San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park,San Diego,
California 92112
619-231-1515
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42 Reviewsfor San Diego Zoo
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00 families found this helpful
"San Diego Zoo"
the zoo was a great experience for my 17 month old and myself, a lot to see, well placed and very toddler friendly. If however you are not geared for the exercise program this zoo provides with its many sloping hills (pushing stroller), consider the bus tours. My suggestion, head to the polar bear exhibit first, or work your way to the back of the zoo and catch the gondola back to the main part of the zoo. Loved all the animals, shows and Joyce's favorite was feeding the giraffe and viewing of the snakes.
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0 families found this helpful
"Amazing Zoo!"
The San Diego Zoo really is one of the best zoos in the world! My family has been coming here yearly since I was a child. The zoo is constantly growing and changing. The many different exhibits are amazing. Lots of walking, though to see everything. With little ones in tow, you may want to spend more than a day here. Some of the exhibits are an easy walk to get to, but the return trip is uphill and pretty tiring unless you're in great shape or go very slowly. Food is expensive. Excellent gift shops. Wonderful animal shows. Highly recommend!!
0 families found this helpful
"Something new"
We just returned from the zoo. There are a few new exhibits since our last trip. The elephant area is fantastic and my kids loved getting up close and personal with the polar bears. The best time of day to visit is early in he day or after dinner. Less crowds and the animals seem to be more active.
0 families found this helpful
"San Diego Zoo"
This zoo is huge. We went there and we couldn't finish it in one day. We need to come back to see the rest of it. This zoo is really nice, they have shuttle buses that take you around and also express shuttle buses for certain areas. It costs alot more than regular zoos but it's worth it. We went during Christmas and it was nicely lit up. It's different when you go during the holidays. I saw so many babies in toddlers during that time. It was cold at night so it's always good to bring a jacket and a blanket for the little ones.
0 families found this helpful
"San Diego Zoo"
Getting to the Zoo itself during a busy period (Xmas) in terms of traffic and parking left a lot to be desired, however the experience once inside the zoo gates was worth it. Such a huge variety of animals and a lot of ground to cover, would actually merit a 2-day visit. This zoo has it all, and appeals to all ages. Make sure that you have a stroller for young kids as the enclosures are big and spread out so this means a lot of walking (or waiting around for the zoo shuttle to take you on a tour)... but it truly is a fabulous place. if you are only there for one day, your biggest challenge will be deciding what not to see....
0 families found this helpful
"Massive"
Don't try to do this zoo in one visit- it too big! The exhibits are spread out, but there is a tram that ferrys visitors around the park. Otherwise, plan on lots of walking and bring a comfy stroller.
The animal enclosures are the most natural and spacious of any zoo I have seen. Consequently, it may be hard to spot the critters hidden away from prying eyes. Best to make two visits, and as always, try to come on off peak times so you have a more peaceful visit.
0 families found this helpful
"The best zoo we have visited"
We love the San Diego Zoo! It's large. I recommend either taking 2 days to explore or using the park bus system. They offer views of the animals I have not seen in other zoos. Our favorites are the Polar Bear and the Hippos. When planning a trip to the San Diego area the zoo is a must see!
1 family found this helpful
"World Famous for a reason!"
This is truly the best ZOO you will ever find, there is something around every corner. My Daughter loves to watch the animals all day long. I take her there atleast once month. There is a great play ground in the children's zoo and an amazing under water view of the otters. One note: if you want to do the elephant exhibit go the back way in....trying to find the front is a real physical feat :)
They also have a great event for the holidays, we go here every year. This year they really took it to the next level and it was very enjoyable!
0 families found this helpful
"BEST ZOO EVVVVER"
My family and I visited the zoo in spring of 2008. my husband and I and the kids fell in LOVE with this zoo. Its huge and everything you could ever imagine seeing was in the zoo. Its huge and does not smell at all like a zoo. The animals are very well cared for and the staff was very knowledgable. We had such a wonderful day there and couldn't even finish the entire zoo in a day. I'd go back every year if I was able to.
4 families found this helpful
"San Diego Zoo- A Mini Trip"
We took our 2 year old daughter to the San Diego Zoo on 2/14/10. WOW! I had not been there since I was a teenager, I cant believe how big it is.
First, we decided to get the year pass to both the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. I am glad that we did, because my daughter only lasted about 2 hours! I guess that is the thing about toddlers, we had planned this for months, and we were in the car longer then at the actual zoo.
The zoo is large, the maps are a little confusing. My hubby and I got lost several times, and we are fairly smart, so it was a bit frustrating!
There is a new baby Panda, Yun-Zi in the Panda Habitat. The line was VERY long, and we decided not to wait. Since then, I have read that they have moved Yun-Zi to the main viewing area, so the line should shorter now.
The Polar Bear Plunge looks fascinating, and you can see the polar bears swim from an underwater viewing area. It was closed, but is going to reopen at the end of March. We plan on going back to see this exhibit because it looks amazing from the pictures online.
My daughters favorite exhibits were: the hippos, the okapi, the tigers, and the tapir. She did not like the reptile exhibit, and to be honest it kind of gave me the willies too!
I would suggest anyone wanting to plan a trip to the zoo to check out their website. There are a lot of special exhibits, and you can buy the discounted year membership to both parks (only $89 for both my husband and I!).
Since we were only there for a short time, I estimate we saw 1/3 of the zoo. We can not wait to go back, and to go to the Wild Animal Park.
0 families found this helpful
"We LOVE the zoo"
We've been to zoos all over the world and this is our favorite. It's beautifully landscaped and is great for a nice morning walk, if you live in SD or have a pass. Even if it's hot, you'll find some of the trails shaded.
Our favorite exhibits are the hippos, polar bears, pandas and the petting zoo. We spend the morning there and leave by toddler nap time.
0 families found this helpful
"Great Place To Spend a Day at"
This is a great zoo to visit with the kids. Make sure to plan to spend at least a couple of days here if you are just visiting. If you live in the area, look into the annual pass. A lot of times these are partly tax deductable and make going to the zoo an easy and everyday occurance. Many zoos also reciprocate with free entrance into other zoos and discounts as well.
The San Diego Zoo also has a great web site, so check it out ahead of time, that way you can make solid plans for your trip.
1 family found this helpful
"Excellent Exercise"
No hold barred this zoo is awesome. And you should plan a visit especially if you don't have access to a zoo on a regular basis. I took my 18 month and 5 year old here solo while in town for vacation. Like some of the other reviewers have mentioned this zoo is particularly hilly, so if you are pushing a stroller with one (or god forbid two) kids, get ready for a workout! Advice: go light. Pack the minimum. The zoo is top notch, they have just about everything you need there and the weather is generally nice so leave the 3rd "just in case" jacket in the car.
A couple of others have also mentioned spreading out your visit over 2 days with young kids. Yes - if you have the time. If not then hit unique animals you aren't going to see at other zoos.
2 families found this helpful
"Even my 21 month old stayed interested"
We spent a day at the zoo with our 21 month old and 5 month old and enjoyed every minute. I remember loving this Zoo as a child on family trips to San Diego, but hadn't been there in years. It was more than the fantastic world I remembered.
I highly recommend taking the bus tour early in the day. It provided us with a good overview of what and where things were and it wasn't crowded.
Our daughter's favorites were the Elephants. As parents we were enthralled by the Elephant Odessy and the out door care center. It was fun to see them working with these huge creatures one on one. They even said the public can view elephant births.
The sky ride, even our 21 month old appreciated the amazing view.
Mom and Dad's favorite was the Polar Bears wrestling right up against the glass. They were much better than the Polar Bears at Sea World.
We only spent one day, but could have easily filled up at least two. A must see when you're in San Diego!
1 family found this helpful
"Educational, Fun, Wonderful… "
We have been to several nice zoos across the country, and for years my mother has been insistent that the San Diego Zoo was better than anything else we had visited. I didn’t believe her until I spent a day exploring this place. Even in the drizzling rain at the height of winter (a frosty 52 degrees in Southern California) it was a great day.
There are more than 800 species of animals there, including the newest addition – a baby panda cub just released from the nursery. We spent an entire day and still didn’t see it all! It is housed on over 100 acres of land, so visitors must be prepared to walk, a lot. If that is a problem for you, there is also a bus tour of the zoo that covers three-quarters of the exhibits and a Skyfari available for an overhead view. There are aviaries, some of the world’s largest, that have multiple levels, housing birds from all over the world.
The permanent exhibits include:
-- Monkey Trails and Forest Tales which showcases monkeys and other animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa.
-- Panda Research Station which has giant pandas on display, and the Giant Panda Discovery Center nearby has interactive exhibits to learn more.
-- Polar Bear Plunge which houses over 30 species representing the Arctic.
-- Ituri Forest which houses different animal species from the forests of Africa.
-- Elephant Odyssey, a 2.5-acre elephant habitat that houses several elephants from both Africa and Asia.
At $24.50 adults, $16.50 children 3-11, it is a fantastic value! If you will spend multiple days there, look into the best value packages or second day return passes as well.
0 families found this helpful
"San Diego Zoo"
Obvious but still essential, toddlers will delight in seeing some of the 4000 rare and endangered animals at the World famous San Diego Zoo. I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds, and getting on the Sky Fari straight away over to the polar bears for the best chance of seeing the cubs diving and playing underwater. Other highlights not to be missed are the petting zoo, the pandas and gorillas, and the Dr Zoolittle show or sea-lion show. I enjoy the beautiful landscaping and foliage as much as I enjoy the animals.
0 families found this helpful
"The BEST Zoo for Children"
The San Diego Zoo is my favorite in all of Southern California. It's huge, especially for toddlers like my son, so plan on spending at least 2 days for a leisurely, enjoyable trip. There is also a lot of walking involved (including hills) so be prepared with a stroller. I recommend at least doing the guided bus tour to give you a little overview of the zoo. Must-sees include the pandas and the elephants, although the entire outback is incredible. Be sure to follow their recommended walking paths on the map to make the most of your visit.
As a side note, I was still nursing my son when we visited last and I was highly impressed with their facilities. Very family friendly!
0 families found this helpful
"World Most Famous Zoo & It's true!"
Ok.. I was a bit skeptical when I plan a visit to San Diego Zoo. The title of World most famous zoo is a bit too much, don't you think.
But I have to say that they are not boasting! I have never had so much fun at any zoos like this one.
The zoo has created such an environment that allows visitors to feel like they are part of the environment. There is no high bar to block your view. Kids can easily view the animals.
The most impressive thing I found was the animals there are packed with great personality. They aren't afraid to show off their great personality.
Here are our top 4 great persona at the Zoo
- The Gorillas are fun and playful
- The Tigers are fierce
- The Hippos are great swimmers
- The Polar Bears love their carrots
So when you go prepare to spend a full day and yet you probably still feel like you haven't seen everything!
1 family found this helpful
"Zoo Heaven"
This is our favorite zoo. If you get past the crowds, you will have a great time here. Our favorite time to visit is in the late summer afternoons. The zoo is open later on those nights, and besides the special family activities they'll have available at that time, you will get to see most of the zoo animals at their most active. Got a chance to see Elephant Odyssey last time we were there and we really enjoyed the prehistoric animal section. This part of the zoo can get pretty hot though.
0 families found this helpful
"wonderful experience"
This is the best zoo I have been to. Me and my brother took all of our kids and spent the entire day. Thanks to my brother we had to walk the whole thing. We just happen to be there the day the new panda's were born. It was wonderful. All the kids had a blast as did the adults. I suggest if you are ever in San Diego it is well worth the visit.
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