THIS POST WAS WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISIT OKC. OUR ADMISSION WAS COMPLIMENTARY FOR REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
Planning to visit the Oklahoma City Zoo? You won’t be disappointed!
You can always count on a trip to the zoo being loads of family fun! Train rides, animal feedings, good eats and tons of exploration can always be counted on. That’s why when my family decided to visit Oklahoma City, I knew a trip to their zoo was warranted.
Exploring zoo’s never get old. You’ll always see something different. Whether it is the layout, animals they keep or experiences they offer.
Just as I suspected, the OKC Zoo was awesome and really different than any other zoo we have visited before. So, if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Oklahoma City, I highly recommend the OKC Zoo.
5 Tips For Visiting The OKC Zoo
Zoo-It-All
For the best OKC Zoo experience, I suggest purchasing the Zoo-It-All admission. It includes access to all rides, presentations and feedings so it’s a great buy full of awesome experiences. As a result of this admission including so much, be sure to arrive at opening so that you don’t have to rush.
Don’t waste your money! You will want to enjoy each experience and get an honest opportunity to see everything the zoo has to offer.
Adults $29, Child/Senior $24; ZOOfriends member $16.
Get There Early
Arriving to the zoo early is the ideal way to make the most of your visit. Make a day of it! This will also aid you in beating the crowd, the heat, the lines and decreases the chance of you having to rush through the zoo in order to take advantage of certain experiences and presentations.
Do your research before you visit. Take a look at the zoo map, make note of where your favorite animals are located, jot down important adventure times and things you must know before you go. This will help you have a smooth visit upon arrival.
Take The Tram
Avoid burnout! The Elephant Express Tram is included in the Zoo-It-All admission so use it. There is a lot of ground to cover at this zoo. Using the tram will help you save your energy for things, like chasing your kids or waving at the the cute little animals.
The tram has four designated stops situated throughout the zoo. It’s a great hop on and off experience and its runs every 15 minutes which is great. Another great feature about the tram is that it’s narrated so you get to sneak in some education about the animals too!
Don’t have Zoo-It-All? It’s $6 for all day access. 2 and under free.
Bring A Picnic
If you can bring a picnic to the zoo then do it! It’s a great way to save money, especially when you are visiting as a family. In all my zoo visits, I have yet to come across a zoo that allows outside food. I was totally surprised when I discovered this and it’s one element that will keep my family returning for years to come.
Grab your cooler, beverages and lunch and enjoy a day at Oklahoma City Zoo!
Ask A Keeper
Ask a Keeper is a great way to sneak in some education while having a fun day at zoo. To take advantage of this amenity, you need to meet at “Keeper Chat” signs located near each animal habitat for a free 15-minute presentation with their animal experts. These chats occur daily at designated times so be sure to check the schedule for those of interest before you visit.
This is a great time to ask questions and get better acquainted with your favorite animals. It’s also the perfect opportunity for animal lovers to feed there need for knowledge.
4 Things The OKC Zoo Offers That We Haven’t Seen At Any Other Zoo
WE SAW A RED PANDA
They have a Red Panda. We visit a lot of zoo during our travels and we have yet to come across a Red Panda so imagine my family’s excitement. It was so cute!
THEY HAVE A TRAIN AND A TRAM
Every zoo we have been to has had a train of some sort. However, we’ve never been to a zoo that has multiple forms of transportation. OKC Zoo has a train a and a tram. The tram is a narrated ride that stops at four designated areas throughout the park that allows you to hop on and off. It runs every 15 minutes and was a complete life saver with the size of this zoo.
YOU CAN BRING IN COOLERS
I have been to zoo’s that allow you to bring in bottled water but food is always off limits. I was totally surprised that OKC Zoo encourages the use of coolers filled with beverages and outside food. Bringing a picnic is a great way for families to save money so I’m an advocate for sure.
YOU CAN WATCH ANIMAL PROCEDURES AT THE ONSITE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
I’ve never been to a zoo where they have an animal hospital onsite allowing visitor’s to view procedures being done. This is a really cool up close and personal experience.
Plan Your Visit:
Address: 2101 NE 50TH ST. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73111
Hours: 9AM – 5PM Daily; except Thanksgiving and Christmas
To learn more before your visit GO HERE!
What unique offerings have you seen at zoo’s?
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
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