September 2007   Go to Calendar Home Page –  View Previous Out and About Articles 
 

800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
404-624-9453
www.zooatlanta.com 

Tickets: Adults, $17.99; children, $12.99; 2 and under, free

Hours: Weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Weekends, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Go Wild at Zoo Atlanta
by Amy Ney

Who isn’t excited by a trip to the zoo? My four kids certainly are, so we headed to Zoo Atlanta for a day of animal fun.

If you’re not from Atlanta, you may be surprised to find that the zoo is smaller than many other large metropolitan zoos, but what Zoo Atlanta lacks in size, it makes up for in class and enthusiasm. It is clean, well laid out, and there are plenty of interesting exhibits that will enthrall kids of all ages.

The zoo is located near downtown Atlanta, adjacent to Grant Park, next to the Cyclorama. It has lots of trees and plenty of free parking. Upon arriving, the kids immediately begin clamoring to see their favorite animals.
At many zoos, we have had to plan our day around the most enticing exhibits, the animals the kids recognize, or the larger animals, which are easier for the little kids to see. But that sort of strategy is not necessary at Zoo Atlanta. We found it very doable to visit all of the animals. The park is the perfect size.

We just had to check out the new warthog and meerkat exhibit. Despite the heat, when many of the animals were asleep, the warthogs were active in their mud pit. The cutest exhibit has to be the very popular panda, Mei Lan. My kids thought she was definitely worth all the media hype.

With so much to see, be sure not to miss the special activities, animal feedings and shows. Check out the back of the pocket zoo map for the day’s schedule.

It is also important to note the zoo offers rock climbing, train rides and a carousel for additional fees. The kids were very excited to ride the train after seeing it pass through the lower half of the park.

While there are several dining options at the zoo, we decided to pack an “animal picnic,” complete with animal crackers. We chose to eat under a beautiful old oak tree in Grant Park at midday, but the zoo does allow outside food on its property.

My kids were very tired and ready to leave by early afternoon, just as we finished at the petting zoo. Seemed to me that petting sheep and goats was a bigger thrill for my kindergartner than watching the giraffes from a distance. We’ll be back to the zoo soon. We are anxious to check out the animals that become more active as the weather cools.

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