They have an extensive list of animal exhibits, everything from the usual lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!), to the unusual, such as the komodo dragon, koala bear, Insect Zoo, and the spectacular snow leopard! Most of the animal displays have multiple viewing points so even if the animals are trying to hide, you can usually spot them!
The SF Zoo also hosts special exhibits. The Nature Trail in the Children's Zoo is a favorite of ours. This is a great way to get some hands-on time for your little ones, since most of the zoo is viewing only. Along the trail there are youth volunteers showing and talking about different critters. Very educational and fun too!
The South American Tropical Forest is an indoor rain forest, housing turtles, anacondas, frogs, fish, and many birds which are flying freely inside. You can get the full experience of a rain forest through all your senses - sight, sound, smell, sound, and touch.
Just opened this month is the much anticipated Elinor Friend Playground! The playground is 36,000 square feet and contains a River Play Area for toddlers (6 months-2 years), a Polar Zone exploration space for pre-schoolers (2-5 years), and a Banyan Tree climbing structure for pre-teens (5-12 years). Each of the play structures is built to encourage exploration and adventure.
Not only is the SF Zoo itself an amazing place, but even the trip down there is fun! You get to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and then the zoo is right next to the beach! How fun is that? Its a beautiful drive along Ocean Beach, and when you are at the zoo you can still smell the ocean! Love it!
Every year the SF Zoo puts on a show of Holiday Lights and activities throughout the park called ZooLights. This year they are active Dec 20-23, and Dec 26-30, 4:30-8pm. Along with a magical display of lights, there is also Santa himself, along with his reindeer (Belle, Holly, Peppermint and Velvet), a 20-minute train ride (decorated with Holiday lights), a holiday-themed storybook maze, a decked out Reptile Room, meet-the-keeper events, face painting, Ghirardelli chocolate samples, music, a light show, and Holiday treats!
For more information on the SF Zoo, visit their website.
And now for the exciting part! The SF Zoo has been kind enough to donate FREE tickets to a lucky family in Sonoma County! One winner will receive a Family 4-pack of entrance tickets, ride coupons, and a FREE parking voucher! Here is how to win:
1) Make sure that you have "LIKED" the Petaluma/RP Macaroni Kid Facebook Page
2) "LIKE" this article by clicking the "LIKE" button at the top of the article
3) Enter your name and email address HERE
* You can earn (5) additional entries if you refer a friend to subscribe to the Macaroni Kid Newsletter! Have them list your name as how they heard about Macaroni Kid. There is no limit on referral entries.
That's it! You can enter once per day. Referral entries can be made as many times as you want. A winner will be picked on December 23rd using random.org and will be announced in our December 24th Newsletter. Complete official rules can be read HERE. Good luck!!!!!!
