Oakland Zoo question: Taking kids

tiki_t

1. For kids is this better experienced in a stroller, in a backpack (at mom and dad's eye height) or walking, for 2 year olds?

2. Is there good food there or should we eat before/after?

3. Any tips for surviving a field trip to the zoo with kids? This is our first visit. Thanks!  

we-love-to-try

1. For kids is this better experienced in a stroller, in a backpack (at mom and dad's eye height) or walking, for 2 year olds? we used to take the stroller... but once we brought the wagon and she was happy as a clam in that thing! I think it'd be fine for walking 2 year olds, though... Jenna just hasn't had that endurance up until recently.

2. Is there good food there or should we eat before/after? I'd eat before or after... the food is no bueno and super expensive!

3. Any tips for surviving a field trip to the zoo with kids? This is our first visit. Thanks!  save the play part until last (it's in the middle) and have a good time!

tiki_t

Thank you!!!

m&m818

we-love-to-try:

 

2. Is there good food there or should we eat before/after? I'd eat before or after... the food is no bueno and super expensive!

 

Ditto!

Mrs_Shmoopie

tiki_t:

1. For kids is this better experienced in a stroller, in a backpack (at mom and dad's eye height) or walking, for 2 year olds? Definitely walking.  We bring the stroller but mostly so I can put things on it like our food.  It's difficult for them to see certain things in the stroller and I'm always taking J out so he can see things.  Even walking I'm always picking him up to get a better look at... whatever.  But I tell him that he has to either walk or sit in the stroller -I'm not looking to carry a toddler all over the zoo!    

2. Is there good food there or should we eat before/after? The food there is fine -typical, overpriced zoo food like hot dogs, grilled cheese, french fries, salads.  There's nowhere to eat immediately around the zoo so at least pack a snack if you're not planning to eat there. 

3. Any tips for surviving a field trip to the zoo with kids? This is our first visit. Thanks!   Just try to relax and have fun.  Don't pack anything valuable in your stroller so you're not afraid to turn your back on it when you need to.  Oh, and there's a little "amusement park" that your kids will love w/a train ride, merry-go-round, etc.  We always save that for the end and by now J knows that he only gets 2-3 rides and then we're going home.  Oh and don't try and see all the animals.  It's a sprawled out place (and hilly) and we have way more fun when we accept that we're not going to see everything and just let J enjoy himself.  You'll have a great time!!   

My.ABC.Life

we-love-to-try:

2. Is there good food there or should we eat before/after? I'd eat before or after... the food is no bueno and super expensive!

Agreed.  We brought our own picnic... and just ate at the tables available near the cafe. Other families did that as well.