Sleeping With The Snakes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 May 2007 09:54 AM

What world famous attraction is home to more than 4,000 animals, 700,000 exotic plants and attracts more than a million visitors each year? If you answered: the San Diego Zoo, you're right. The zoo is spread out over 100-acres, but the nice part is you that can get around without much walking at all. For a small fee, buses will take you from exhibit to exhibit or you can opt to hop aboard the Skyfari ride, which provides a full aerial view of the property.

Despite the various modes of transportation, the zoo is so enormous it is next to impossible to visit all the exhibits in one day. If you are planning to spend part of your summer vacation at the popular destination I would suggest dedicating at least two full days to exploring and enjoying all of the plants and animals. Another option is to sign up for one of the zoo's special summer activities:

Safari Sleepover

This animal adventure is designed for families with children ages 4 and older is available Saturdays, July 7, 14, 21 and Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, overnight from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. For about $100 per person your family can take a private bus tour of the zoo on your way to your campsite. The price also includes a buffet dinner, a visit from the animal ambassadors, and tickets to the evening Hunt Show. After the show you can stroll back to camp for dessert and crafts. The next day begins with breakfast and a family scavenger hunt at Camp Timbuktu, followed by a walk to the Children's Zoo to take part in a game show.

Family Caravan Tour at the Wild Animal Park

This tour provides your family with a chance to get up close and personal with animals of the wild. You will get to pet all sorts of animals and ride in an open caravan truck while viewing field exhibits. The tours are only available during the summer months and cost $90 per person.

Zoo Summer Camp 2007

The Zoo Summer Camp is open to children ages 6 to 12. Kids can choose up to five days of activities from a variety of one-day camp programs at the Wild Animal Park. Daily activities include age-appropriate animal encounters, hands-on activities and games. The day is also filled with art and conservation projects as well. Kids can sign up for as many programs as they like. The Summer Camp runs from July 16 to August 3. It costs about $200 per child.

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San Diego Zoo

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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