San Antonio Zoo

 

Location: 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

Amenities: animal exhibits, children's area, carousel, restaurants, train, gift shops

Hours: 9:00-5:00 every day (even holidays!), you can stay in the zoo until 6:00.

Admission: adults $12, children (3-11) $9.50, children 2 and under free (additional discounts available for military, senior citizens, handicapped); memberships available starting at $80.

If I'm being totally honest here, this is not the best zoo I've ever been to.  However, my two year old LOVES it, and I'm glad that we at least have a zoo to go to.  I also really love the free parking! Now that I'm not used to.  There are quite a few animals that we were accustomed to seeing on our zoo trips before moving to San Antonio that just are not in this zoo (giraffes, polar bears, gorillas, chimps, orangutans).  However, there are tons of monkeys, and what more could a toddler really want?  The children's area is also fantastic.   But I'm pretty sure the highlight of our trips is the carousel (she's a bit carousel obsessed).  While I was a bit disappointed on our first trip, I quickly realized that any zoo is better than no zoo, and a membership is definitely worth it.  I also think the area where you can brush goats and pigs is pretty fun, but we don't always go to that part because some days you just don't feel like walking in goat poop (and then hoping everyone's hands are thoroughly cleaned).  So I don't have pictures of that area. A few things to note: you can't bring in food except water and formula/snacks for little ones, and if you decide to get a membership after you've already been, bring in your receipt and they will allow you to subtract what you already paid from your membership.

The train is actually outside of the zoo entrance and is $3.50.  We still haven't ridden it due to someone having developed an inexplicable train phobia...

She seems to have gotten a bit scared of reptiles too so we didn't go in here (thank goodness! Last time she made us look at every snake). 

Mostly we looked at the monkeys.

 I didn't want to just show you pictures of monkeys though, so here you go.

The carousel is $2.50 a ticket.  Adults have to ride with children under 42 inches, but they do not need a ticket for that (this may be a new policy, the time before this they charged us both)

 This is the children's area.  It is very well done. All of the following pictures are from this part of the zoo.

This is a water play area.  There was a sign when we went in saying that it would not be open today (I'm assuming for water conservation)

 Magnetic fishing

 A water bed for those 2 and under

 Nice, cozy reading area, complete with books

 This is a tunnel that I could not get her to go in.  It offers a unique view of the prairie dog exhibit.

 A less scary tunnel

 Play area for babies

 Wonderful pretend play area

Pretend to be a vet.

 There are a few animals in the outside part of the Tot Spot

We definitely did not see all of the zoo that day.  Even though I mentioned it is not the best zoo I've seen, there are a lot of animals, and I don't think I'd be able to see everything in one visit.  The food is pretty good too.  The newest restaurant (by the carousel) has a much wider variety than your typical zoo fare.  However, last time I ate there it was ridiculously crowded, and the prices are higher than elsewhere. 

McKenna Children's Museum

Location: 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5; closed on Sundays

Cost:  $5.50 (increases to $7.50 in the summer) Memberships available; frequently deals on Groupon

Amenities: pretend play, art, crafts, gift shop, climbing

McKenna Children's Museum is awesome.  We have so much fun there every time we go.  I think the new space exhibit is amazing, but my two year old is terrified of it (so that's why there aren't really pictures of it!).  However, there are so many other parts that she loves.  My first impression was that it seemed small for a children's museum.  However, the space is very effectively used.  There's plenty to do and it is certainly worth the $5.50! I have come to love the fact that we can do everything in one visit, and I never feel like I am rushing to get through all the exhibits. Plus, the small size makes it very easy to split up while still keeping an eye on your kids, if they didn't all agree on what to do.  At the time of our last visit, they were renovating a few exhibits and I am so excited to see what they will be like when finished.  Also, we didn't visit the Wonder Shop but it looks like there are crafts available there daily (the website has as calendar of activities http://www.mckennakids.org/) In short, you definitely have to see this place (but don't be surprised when your kids don't want to leave!).

This is always the first stop when we come here. There are giant teeth to brush in the background and other activities relating to health and exercise, but we never make it past this light up pad that she loves to dance on.

In the center of the museum is the baby/toddler area.  It is completely enclosed, so they can't escape! There are trains, a pretend play kitchen, wood puzzles, and all sorts of toys to keep little ones entertained.

The exhibits are located around the perimeter.  Look at those little labcoats!

Inside the Kids' Clinic is a nursery complete with babies, bottles, a scale, and a baby bathtub. 

Next to it is the emergency department.  The ambulance lights up when a button is pushed, and there are toy medical supplies and a built in bed in back.  Inside the emergency departments are more beds, a skeleton, sample x-rays and more.

 Next is the space section! 

 We didn't do the space walk this time (because someone can't handle it!) but you should really see it.  Plus, you can wear astronaut gear. 

 This is inside the rocket.

The next area is the art studio.  I'd recommend going there first so the paintings have time to dry (for some reason I never remember to do this). In addition to paints there are crayons, markers, and face paints. 

 The grocery store is on the right side, next to the bank.

Here is a glimpse inside the grocery store.  It's a popular place, so I wasn't able to get any other pictures without a lot of kids (and I just feel funny taking pictures of a lot of strangers and putting them on the internet).  There are shopping carts, plenty of play food, and cash registers.  The store is divided into dry goods, produce, meat, bakery, and frozen, just like a real store. There's also a very impressive brick oven for pizza!

This is inside the bank.

 Next to the bank is the ranch, complete with livestock

More from the outside.

And inside.  Little toddler sized everything!

Can you tell this is my favorite part?  I could live in this little house...

 The closet has dress up clothes.

This is new.  It was a big hit.

 There is a camping area

 And a house under construction.  Kids can attach the siding

And install the PVC plumbing

 I may have to retract my earlier statement about the house being my favorite, because I really love the outside area too.  This is the biggest water table I've ever seen.  There are magnetic fishing poles, rubber ducks with the alphabet on them, and buttons to push that cause water to squirt and wheels to turn.  I recommend bringing a spare shirt just in case someone winds up soaked.

 Not only is there a rock wall to climb, but several animals as well! (Elephant and gorilla not pictured)

 There are foam blocks to build with

 And an assortment of musical instruments

And then there is this.  It reminds me of Pringles.  My two year old has not yet attempted to climb this but it sure looks like fun.