As some of you might know my family has moved back home - from Saratoga Springs NY to St Louis Missouri. That's why I changed (ever so slightly) the name of this blog. I added the photo of the arch because it's the most recognizable landmark here in St Louis. But St Louis is filled with landmarks and attractions most of them FREE! That's why when we moved back (after getting settled and mostly unpacked) we decided to make a list of all the things we wanted to do. From now until the end of the year our weekends are packed!
One of our all time favorite attractions is Forest Park home to many attractions like the St. Louis Zoo. It's a world class zoo with amazing exhibits and beautiful walking paths, a special area just for kids and ongoing educational opportunities. And the best part- free admission. That's right! You can visit a world class zoo and not have to pay to get in. You won't find that in many major cities.
Our trip to the zoo was on a clear, cool spring day. There were people there but not the crowds that you see later in the season. It had been a long time (over 7 years) since we had been to the zoo, and I have to admit a lot of things had changed. Some of the exhibits were getting an overhaul and some were being moved and added onto.
Some of our favorite exhibits like the big cats...
the seals...
and of course the many, many species of birds that fly free throughout the zoo and swim in the lakes....
were still as we remembered them.
The zoo's walking paths have some hills that might be a little difficult for pushing strollers or wheel chairs but there is always the Zooline Railroad. For $5 a person (children under 2 are free) you can ride the train, get off and see exhibits then re-board - all day long. It's a great way to see the whole zoo and not tire out the little ones. Speaking of little ones, don't forget the Children's Zoo, admission is $4 per person with children under 2 being free. Here children can get up close and personal with all kinds of animals making it the perfect learning experience. Don't you love it when they learn something and don't even know it? The Children's Zoo has many opportunities like that plus a play area and a fountain for the kids to run in which comes in handy on those hot St Louis summer afternoons.
To make navigating the Zoo a little easier it's divided up into zones -- The River's Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks and Lakeside Crossing. Each of these zones are easily accessible by the train.
Things you should know before your visit to the St Louis Zoo:
Admission to the Zoo is free. There are attractions within the Zoo itself that do have an admission fee such as the Children's Zoo, the Seal Lion Show, Conservation Carousel and the Zooline Railroad.
Parking in the Zoo parking lot costs $15 per vehicle for all day parking. But there is street parking and even if you can't get close to the Zoo entrance Forest Park is gorgeous for walking.
There are plenty of restrooms in all of the zones of the Zoo. Lakeside Crossing features refreshment and souvenirs stands along with cafes for a more relaxing sit down meal.
The Zoo is also available for events such as corporate meetings, class reunions or even weddings. Group tours and field trips are available - another one of those opportunities for learning without them knowing it!
One of our all time favorite attractions is Forest Park home to many attractions like the St. Louis Zoo. It's a world class zoo with amazing exhibits and beautiful walking paths, a special area just for kids and ongoing educational opportunities. And the best part- free admission. That's right! You can visit a world class zoo and not have to pay to get in. You won't find that in many major cities.
Our trip to the zoo was on a clear, cool spring day. There were people there but not the crowds that you see later in the season. It had been a long time (over 7 years) since we had been to the zoo, and I have to admit a lot of things had changed. Some of the exhibits were getting an overhaul and some were being moved and added onto.
Some of our favorite exhibits like the big cats...
the seals...
and of course the many, many species of birds that fly free throughout the zoo and swim in the lakes....
were still as we remembered them.
The zoo's walking paths have some hills that might be a little difficult for pushing strollers or wheel chairs but there is always the Zooline Railroad. For $5 a person (children under 2 are free) you can ride the train, get off and see exhibits then re-board - all day long. It's a great way to see the whole zoo and not tire out the little ones. Speaking of little ones, don't forget the Children's Zoo, admission is $4 per person with children under 2 being free. Here children can get up close and personal with all kinds of animals making it the perfect learning experience. Don't you love it when they learn something and don't even know it? The Children's Zoo has many opportunities like that plus a play area and a fountain for the kids to run in which comes in handy on those hot St Louis summer afternoons.
To make navigating the Zoo a little easier it's divided up into zones -- The River's Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks and Lakeside Crossing. Each of these zones are easily accessible by the train.
Things you should know before your visit to the St Louis Zoo:
Admission to the Zoo is free. There are attractions within the Zoo itself that do have an admission fee such as the Children's Zoo, the Seal Lion Show, Conservation Carousel and the Zooline Railroad.
Parking in the Zoo parking lot costs $15 per vehicle for all day parking. But there is street parking and even if you can't get close to the Zoo entrance Forest Park is gorgeous for walking.
There are plenty of restrooms in all of the zones of the Zoo. Lakeside Crossing features refreshment and souvenirs stands along with cafes for a more relaxing sit down meal.
The Zoo is also available for events such as corporate meetings, class reunions or even weddings. Group tours and field trips are available - another one of those opportunities for learning without them knowing it!
Comments