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!! 🙂