Yes We Zoo, Do You?

We go to the zoo a lot. Judging by how many people we see at the zoo, perhaps not that much, but we pay a visit an average of every two weeks. Any why not? As Washington goes, it's an amazing, cheap (nearly free with a FONZ membership) adventure that never fails to please Harry. Charlotte is even starting to get into the groove.

As a rule we go before the crowds arrive in earnest (that's between 9 a.m. and noon), bring our own lunch and let Harry be our guide. He shouts out the animals he wants to see "pandas!" "Peacock!" "Tucan!" are recent favorites...(he also loves the "dillo" but spotting that tricky armadillo is not easy)...and we scuttle off to the appropriate spot.

Want to avoid the crowds? Head up the bird house. Sure, birds can be a little yawn, but not to a toddler. Harry got pooped on by a sparrow our last visit. Can you buy that kind of memory? ahem. I made sure to snap a picture before reaching for the wet wipes but I will spare you the imagery.

The Asia trail also has great sights (a big-ass bear who rubs his bum against the glass was our latest prize), and the small mammal house, which is by far the best spot for little kids at the zoo if you ask me...everything is at eye level and the animals (many monkeys, meerkats and my favorite..the tree shrew) give a great show. The Washington Post's kid section ran a story on these sometimes overlooked treasures today.

If you live local, buy a FONZ membership ($60 for the year) and parking (which is otherwise $15 a visit) is free. They also send you a monthly zoo magazine, give you a little stuffed panda and every time you come...you get a bag of Zookies. I'm all about the Zookies. Just don't tell Harry. Seems to him the bag gets empty awful fast.