to bring to the zoo!
Jennifer says
I want to take the kids to the zoo, but the last time we went it was so crowded that you couldn’t even park. We had to leave. That did not make for a pleasant drive home.
Mama Kat says
I always cringe when I have to change plans last minute on the kids. They don’t adapt well.
Joy says
looks like fun that play place is awesome
we have a zoo membership and love going but haven’t been since spring cause truthfully the zoo isn’t worth dieing of a heat stroke cause DANG it’s been hot here. we are on the lookout for a “cooler” day to go soon cause abby has been asking alot
Kelly Deneen says
Yeah, I have issues with animals in captivity too, but so many zoos now only have animals that were orphaned and/or rescued. And it is really cool for the kiddos. Looks like a fun day!
k odell says
I’ve always loved zoos- as long as the animals are in the properly sized enclosure and treated right- I think the learning experience for humans almost outweighs the captivity issues. I live near a great zoo and a wild animal park (where they do roam freely)- both are wonderful.
Jenni says
One of my favorite places to go with my two kids is the zoo. When we lived in DC, we’d go several times during the Summer. Now that we’ve moved, they have new zoos to explore!
This weekend we’re going to the Santa Barabara Zoo, and next will be the one in San Diego.. they have VERY excited. =)
Wonderful post! And great pictures! It is a very nice zoo.
Samantha @ Mama Notes says
How funny, I JUST posted about our Alaska Zoo yesterday! Yours looks awesome.. I love the indoor tree!!
Cassiopeia says
Those photos are fantastic! After seeing all that’s available there I want to go. The indoor climber looks like a place where kids could spend hours.
Sherri says
What an awesome looking zoo! Sure sucks that all of these outings (especially if they are overnighters!) cost so darn much. I guess it’s probably always been that way, but my parents made it sound like we just got in the car, threw in a few pillows, and called it a road trip.
Los says
Can’t wait to take the kids to the pool!
Los says
I meant zoo … whoops.
Karen and Gerard says
We love going to the zoo. In fact, we just went this morning! I fed the Lorikeets and we watched a show about designing animal exhibits which was entertaining and interesting.
Grimmgirl says
Oh, I had completely forgotten about this zoo, but I used to go there with my now husband when we were in grad school in Seattle. Lots of ducks! I miss the north west!
pamtastic says
Well I think your zoo looks lovely! The zoo here in OKC sooo suuuucks. It’s so hot most of the time all the animals just lie in the shade and smell bad – yours is Jack Hanna quality compared to ours.
blythe says
Oh I just LOVE the Woodland Park Zoo!! The kids and I go fairly regularly. Our new Favourite Thing Ever is the meerkat exhibit. Did you guys see that while you were there? So darn cute!
Heather @ Welch Happenings says
I love to go to the zoo! It’s even better with the grandkids. Thanks for making up my mind on what to invite the kids too.
We pack our on lunches and bring our own drinks. Thankfully they haven’t started charging for parking, YET.
Good luck with your goal to explore.