Tulsa Zoo

We recently returned from a short visit to Jason's home state of Oklahoma. We hadn't been there in over four years, and there was lots of extended family who wanted to meet Emmalyn. While we were there, we visited the Tulsa Zoo. Zoos are a great place for toddlers because there is so much to see, and most of them cater to the younger crowd. Adults pay $8 to enter (discount for AAA and/or military). Children 3-11 are $4 and under 2 are free. If you are a member at another AZA zoo, you receive a 50% discount on tickets.

There was a petting zoo for the little kids, and the workers encouraged them to brush the goats and sheep. Emma had a great time playing with the "babies," as she called the little goats. I loved that there was a little trough for hand-washing immediately upon exiting.

 

In the middle of the zoo was a huge shaded playground, with benches and picnic tables. I saw a lot of moms gathered with picnic lunches. It's a nice place to take a rest, especially during the hot day!

There is also a train that runs around the entire zoo. It costs extra, but definitely worth the break from walking, plus the chance to see all the animals again. Adults are $3 for a round trip and children under 2 are free.

I loved that the animal enclosures were large and spacious, especially being so used to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Emma had a great time and Mom and Dad enjoyed it too! Bonus - she was all tuckered out and ready for a nap as soon as we got to the car. We spent a good 3.5 hours enjoying everything. Definitely a fun thing to do if you're in the Tulsa area.

And just for fun, here's a picture of the first time Jason and I visited the Tulsa Zoo in 2007 and a picture of Jason and Emma in the exact same spot, 5 years later.