A Low Key Birthday
My family knows the best way to celebrate my birthday is something low key. The best gifts are being able to get out of bed in the morning and spending time with my family. This year would be a wonderful day doing just those two desires.
After church, my husband and I drove to the Columbus Zoo to meet with our son, daughter-in-law and four granddaughters. The zoo is a favorite family day. Even though the zoo was hosting a big event and it was crowded, we still enjoyed a wonderful, sunny day visiting the different areas and favorite animals. As always, I had my camera close by. My granddaughters and family are willing subjects for my hobby, and today was no exception! The zoo animals were also willing subjects.
After the visit to the zoo, my daughter and son-in-law fixed a wonderful dinner complete with a tasty cake! Master chef of grilling chicken, Lesley spent most of the afternoon baking a three layer chocolate mint with white fluffy frosting birthday cake - her first birthday cake! She even used fresh mint from her herb garden! Had the temperature been a little warmer, we would have initiated her new patio furniture outside under her gazebo, but it was just a little chilly by 7:00. Another wonderful time with family!
I have truly been blessed with a wonderful husband, four great children, and the best granddaughters around! What more could I want! And now on to the next year............
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The entrance and parking lot area has been improved over the past few years. Parking admission is $5, and most of the lots are paved. There is room for a shuttle bus, but it was not operating the day we were there. A new entrance is being built and will greet guests late Spring 2008. You will be able to enter the zoo or Zoombezi Bay through the same gates.
Zoo admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children 2-9 and senior citizens. We have a yearly membership that allows us admission and free parking. With all the construction until Zoombezi Bay opens, there are temporary gates that make for a little confusion.
This weekend, the first in May, the zoo was extremely busy! A special event had brought out most of central Ohio! With the zoo covering around 90 acres, this was the busiest we have ever seen. There were lines for the popular attractions and the restrooms. With a little patience, we still enjoyed the animals and attractions. Normally, the zoo isn't this crowded, so we will go back on a less busy day.
There are over 700 species of wildlife on display for families visiting the zoo. There has been a lot of remodeling and updating over the past few years. New regions were built to allow the animals to roam in "natural" like settings. The zoo is set up in regions - Asia Quest, North America, African Forest, Australia, The Islands of Southeast Asia, and The Shores. Most of the time you can see all of them in a day, but on busy days like the we visited, we picked our favorites to visit. The animals are easy to see making it even great for the little ones.
The Columbus Zoo is one of the premier zoos in the United States. Jack Hanna, a past zoo director, is well known and an ambassador for the zoo. He is very concerned with the animals well being, and getting the word out about the zoo and their projects.
During the Christmas holiday season, the zoo features "The Wild Lights at the Zoo." Thousands and thousands of twinkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. There is ice skating, ice sculptures, and other winter time activities ongoing. This is a favorite each year!
Zoombezi Bay occupies the sight of the old Wyandot Lake adjacent to the Columbus Zoo. The park has been totally transformed into a state of the art water park. Construction is still ongoing with the targeted opening date is May 26. Covering over 22 acres, there will be 15 water slides, wave pool, a lazy river float, and kiddy pool area along with so much more. Food stands, changing facilities, and a gift shop will add to you day at the bay.
As a family, we have always enjoyed time at the Columbus Zoo. From our smallest family members to the oldest, a good time is a guarantee! Most facilities are handicapped assessible. Stroller and wheelchairs are available for rent. There are plenty of food stands and kiosks scattered around, and for an added fee, there are rides (a train, boat ride, merry-go-round just to name a few) for the kids and adults. Most of the area is shaded for comfort during the warm months. Education programs are ongoing.
The Columbus Zoo is a highly recommended family place!
