FAMILY FUN AT CAMERON PARK ZOO OF WACO

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY WACO CONVENTIONS & VISITORS BUREAU. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Hey Fancy Friends! When was the last time you visited the zoo?

In my house, I can’t turn on the television without it being on Animal planet. Somewhere along the way, my husband’s love for animals have rubbed off on KJ and together they are a force to be reckoned with. Normally, we visit the zoo every chance we get. But lately, with conflicting schedules it’s been way too long since we’ve been as a family. As a result, I was so thrilled when on our road trip to Waco, TX we were able to visit Cameron Park Zoo!

This quiet little animal kingdom is nestled deep in the heart of Waco. A perfect family escape for a day of fun, Cameron Park Zoo provides a amiable amount of animals in lush native habitats. It’s 52 acres run adjacent to the Brazos River in Waco, TX. Behind the gates, splashing waterfalls, beautiful bamboo trees, well kept grounds, crisp ponds and flourishing animals await you.

This zoo has the most shade of any zoo I have ever been to and that alone is enough to bring me back! These Texas temperatures are fierce so it was refreshing to get a break from the sun as needed. The opportunities to head indoors for aquarium exhibits and more seemed available at just the right time. With its small size its hard to believe it houses over 300 species of animals! Bonus! The layout was easy to navigate while enjoying the picturesque views.

Check Out More About Our Visit Below!

We arrived at the zoo on a Sunday afternoon. We were able to snag a nice parking spot not to far from the door, and grab some much needed photo opportunities just outside the gate before heading in. The air was dry and the temperatures were nearing the hundreds so we vowed to take our time to not overly exhaust ourselves and also to really engage with the amenities. Additionally, the gate clerk was really nice in answering our questions about the animals upon entry. We entered, grabbed a map and was well on our way!

I couldn’t help but notice the gift shop to the left and the cafe to the right as we decided which way to go first. Surrounded by luring greenery and winding pavement we set out to explore this animal oasis. I distinctively remember our first exhibit being the Bald Eagle and our last being the Sumatran Tigers! The one animal I was hoping to see that I didn’t was a Zebra. There are no zebras flourishing here.

Normally, Saturdays and Sundays are busy zoo days but I was particularly surprised that there wasn’t a huge crowd. This meant more room for us to see and engage without having to hurry about or give others a chance to snag a peak.

Along the way the kids had fun in Grammy Nells! They played in the mouth of the gigantic snake sculpture and took turns exploring the tree house just before sliding down to reality. With so much energy to burn they had plenty of space to run about. There were also a lot of species they had never seen before that peaked their curiosity. This allowed for very interesting conversations as we learned together.

For summer, picnics are allowed in the park. So, pack a lunch and be prepared to visit and spend the day. The only stipulation, don’t feed the animals!

The animals could be found laying about because of the extreme temperatures and I don’t blame them. Some of them were hard to spot, some of them laid like statues, while others, like the Lion refused to make an appearance all together. You could see it in it’s den pacing but I guess it was too hot to come out and play and I can’t say I blame it! Overall, my family had a blast exploring Cameron Park Zoo and when visiting Waco we will continue to make it a must thing to do for us.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit…

Arrive early! The temperatures will be cooler, you will beat the crowd and you’ll have a better chance of seeing the animals.
Wear comfortable shoes. As with any large park there is a lot of walking.
Don’t forget your sunscreen! This zoo is full of shade but you’re still out doors and exposed to the sun.
Check for discounts. When you set out on adventures with your family things can get expensive. Always check for discounts! I know that they offer military discounts and group discounts. Also consider a zoo membership for savings if your family plans to visit frequently.