Closest Zoo?

[kris31280]

One of our favorite things to do in MN was to go to the Zoo, because there were two within an hour of the house.

So my question is this: Where's the closest decent zoo to SOMD?

 

[SoMDGirl42]

One of our favorite things to do in MN was to go to the Zoo, because there were two within an hour of the house.

So my question is this: Where's the closest decent zoo to SOMD?

Rt 249

 

[rwethereyet]

DC has a zoo. Not sure about Baltimore.

 

[Ken King]

http://forums.somd.com

 

[kwillia]

Most certainly the DC Zoo. Baltimore's zoo has turned into a dump.

 

[rwethereyet]

http://forums.somd.com

Nice website.....

 

[vegmom]

National Zoo, hands down.

They are part of the Smithsonian Institution. Their website has directions. We usually take Metro but I've driven in down Conn. Ave before.

 

[kwillia]

BTW, the best thing about the Baltimore zoo was that they kept the cheetahs den across the pathway from the gazelle fields. The cheetahs spent their time stalking the gazelles. I asked a zoo keeper about it and they said it keeps the cheetahs entertained.

 

[kris31280]

Most certainly the DC Zoo. Baltimore's zoo has turned into a dump.

Thanks! I want to take my baby somewhere where the possibility of being shot, maimed, raped, murdered, or other bodily harm is relatively low and I figured Baltimore wasn't it (although we'll be going up there to see the aquarium sometime, because he loves fish too).

 

[CRoyal]

Thanks! I want to take my baby somewhere where the possibility of being shot, maimed, raped, murdered, or other bodily harm is relatively low and I figured Baltimore wasn't it (although we'll be going up there to see the aquarium sometime, because he loves fish too).

DC Zoo, metro is the easiest way to get there.
Balti aquarium is fine. Just keep in mind that if you want to go on a Sat, you should buy tickets in advance

 

[kwillia]

Thanks! I want to take my baby somewhere where the possibility of being shot, maimed, raped, murdered, or other bodily harm is relatively low and I figured Baltimore wasn't it (although we'll be going up there to see the aquarium sometime, because he loves fish too).

The Baltimore Aquarium is freakin' awesome! If you know anybody that can get you tickets from the rec center on base... do so. You'll get them cheaper and you can bypass the "buy ticket now" line. All you have to do is take your prepaid tickets to the booth that will give you and entrance time.

Be sure to allocate plenty of time for the building descent. You get to descend surrounded on all sides by shark filled tanks.

 

[kris31280]

The Baltimore Aquarium is freakin' awesome! If you know anybody that can get you tickets from the rec center on base... do so. You'll get them cheaper and you can bypass the "buy ticket now" line. All you have to do is take your prepaid tickets to the booth that will give you and entrance time.

Be sure to allocate plenty of time for the building descent. You get to descend surrounded on all sides by shark filled tanks.

That sounds pretty amazing! The only thing that worries me is that strollers aren't allowed, and I'm not so sure how long 3 year old legs can walk without resting

We used to go to Underwater Adventures in the Mall of America all the time. It's basically an aquarium underneath the mall. I'd say that was one of Rowan's favorite places to go.

 

[itsbob]

National Zoo, hands down.

They are part of the Smithsonian Institution. Their website has directions. We usually take Metro but I've driven in down Conn. Ave before.

And don't forget the National Aquarium across the street from the Mall.

 

[kwillia]

That sounds pretty amazing! The only thing that worries me is that strollers aren't allowed, and I'm not so sure how long 3 year old legs can walk without resting

We used to go to Underwater Adventures in the Mall of America all the time. It's basically an aquarium underneath the mall. I'd say that was one of Rowan's favorite places to go.

They have lots of benches scattered throughout the aquarium that are facing tanks. Once you are in, you travel at your own pace. Another tidbit... when you spot the sea horse tanks, pay particular attention to the floaters in the water. If you look closely, you will see that they are baby sea horses... bazillions of them! If you don't pay attention you just think it's poop or food floating in the water.

 

[Inkpen]

One of our favorite things to do in MN was to go to the Zoo, because there were two within an hour of the house.

So my question is this: Where's the closest decent zoo to SOMD?

You have been here a year and have no clue to local zoos?
Gee...where have you been?
Go and Google DC/MD zoos....
Oh, Welcome to Maryland by the way.....

 

[kris31280]

You have been here a year and have no clue to local zoos?
Gee...where have you been?
Go and Google DC/MD zoos....
Oh, Welcome to Maryland by the way.....

... Thank you for the

No, I don't know much about the local zoos and other kid friendly things since almost from the moment I moved here I was in school, and since I'm not in school over the summer I thought it might be time to start exploring.

I know there's a zoo and aquarium in both Baltimore and DC, I was asking which one was the best to take a 3 year old to that won't result in death and/or dismemberment.

 

[poster]

... Thank you for the

No, I don't know much about the local zoos and other kid friendly things since almost from the moment I moved here I was in school, and since I'm not in school over the summer I thought it might be time to start exploring.

I know there's a zoo and aquarium in both Baltimore and DC, I was asking which one was the best to take a 3 year old to that won't result in death and/or dismemberment.

The DC zoo is free and bigger but can be very crowded. If you can go early am, park in the bottom lot and walk all the way to the front of the zoo then work your way back downhill all day. It's better during the week, not as crowded and on cooler days the animals are more active.

The Balt. zoo is smaller but you have to pay to get in. I've never been on the weekend but during the week it wasn't very crowded.

Usually my husband goes but if he didn't, I'd feel comfortable in either place.
For either zoo you have to pass "not so nice" areas but once in the zoo it's ok.

Take'm to the Air&Space Mus. and Natural Hist. Mus. - all the mall museums are free and surprisingly not that bad an area if you get there right before opening usually you can park right in front of the Natural Hist. Mus.

 

[greyhound]

National Zoo, hands down.

They are part of the Smithsonian Institution. Their website has directions. We usually take Metro but I've driven in down Conn. Ave before.

Use Rock Creek Parkway to get to the zoo. It's a lot easier.

 

[getbent]

I LOVE the National Zoo. Go early like suggested. The animals will be more active before it gets hot. The aquarium is awesome as well.