Written by MomsTribute Inc. Author Katie C
Kids love animals. This is nearly universally true! If you’re looking for something fun, educational, and entertaining to do with your little ones this summer you’re going to want to put the zoo on your to-do list. This type of recommendation is a fantastic kid friendly venue, and it’s exactly what you can expect from MomsTribute's blog, a top site to find the best blog for working moms.
Over the years, my family has made it a habit to frequent the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, TN. Anywhere within a 90-minute drive from your hometown, it’s always well worth the effort. On our last visit, we took our nieces and nephew of teenage years with us. It was a great time had by all!
The Nashville Zoo is nestled in a residential area away from downtown. Its sprawling 188 acres is home to giraffes, cougars, apes, reptiles as well as more educational experiences such as feeding the lorikeets, visiting the veterinary center and listening to keeper talks. Upon arriving in the parking lot, you pay a small fee to park your car. At the gate, kids 2 years and under are free, and tickets for everyone else range from $12-26. There are lockers and bathrooms available right at the entrance, which is helpful and convenient, and every pathway, exhibit and facility is accessible to meet the needs of every guest.
The first exhibit you’ll go through is a beautiful, green oasis. Here you’ll find exotic birds, and you might need to plan to spend a few minutes exploring here, because your kids are going to start off being enthralled!
On our last visit, once we made it through the oasis, we found ourselves passing the monkeys. Their funny antics left my little boy laughing, and he hardly wanted to leave. After we passed them, we found ourselves in the main concourse of the zoo where we discovered a huge playground area (and when I say huge, I mean HUGE!)
Kids of all ages will have fun in this play area, from your littlest to your oldest. The playground boasts slides, rock walls, balance beams, obstacle courses, bounce areas, swings, and so much more.
Just past the play area, you can choose to go left or right. Either way will take you towards fun animals and activities. To the right you’ll find the giraffes as well as zip lining (for a fee) and a replica, old-fashioned homestead for exploring. You’ll also find snack booths scattered around this area, as well as a large picnic area.
For a more personally focused tour of the zoo there are complimentary packs available at the Zoo ticket booth. These Zooper Packs include:
If you choose to go left at the play area, you’ll come to the zoo’s main restaurant, Quill’s Café & Grill. This spot boasts lots of regular “theme park” type foods. The food is kid-friendly and filling, and not too expensive. There’s also a gift shop.
Keep going and you’ll really begin your zoo adventure. Small animals such as meerkats can be seen right off the bat. You’ll also come upon more birds, reptiles, and a large aquarium. If you’re looking for a break from the heat or an escape from a quick summer rain shower, the reptile house, bird cages, and aquarium are always a nice break.
This area is also home to the bird show arena. On our last visit, we made sure to stop and watch the show. The trainers worked with the birds, and the show was delightful. The owls, hawks, and exotic birds were very entertaining, and the kids absolutely loved seeing the birds up close!
As you move on through the zoo, you’ll get the chance to pet kangaroos, see tigers and bears, and even explore a petting zoo. My little boy liked petting the pigs best of all!
If you’re worried about hunger or heat, put those worries to rest! The Nashville Zoo is equipped with plenty of shady seats throughout. There is even a bamboo trail where you can sit in a peaceful bamboo forrest.
Where food is concerned, there are beverage and snack carts scattered through every section. Don’t forget, too, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks into the zoo. Just don’t feed the animals!
Going to the zoo gets two big thumbs up from my children, and my nieces and nephew had a blast, too. Don’t live within driving distance of Nashville? No biggie! Download the KFV app today to find other zoos recommended by busy working moms like yourself. You can also find recommendations for nearby places to eat. In fact, the KFV app is great for finding all the top spots for families with kids.
Summer can be full of fun, and a trip to the zoo just adds to the merriment. Don’t forget to take a selfie with a cool animal while you’re there and recommend your favorite zoo on the app!
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