Took my kids to the Saint Paul Zoo last weekend and it was actually great

Dec 171 min read

Prepared for complete chaos - got snacks, sunscreen, water, the whole thing. Surprisingly everyone stayed relatively content the entire time. My 6yo got super interested in the amphibian section and kept asking these detailed questions. Ended up being one of those days where I actually enjoyed it instead of just surviving it, you know? Made me think maybe we should do more stuff like this instead of just staying home all the time.

10 comments214 views

Comments(10)

AAndy S.RegularDec 18

The amphibian section hook is huge - now you know he's interested in that stuff. You can take him back, hit that section more thoroughly, let him sit there as long as he wants. You found his thing

VVic G.RegularDec 18

the amphibian thing is perfect because you can feed that interest at home too - there are tons of frog documentaries and books. He's gonna remember that day forever

RRyan M.New DadDec 18

The amphibian section thing is so cool - he found his thing. That's when zoos actually work. Honestly might be worth finding out if there's a local aquarium or nature center with a big frog/salamander setup. Could become a whole interest.

SSteve Q.RegularDec 18

This is good dad energy right here. Going in with actual logistics instead of winging it. Were you there for the whole day or did you have a specific time window?

SSam T.New DadDec 18

Nice. The Saint Paul Zoo is solid. Did he get tired of the crowds or just genuinely interested in the animals? My 5yo lasts about 90 minutes before he's done with people but will stare at one exhibit for 20 minutes if something catches his eye.

HHank W.RegularDec 19

Saint Paul Zoo is solid. Less overwhelming than some of the bigger ones which might be why he focused on the amphibians instead of getting sensory overloaded

DDwayne S.RegularDec 19

lol 'surprisingly everyone stayed content' - that's code for 'the snack strategy worked flawlessly.' It always works. Never forget the snacks

TTerrence J.RegularDec 20

This is the kind of post I needed to read today. Gives me hope that a zoo trip with my 6yo won't be a total disaster if I actually plan it

CClint R.RegularDec 20

Okay the prep matters way more than people admit. Snacks at 2pm is the difference between a successful outing and a complete meltdown. Sounds like you've got the formula down.

AAl G.RegularDec 20

Full prep mode paid off. Snacks and sunscreen at a zoo is the difference between a good day and a meltdown day. You did the work beforehand