So it is supposed to reach 60 degrees today, spring is in the air perhaps? What better place to visit after being cooped up all winter than the ZOO!!

Here are some options for visiting with the local delegates of the animal kingdom, and having a great day trip with your kids…

The Elmwood Park Zoo. http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/

Located in surprisingly easy to get to Norristown (30 minutes from our Eagle perch in Downingtown - a straight shot up route 202), this zoo features jaguars, wolves, a prairie dog maze, alligators and an operatic parrot who can mimic your child's laughter...just to name a few. The café offers children's meals for around $4 (toy included), or you can picnic near one of the best fenced in playgrounds around.
The standard entrance fee is $9.00 per adult, and $6.50 for children 1-11 years old (infants are free), and $6.50 for anyone over 55. They offer several membership options, we went with the family membership, which at $70 gives two named adults and our children unlimited free visits and also applies to free or discounted entries to over 140 other Zoos and Aquariums through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's reciprocal program. They offer educational programs, a spring break 'camp', even overnights on the grounds for older kids.

Philadelphia Zoo. http://www2.philadelphiazoo.org/

We got the family membership.. if you have more than one child and plan to go more than once a year, this is absolutely the way to go – as you get free parking with membership and pack a lunch and it is a great day trip for no more than the price of gas. ***Straws are prohibited inside the zoo though, so stick with sippy cups or plastic bottled beverages. From 76 the zoo is a block from the exit ramp – so getting in and out requires close to zero “city traffic” negotiation. I have taken my twins twice already this year.

The Philadelphia Zoo is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving Day, December 24, 25 and 31, January 1, and the second Thursday in June, March 1 - November 30, 2008 - Hours - Daily 9:30AM-5:00PM

Ticket prices: Adult $17.95, Child (age 2-11) $14.95, Child (under 2) Free
Parking- Per vehicle - $10.00 (Free parking with valid membership card)

Memberships range from individual at $54, through the Contributor at $280 – but all memberships are tax deductible!

Family Plus $114
Admission for two adults.Admission for children in the household under age 18*.Admission for two guests with each visit.
Family $94
Admission for two adults.Admission for children in the household under age 18*.