Melissa Kaylene: The Oregon Zoo // Summer Bucket Check-Off
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Oregon Zoo // Summer Bucket Check-Off


Last week the Oregon Zoo was having their discount day which is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and admission is reduced down to only $4 per person.

The zoo was on our summer bucket list, so I thought what a great time to cross that one off. I invited my friend and her niece, as well as my daughters two friends. It's a good thing my expedition can't hold anymore because 6 kids for 2 adults is plenty for me! :)

Well everything was packed, set out; all ready to go for the next morning when I noticed a post on Twitter of all places. It said the Oregon Zoo was expecting 14,000 + on their discount Tuesday, as the one in July averages one of the all time highs in attendance every year.

My mouth about dropped open. 14,000? That's a lot of people. But, I had already told these kids and I couldn't break their hearts, so I told myself that it would be fine.

We arrived there about 10:30 am and the parking lots were already full so they were detouring everyone to additional parking with a shuttle. Let's just say we finally arrived in the zoo entrance at noon. The kids were very patient though, and we had Popsicles and plenty of sunscreen.

It was hot.

Like 90 degrees hot. And with a ton of other people around, it felt even hotter. I have never been to the zoo so packed. Not very many animals were out, so we missed a bunch. There were times that I felt like freaking out because of how crowded it was.

But I learned two things.

1.) Never go back on that day again. Believe me, full price is worth less crowds...and Oregon drizzle most of the year is ok with me too.

and

2.) Make the best of it. We were all hot, tired, and ya, it wasn't the best zoo trip ever, but I kept in good spirits in front of the kids, and it was still special to them. We treated them to ice cream cones when we finally made it back on the road home.

I'm glad to cross that summer bucket list item off!! :)
 
~Melissa

4 comments:

  1. Oh man, super hot with a bunch of people is the worst!! We made the mistake of going to Disney on Thanksgiving (I was naive thinking no one else would be at Disney the week of Thanksgiving) WRONG. It was so busy...learned a lesson there too!

    Great pictures!


    Kallie, But First Coffee Blog OR But First Coffee on Bloglovin

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  2. I love the zoo! I'm glad you got to go. I agree though I avoid the discount Tuesdays at all cost! And another tip (for the next time you go) - find a nearby Park and Ride MAX station and take the MAX to the zoo. You not only then get $1.50 off tickets (and don't have to worry about the parking crowds). Looks like you had a lot of fun in the end. :)

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  3. Hey, you were standing way too close to that be prosperous with more children sign! LOL Be careful now! LOL Seriously, glad you were out making memories again! The kids all look so happy!

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  4. Good job making the best of the situation. As you mentioned, I'm sure the kids took their cues from you... and you helped me like the day. Not everyone is good at that!

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