Since Covid everyone has been feeling a bit caged up so why not hit up the zoo now that it’s open! See what I did there…caged…zoo. I’m as clever as a monkey! Oops I did it again!
While in Omaha last weekend we took advantage of the fact that the zoo has opened up with their new Covid policies in place (which really were not that bad).
First let’s cover the logistics. With the new Covid rules you must do the following:
1. Make your reservation online so they can control the amount of people in the zoo at one time.
2. Wear a face covering in any building. (Not required outside, but recommended). It seemed about 50/50 on people wearing them outside.
3. Deal with the fact that some buildings are closed, but don’t worry there is plenty to keep busy!
4. Parking is free! However, it is first come first serve so get to the zoo early!
5. There are also strollers for rent there. It is quite a hike around the zoo so I would recommend some kind of wheels if you have small children.
Once you have your tickets it’s time to experience the zoo! This zoo is one of the highest ranked zoos in the US, and it’s easy to see why!
The zoo has around 30,000 animals and 14 main exhibits featuring environments from around the world (Asia and Africa being my favorites). There is even an onsite aquarium!
In addition to just checking out animals and exhibits, there are many activities to do. The zoo has its own sky lift that takes you over half the zoo. There is a train (closed while we were there) that goes around the zoo as well. If you have young kids, or grandmas and grandpas along, be sure to take advantage of the tram that goes through the zoo. Their legs will thank you! There is also a splash pad area, carousel, and a stingray beach to check out.
If all the adventuring has given you an appetite and you did not pack a lunch, there are plenty of places to catch a bite to eat (Get it? Bite?). We had some great burgers and hotdogs! Each restaurant has its own items so be sure the check out the menus if you are looking for something particular.
Let’s talk favorite exhibits! What’s your favorite animal? Mine is always the monkeys and gorillas so the Hubbard Gorilla Valley and Hubbard Orangutan Forest featured my favorite animals. I also really enjoyed the Africa and Asia animals; each exhibit was decked out with decorations matching that region. The Asia section even had some native music playing.
Wyatt is a water boy so his favorite was the aquarium. There were so many fish there! I also loved the jellyfish and sharks! There is a nice tunnel space that you can stand in as the fish swim around you.
Each exhibit had its own region and theme so they were all neat in their own ways. There is no shortage of animal species for people to check out and I guarantee they have your favorite animal somewhere!
Overall, the zoo was awesome. They did a great job handling the Covid situation and we all had a great time. Wyatt gives the Omaha Zoo two thumbs up!
Wandering Momma 