Happy 100th Birthday to the San Antonio Zoo! The zoo turned 100 on March 7 in grand style – the St. Mary’s marching band led a parade – including a 100 year old Model T – around the zoo grounds ending at the new Zootennial Plaza.
The Plaza has been in the works for many months and is a beautiful addition to the zoo grounds. You’ll get your first glimpse of the Plaza as you round the path past Lorakeet Landing and the hippo entrance to Africa Live! The Plaza connects the carousel and new (indoor and air-conditioned!) restaurant. (Mom note: the restrooms attached to the new restuarant are wonderful and there is a ‘family’ restroom large enough to pull your stroller into and STILL have room to maneuver to the changing table! Yay!) The restaurant has typical park food – almost everything is fried. I’d love to see some smaller portion sizes offered as well as some lighter fare – a huge bacon cheese burger in the middle of a Texas summer doesn’t sound appealing. The spacious tables and a/c were welcome and appreciated!
The highlight of the plaza is the beautiful, vintage looking carousel. Petite was beyond elated to ride it! Tickets are $2.50 each and children 2 and under ride free.
The ride is just long enough – and the line went much faster than I anticipated! Petite LOVED it. I think choosing her animal was probably the best part – as it seemed to be for most of the kiddos.
Also connected to the Plaza is the Tiny Tots Zoo Spot. It also received a little bit of a facelift with some more improvements coming – but we’re glad it’s open and provides a safe and fun spot for little ones under 5 to explore.
I’m also sharing a fun seek-and-find animal scavenger hunt on Handmade Mood today! It’s a fun (and free!) printable for kids in the 2-10 range.
Are you on Instagram? Search for #zootennial to see lots more pictures from the birthday festivities and follow @sanantoniozoo for awesome behind the scenes pics!
Great photos, Amanda! I love the variety of carousel animals.