I took my 1 year old son to the Brookfield Zoo this past weekend. Although he had a great time seeing the animals which he loved; he especially loved the dolphins in the underground viewing area. The only issue I had with the Brookfield Zoo is this “No Strollers” allowed in the additional attractions and other viewing places. I can partially understand why strollers are not allowed in some exhibits but unless you’re just buying an “General Admission” tickets just to walk around then purchasing the additional attraction tickets can be an inconvenience. Here’s why I say this…If you have a smaller child @ the Zoo then that means you’ve packed a diaper bag complete with bottles, formula, diapers, wipes, snacks, plus your own purse or wallet, and whatever else we need to bring for both baby and family and usually those items are stored underneath the stroller or hung on the handles. Now imagine having to leave the stroller behind while you go inside these exhibits. The first thought is… “I don’t want to leave my baby’s stroller behind” What if someone takes it? What if someone takes my personal items? Well the sign above stroller parking says to take your personal items with you…but then who wants to take the baby, the diaper bag, and everything else inside with them? Most strollers I saw had anything from purses, bottles, diaper bags, etc still inside them. Although I had to leave my son’s stroller outside, unattended to get my money’s worth my mind was still on my son’s stroller. Overall I give it 4 stars because we did have an amazing time minus the stroller ordeal.

I have never been to the Tall Ships Festival before. I was very excited about going but this is not an event for a stroller baby. The crowds were immense and the wait times to “tour” the ship were extremely long. There was stroller parking by some of the ships but not all. Who wants to hold a baby for over an hour in a long line??? I wound up spending more money on drinks and food than anything else. I would not go again with a small child. I saw so many parents having to get out of line to take their children to the bathroom and then you lose your place in line. Not worth the $14.00 I spent…..but I did enjoy taking pictures of all the ships.!!!! ;o)