Which zoo? Philly or DC?

StrawberryAlarmClock

We're pretty much centrally located between the two. Which would you recommend for a family trip in April?  DS will be 2, his cousin will be 18mo and we're going to drag the grandparents along.  

TIA

Married2003

The DC zoo is under construction so lot of the animal houses are closed.  I would check out their website first before making your decision.  I know when we went there in December the Elephant house was closed.

lsufan

I've never been to the Philly zoo, but I am not a fan of the DC zoo.  I've had so many bad experiences with parking, metro, etc.  We've also gone and enjoyed it, but even then there is a lot of walking for very little animal viewing, IMO.  Also, there is no giraffe.  What kind of zoo doesn't have a giraffe?  Possibly my view is colored by the fact that I was pregnant the first 3 times I made the trip.  Make sure it's not Spring Break when you go, because it gets really crowded, and get there as early as you can.

lsufan

Also, do you live in Hershey?  Personally, I'd go to Zoo America again before I'd torture myself with the DC zoo.

StrawberryAlarmClock

lsufan:

Also, do you live in Hershey?  Personally, I'd go to Zoo America again before I'd torture myself with the DC zoo.

Yes

I don't love Zoo America, but you're right that it would be a good starting point to see if DS is even interested in zoos in the first place.

And...no giraffe? Whaaaa?

Temp108743750006959

I've been to both (lived in DC ten years and now I live in Philly) and I love the Philly zoo. It's very walkable, the reptile house is cool, you can ride horses and a camel, etc. You can go up in an air balloon (it's tethered).

It's very close to Smith Playground which is awesome and free.

It's also close to the Please Touch Museum which is just a great place to visit (but not free). 

surprise3rd

Been to both, LOVE The Philadelphia Zoo.  Family memberships are only $99 for the year, so if you are taking a crew and think you will go back even one time, you may want to check it out.  I think it gives you tickets for the hot air balloon as well as the carosel. 

Ned&Nora

I've never been to the DC zoo, but I agree Philly is a great zoo.  It's a lot of walking, but lots of fun for the kids. 

Jen&Len

I've never been to the DC zoo, but I love the Philly zoo.  Small enough that you won't get exhausted walking around.  There's also the treehouse, which is an indoor play area for kids near the carousel.  You're supposed to be a member to go in, but they've never checked.

AnnapolisLari

DC is a tough zoo. It's all downhill, so when you're tired and it's time to head back, it's ALL uphill. Doing that pushing a stroller makes it even worse.

Lots of fun animals, but a tough design for walking.