Featured Activity: Let’s Go To The Zoo
Published on July 30, 2020 - Updated on July 30, 2020
Need an adventure that offers a sense of normalcy? Zoo outings are a good option when safety conditions are just right!
Making choices for what feels safe for your family is very personal. For us, we do a lot of hiking and biking these days, and, once in a while, we mix in something in the “back to normal” category when we feel like it’s a calculated risk. While we know life is not back to normal by any means, we feel more comfortable assessing our circumstances on the move - always ready to scrap an idea if the conditions aren’t just right.
Masks are always part of our world, as well as hand sanitizer and a strong, unified understanding of what our comfort level is in terms of social distancing for our safety and that of others around us. When the timing seems right, we will occasionally try something, fully prepared to redirect if we arrive and find an uncomfortable amount of people or it doesn’t feel like others are taking proper safety precautions. Sometimes we get lucky and the beach, the zoo, or the playground meet our needs in terms of serious distancing measures.
On our epic summer RV road trip, we have been through Omaha four times and this is the first time we have found the perfect time to try out the zoo. It was such a treat! The Omaha Zoo is the first thing locals recommend if you’re going to Omaha or Nebraska in general, and with good reason. The Aquarium is also located on the same site, and comes equally recommended, but we opted out as a pandemic precaution.
Due to extreme generosity from many, the zoo is remarkable and home to a spectacular array of animals. The zoo has a COVID slogan “healthy you, healthy zoo,” and is taking precautions very seriously. Some exhibits which would make social distancing difficult remain closed, but the Gorilla Valley and Sting Ray Beach and so many more amazing exhibits are open.
The winding walking paths allow for a nice mix of movement/exercise too and a fair amount of distance for safety. Insider tip: bring a stroller or wagon for kids five and under, it’s a lot of walking. That is in part what really stood out, the zoo is so spacious. As a result, even with the pandemic restrictions, this seems like an excellent option to enjoy in the ‘not canceled’ category that truly feels safe. The zoo limits the number of visitors and we did not feel cramped or anxious.
The summer weather is likely helpful in limiting all-day visits because honestly, it’s just too hot for that! We spent 2 hours and barely scratched the surface of all this wonderful place has to offer. In addition to the zoo offerings, they have a carousel available for $3 which they sanitize between each and every ride, and (outside of COVID times) a fun water play area. They have sweet treats and kid-friendly meals available throughout the property.
The zoo is truly such a gift to locals who can enjoy it on a more regular basis and we can’t wait to go back. If you are interested in a safe fresh-air outing to give your little ones a sense of normalcy during this isolating time, consider your local zoo. Many have reopened around the country. Here is a list of major city offerings, and some additional happyly featured locations with popular zoos.
Brooklyn, NY
Prospect Park Zoo: Reservations required
New York City, NY
Central Park Zoo: Reservations required
Bronx Zoo: Reservations required
Queens Zoo: Reservations required
Staten Island Zoo: Outdoors only
Boston, MA
Franklin Park Zoo: Reservations required
Stone Zoo: Reservations required
Washington DC
Smithsonian National Zoo: Reservations required
Roer's Zoofari: Reservations required.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Zoo: Reservations required
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Zoo: Closed until further notice
Chicago, IL
Lincoln Park Zoo: Reservations required
Brookfield Zoo: Reservations required
Houston TX
Houston Zoo: Reservation required
Austin TX
Austin Zoo: Online ticket purchase required
Capital of Texas Zoo: Open
Phoenix AZ
Phoenix Zoo: Closed
Seattle, WA
Woodland Park Zoo: Reservations required
Cougar Mountain Zoo: Open
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Zoo: Reservations required
San Diego, CA
San Diego Zoo: Open
Denver, CO
Denver zoo: Open
Atlanta, GA
Zoo Atlanta: Reservations required
Portland OR
Oregon Zoo: Reservations required.
Charlotte NC
Riverbanks Zoo: Reservations required
North Carolina Zoo: Reservations required
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Zoo: Reservations required
Como Park Zoo: Closed
Asheville, NC
Western North Carolina Nature Center: Closed
Nashville, TN
Nashville Zoo: Reservations required
Charleston, NC
The Animal Forest at Charleston Landing: Online ticket purchase required
Dallas, TX
Dallas Zoo: Reservations required
Salt Lake City, UT
Hogle Zoo: Open
Tracy Aviary: Open
Albany, NY
Adirondack Animal Land: Drive through only
Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Zoo: Reservations required
Wilmington, NC
Tregembo Animal Park: Open
Lynnwood Park Zoo: Open
Park City, UT
Hogle Zoo: Open
Tracy Aviary: Open
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina Zoo: Reservations required
Aloha Safari Zoo: Open
Long Island, NY
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo: Open
Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center: Closed
Idaho Falls, ID
Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park: Open
Destin, FL
Emerald Coast Zoo: Open
Gulf Breeze Zoo: Open
Little Rock, AR
Little Rock Zoo: Reservations required
Eastern Shore MD
Salisbury Zoo: Limited hours and days
Eastern Shore DE
3 Palms Zoo: Open
Charlottesville VA
Luray Zoo A Rescue Zoo: Open
Natural Bridge Zoo: Open
Columbia, SC
Riverbanks Zoo: Reservations required
Holland, MI
John Ball Zoo: Reservations required
Washington Park Zoo: Closed
Ridgeland MS
The Jackson Zoological Park: Closed
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Zoo: Reservations required
If you are lucky enough to have a Drive-Through Safari near you, that is another amazing option! We had a fun and memorable adventure in Northern Virginia at Roer’s Zoofari. They have adjusted for COVID to allow families to drive through in their own vehicles and it is quite the experience!!
Please send us your favorite safe outing ideas at share@happyly.com, and tag your highlights on Instagram @gethappyly! We love to hear from you!
For more inspiration, check out another recently featured activities, Plan a Picnic, make time for Family Bike Rides or bring out your inner camper and Find a Campsite near you! For a fun activity at home, check out our list of fun Chalk Games. Looking for something different? Enter the rapidly growing world of Stand Up Paddleboarding.
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