Zoo

ZooAmerica

animals, Photography, Zoo

ZooAmerica is located in Hershey, PA and is associated with Hershey Park Entertainment and Resorts. In fact, it is adjacent to HersheyPark. You can visit the zoo separately or as part of your day at the park.

The zoo is open year around and spans 11 acres. If you want a special, check out $5.50 Fridays, which runs from January 29th-March 18th this year. They also offer an annual community weekend (no charge for tickets). The event took place this past weekend (January 30th-31st).

Learn more about the zoo by visiting their webpage, they offer education programs, behind the scenes tours and information on conservation. ZooAmerica’s page also features a kid’s section (including information on birthday parties). You can also learn how to get involved including employment, volunteer opportunities, and job shadowing.

 

Birds Kissing

animals, Travel, Zoo

This is a photo I took several years ago. The quality isn’t quite as good as some of our other photos. However, I still think it has its own charm. These two little parakeets were found “kissing” at a zoo near Boston.

My mom and I visited Boston over five years ago. And we both fell instantly in love with the walking city. The cobblestone streets, the history, the movie sites and more. We packed a lot into an extended weekend, from whale watching to visiting an art gallery. We also enjoyed having drinks at both cheers bars (I sat at Norm’s seat, at the original bar) and checking out the pastry shops, among other things.

While staying near Boston, we decided to add the Franklin Park Zoo to our list, because at the time they were filming Zookeeper (I was a big fan of Kevin James’ then). It was a fun zoo to visit, but unfortunately we didn’t run across any celebrities. But we did get a glimpse of the set. They had an area of the zoo roped off for just the occasion. That alone was kind of cool to see, even if I didn’t get to meet Kevin James.

There are places you visit and think “this is great,” but it’s probably a once and done deal. However, Boston wasn’t like that. I recall my mom and I discussing going back there some day. The weekend went by too fast and there was still plenty left to do. I hope some day to return to the cobblestone streets of Boston, relive old memories and make new ones.

Cape May Park & Zoo

animals, Budget Travel, Travel, Zoo

Cape May Park & Zoo is located in Cape May Court House, NJ. It was originally created in 1978. It’s a free park and zoo run on donations. They offer a zoo, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a fishing pond, a wedding gazebo, a rock climbing wall, and a carousel. Plus, in 2016 they will introduce rope courses and zip-lines.

The park and zoo are open seven days a week, year round. They even offer special events, such as a night walk (after hours at the zoo). There is a ticket price and reservations are required. However, snacks and drinks are included.

There is also a special zoo camp offered every summer. It’s a great place for kids to learn more about animal life.

We highly recommend visiting this location if you are in the area. You can pack a picnic lunch and tour the zoo. It’s affordable and fun. Plus, there is plenty to do, especially with little ones.

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo

Photography, Tiger, Zoo

This wildlife preserve and zoo is located in Thurmont, MD, about 30 minutes from Gettysburg, PA. That’s actually how we found it. We had originally planned to take a road trip to Gettysburg. I started by checking out Gettysburg’s visitors page and found several suggested stop offs. We decided to make a day out it. We visited a local winery, spent most of the day at the zoo, and ended it with dinner in Gettysburg.

We recommend this location for photographers and families. The zoo offers fun activities including camel rides and safari rides. Plus, they have a petting zoo. Bring your camera because there are photographic opportunities throughout.