San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park Kids are Free Days

We love the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and although this deal is still a month away, I wanted to share this to make sure you take advantage and plan some fun daytrips to both parks.

Each year, from October 1–31, in honor of the  Zoo’s founding, kiddos  ages 3–11 are admitted free to the Zoo and Safari Park when accompanied by an adult.This deal applies if you are bringing in one kiddo or ten! It’s a great deal for  families. So if you have been planning to head to one or both parks, make sure to take advantage of this great deal.  October is one of my favorite months, the weather is perfect and allows for a great day at both parks. I also love that there are less tourists this time of year and you aren’t pushing or shoving you way through this summer.

To learn more about this deal head here.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Cheetah Run and Summer Safari

Cheetah Run

 

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the kiddos and we were in for quite the treat! We’ve been members of the San Diego Zoo on and off for the past few years and after this last visit I renewed my membership again because I love the place so much!

Summer Safari Fun!

 

Summer is the perfect time to visit The San Diego Zoo Safari Park as the park is currently hosting Summer Safari, an African Extravaganza, daily until August 21st.  Summer Safari features Ethiopian Acrobats, Animal Encounters, crafts for the kiddos and my family’s absolute favorite, the African Extravaganza Party. My kiddos danced and hula hooped until they wore out.

Ethiopian Acrobat

 

 

African Extravaganza Party
The Kiddos and the “Lion”

One of the newest and most exciting additions to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the Cheetah Run. The Cheetah Run is located near Lion Camp and Balloon Safari, is a unique experience. During Cheetah Run, the spotted and lightning quick animal races on a straight 330-foot-long track that allows the cheetah to really stretch its legs and reach an astounding speed: 0 to 70 miles per hour in just 4 seconds while chasing a mechanical lure attached to its favorite toy.

The Run

 

The Cheetah Run takes place daily at 5pm and is an experience like no other. It is amazing to see a Cheetah in action. It will honestly take your breath away. My kiddos were perfectly still and oohing and aahing throughout the experience. You definitely want to experience it for yourself.

 

Running from 0 to 60 miles in seconds!
Running from o to 60 miles in seconds!

At an additional cost, you can experience the VIP area and be in for quite the treat. You will be able to interact with some of the trainers, have a fun animal encounter and have the absolute best views of the Cheetah Run. My kiddos had a blast watching and being able to take pictures with the guest animal and trainer(I”m sorry but for the life of me I can’t remember what this animal is called. All I know it’s the elephant’s closest relative)

 

My son enjoying the animal interaction presentation

 

 

After the run, the cheetah is brought to the VIP area and you can ask questions of the trainers and take some pretty cool pictures. It is a one of a kind experience because you are so close to the cheetah, you can actually hear it lick and purr. It was way cool!

Shiley, who was absolutely amazing to look and hear close up!

 

After the Cheetah Run we headed over to the African Tram Safari for a view of the animals. The kids and I loved every minute of it. We actually were able to catch the after birth of a Somali Wild Ass. It was one of the highlights of our day! The African Tram Safari experience is included with admission and it is definitely a must do!

 

The Views on our African Safari Tram Experience

 

It was an incredible experience and can’t really put into words how much I absolutely love the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If you have not visited in a while or have ever visited, now is the perfect time to visit with so many fun activities going on.

To learn more about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park head here.

Tuesday’s Tip: KinderNights at the San Diego Zoo

Credit: San Diego Zoo

 

Did you know that the San Diego Zoo offers special experiences for both kiddos and adults ? Here is one experience that I can’t wait for our family to experience

KinderNights are geared for children 3 to 6 and take place on select Friday and Saturday nights. Each month you will go on a different animal adventure to learn wonderful things about the creatures you share the Earth with. All sessions include an animal presentation, take-home craft, snack, and a story.

KinderNights are 90 minutes long, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. This special experience would be a perfect birthday treat or a special mommy/daddy night out. KinderNights are $12 per person for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Reservations are required. You can make a reservation by calling  619-557-3962.

For additional info and dates head here.