zoo and toddlers

Sofka

I'm looking FWD to taking DD to tomorrow's playdate at Reston Zoo. Some questions: what do you dress LO in? I'm worried about bugs and ticks and lyme disease! DD gets bitten very easily so I want to protect her but it's way too hot for long sleeves and pants! I'm going to bring my California Baby bug spray, but am not sure it'll work on all the bugs that tend to be around animals. Any other tips? TIA!

Useonfire

Hmm, I never thought about this before.  DS gets the occasional mosquito bite (not at the zoo... yet) so I guess it's time to bust out the California Baby! I'll probably put DS in one of his one piece short outfits which will protect some of his arms and legs and then will put sunscreen on the rest of him.   Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!

AgrippaRidesAgain

We've never been bitten when we're there, and I'm a bug magnet.   We have never used bug spray when visiting. 

kbird

We finally ventured out to the National Zoo with our 1 and 3 yr old recently, and it wasn't quite the experience we expected.  The trip into the DC took a lot longer than expected, due to road closures (I realize you're not going downtown),  But by the time we got there, it was super hot and the kids were hungry and we needed a bathroom asap.  Then of course the sunblock.  I spent most of the time trying to keep the kids somewhat in the shade, drinking and cool.  We checked out like 3 animal areas - that was it - but it was enough.  We saw elephants - whoo hoo.

DH and I agreed they were too young to really appreciate the National Zoo.  And it was just too crowded, sunny and hot and we got there too late - hello nap time.

 I bet the Reston Zoo will be way more low key, and that's good.  Just get there early, so you can beat the heat.