Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
While this summer may have been unlike any other, if it has taught us one thing- it would be to appreciate what we have right in our backyard. Whether you’ve been spending time with family in your own private oasis or finding local destinations to explore, many of us can agree that we’ll be holding onto this mindset even when life returns to “normal.” And with children learning primarily from home this school year, parents will have to get even more creative when it comes to planning fun outings. So we’re sharing 5 Reasons the Bronx Zoo should be incorporated into this upcoming school year:
1. You Can Travel The World
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
With over 8,000 animals and 700 species from around the globe, a visit to the Bronx Zoo can feel like you’re traveling the world! We’re sure after a week of primarily remote learning, a visit to the zoo on the weekend can feel like a much needed escape. Whether it’s the diversity found in the jungles of Asia-like the Amur Leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world (found in Jungleworld along with Otters, Python, and White-Cheeked Gibbon)- to bird watching at World of Birds, where you can spot Great Blue Turaco, White-Throated Bee Eaters, Toco Toucans, and Bearded Barbet. Or just some cute farm animals you might see in a barn upstate- like the goats, sheep and alpaca who reside at the Children’s Zoo. The Bronx Zoo has a little of everything.
www.bronxzoo.com/things-to-do/exhibits
2. Create Mini Field Trips
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Parents have taken on the role of co-teacher this year (not to mention personal chef), so that means we’re in charge of planning the field trips too. Being lucky enough to have the Bronx Zoo right in our backyard enables us to incorporate current lessons into a visit to the zoo. Like learning how big tigers can grow, what they like to eat, and the uniqueness of their stripes. Or discovering the dangers tigers face in the wild, as well as many other fun facts you’ll encounter at Tiger Mountain. We recommend becoming a member so that you can reserve after school visits during the week!
www.bronxzoo.com/animals/our-animals
3. Nature Trek= the Best Recess Ever
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
While gym teachers have found some awesome virtual recess ideas for students, there’s nothing like getting outside and moving around! If you’re a Member, planning a weekly visit to the Bronx Zoo’s Nature Trek is a great idea for a fun recess treat. What kid wouldn’t love climbing through a village built in the trees, complete with bridges, balance beams, and other fun obstacles.
www.bronxzoo.com/things-to-do/nature-trek
4. Celebrate with Treetop Adventures & Rides
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Let’s face it- we all deserve a reward for getting through this pandemic. A fun way to reward students for doing their best during remote learning is a trip to the Bronx Zoo’s aerial ropes course, Treetop Adventure. Give your little daredevil an exciting ziplining trip across the Bronx River, or spend quality time together on 7 different ropes courses while getting a birds-eye view of the Bronx Zoo. Or simply take the little ones to the Bug Carousel for an after school treat where they can take an exhilarating spin on an insect of their choice- like a long-legged praying mantis, a bright green grasshopper, or a dung beetle.
www.bronxzootreetop.com/tickets | www.bronxzoo.com/rides
5. Birthday Idea: Wild Encounter
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
While traditional birthday parties might not be possible right now, the Bronx Zoo’s Wild Encounters are a great way to give the birthday girl or boy a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their special day. Wild Encounters give you the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Bronx Zoo and get up-close and personal with animals such as giraffes, fennec foxes, sloths, penguins and more! There is everything from an hour guided cart tour around the zoo to a private Cheetah connection for up to 6 people. That sounds like a birthday to remember!
www.bronxzoo.com/shop/catalogs/wild-encounters
Bronx Zoo – A different kind of animal
There you have it! We hope you are able to take advantage of having the Bronx Zoo right in our backyard and make it a part of this school year as it is truly a unique experience like no other! And with fewer visitors each day to help with social distancing and sanitizing stations for frequent hand-washing, it’s a safe option for families. You can even grab some cool animal themed masks from the gift shop to wear! To learn more about what to expect during your visit, check out www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-visit/know-before-you-go.
To plan your next visit to the Bronx zoo, RESERVE TICKETS HERE.
ALSO, BRONXMAMA READERS CAN SAVE 15% ON FAMILY PLUS MEMBERSHIP USING CODE BRONXMAMA15 AT CHECKOUT HERE.