The Kansas City ZooI love the Kansas City Zoo. It’s one of those Kansas City activities that boast more facets than a Helzberg diamond. You’re never too old, nor too young for it. It doesn’t matter if you’re pushing your grandchild in a stroller or your grandchild is pushing you in a wheelchair. Hey, at least one of you is getting some exercise, and both of you can benefit from some fresh air, right in the middle of the city. It doesn’t close just because of the unpredictable Kansas City weather (it’s only closed three days a year); although, the weather does play a part in which animals you’ll see and how active they’ll be. You can’t get bored with it, because you’ll see and experience something different every time you go. The activity level of the animals varies by time of day and temperature, and the landscape changes with the seasons.
The Zoo is constantly recreating itself by adding new attractions and activities. This year not only can you ride the endangered species carousel (new in ‘08, I believe), you can visit two aviaries, check out the beautiful new rainforest, or hop over to take a peek at the poison dart frogs at the new amphibian exhibit that opened in January. I loved the polar bears as a child and am so excited that they are coming back to the zoo in 2010! There are scheduled animal encounters and keeper chats that bring the animals up close and personal to you. Give me something warm and fuzzy; you can keep the snakes and the creepy crawlies.
There’s a Zoo Photo Club that meets monthly at the Deramus conference room. The Kansas City Zoo offers educational overnights, birthday parties, weddings (would it be offensive to the zoo residents if the bride and groom show up in matching gorilla costumes?), meeting spaces for corporate events (I know this would work for my company--you’ve never seen such a group of animals!) and social events such as family and class reunions. There are monthly kids’ fun fests and special family activities through out the year.
The Kansas City Zoo offers so many different ways to catch a ride, you’ll think you’re at World’s of Fun. They have the tram, the train, the boats, the paddle boats, the camels (cute picture op), single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, electric scooters, golf carts and Segways. Wow! With 200+ acres and over 1,000 animals to explore, trust me, you’re going to want a ride before the day is over! There are a thousand other things that I didn’t mention here, so get out and tour the Kansas City Zoo! Personal side note: The zoo pictures on this page were used with the kind permission of Sherree Kratzer, one of my “wild animal” co-workers! Thanks Sherree!
Here’re the details: The Kansas City Zoo is located in Swope Park at 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64132. For more information, please call 816-513-5800 Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily Closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day Admission: $10.50 for Adults; $7.00 for Children (ages 3 -11);$9.50 for Seniors. Discounted Tuesday admission; $8 for Adults; $6 for Children (ages 3-11) and $7 for Seniors. Military individuals with a valid ID receive $1 discount off regular admission prices. Endangered Species Carousel $2 per ride Tram $1.50 round trip to Africa Train $2.50 round trip. Circles main portion of zoo with two stops--one at the front Entry and one in Australia Combo Rides Pass $5 per person; on the day of your visit, purchase an unlimited rides combo pass and ride as many times as you wish on the train, tram and carousel. Boat $2 per person Camel Rides $4 per person Paddle Boats $5 per person--weekends only Guided Tours are available via golf carts and Segways. However, the link on the zoo website doesn’t work, so give them a call for more info. Strollers, Wheelchairs and Electric Scooters are on a first come basis. Single Stroller $5 Double Stroller $7 Wagons $7 Wheelchair $6 Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) $20 -- To reserve an ECV, please call 816-513-5808.
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