As we are sliding/limping/crawling/sprinting into summer maybe you’ve started to look for some low cost fun things to do locally. As a fan of air conditioning, I’m partial to things like summer programs from the Auburn and Opelika libraries.
I do occasionally get outside, and if we are going to go and do, we usually head to the Montgomery Zoo. This is our third year to have a Family Membership Pass and full disclosure, my in-laws give this to us for Christmas. On our most recent trip, I decided to take some mental notes and pass along thoughts in case you too decide to brave the Alabama heat & humidity and are considering the zoo.
Starting with price – a typical visit to this zoo for our family of 5 plus a train ride ($3/each) would be $72. So if we go twice in a year, we’ve saved money with the family membership + train ride. You can find the full list of membership types & prices here. There is a good variety on options including guest and grandparents passes. There are a few ‘perks’ like discounts to different annual events, but since we are not super local, saving the money is the only perk I really need.
What makes this a very low cost excursion for us is that we bring our own lunch, snacks, and water bottles. Outside food is allowed anywhere but the ‘Overlook Cafe’ and there are plenty of shaded picnic areas to choose from. Our favorite lunch spot is next to the huge playground. It’s almost worth the drive for the playground alone. Well that and the free petting zoo.
You can (and should if you are catering to a 3 and under crowd) bring a stroller or wagon – there is a lot of ground to cover. Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent ($8-25) on a first come, first serve basis. New (to me) are Sensory Bags that can be checked out for free through the gift shop. All information on these items can be found on the bottom of the Hours & Admissions Page.
To make the most of your time, you can structure your day around several different interactive attractions. The Lion Training session & Elephant Keeper talks are free and available daily. The aforementioned petting zoo and the very delightful Parakeet Cove are free to enter and food for the animals is $2. There is plenty to touch, smell, and step in without purchasing food at the petting zoo which includes goats, sheep, a llama, and some ducks but the kids love it. Ok, I do too – can anyone resist a llama!? Parakeet Cove for us is a major treat – the birds will quite literally flock to anyone with a food stick – but that $2 disappears quick. Feeding the giraffes is also something we do occasionally but not every trip. It’s $3/person, you get to keep the cup that your feed comes in and most of the time you get very up close and personal with at least one of the giraffes. If this is on your must-do list, plan to go early so the giraffes are not yet full! They are very popular.
Feeding the giraffes
Finally – the train and sky lift. The sky lift if $5/person for those 32″ or taller. I don’t have personal experience with this as the thought of one of my people falling and landing among the zebras gives me nightmares. The train and I, however, are intimately acquainted. The train circles the zoo and runs a little under 10 minutes. It’s possible you could spend your whole visit and not ever really notice the sky lift. There is no way you escape without your kids knowing about the train. Some tips -there is a vending machine near the line where you can purchase a token – you’re better off to purchase at the gift shop because 1. Air conditioning 2. On more than one occasion I’ve seen the machine eat people’s money. The staff are always really gracious about it – but skip the drama and make sure you don’t have any issues. Also, we save the train for last which acts as an incentive for listening (most of the time) and gives some closure as we say ‘goodbye’ to all the animals before heading out.
If you are looking to get out and do something this summer – I would highly recommend a trip (or 3) to the Montgomery Zoo. If you’ve been, what suggestions would have for a first-timer?
