Growing up in Maine we didn’t have any local zoos. We really didn’t even have any non-local zoos. I had visited one in Canada and one in Florida while on vacation, but that was it. So when I moved to Kentucky I was excited to find that it was just a quick trip to the Louisville Zoo.
Since then we have been to the Louisville Zoo on a number of occasions. We have a list of “must do” items, like a ride on the carousel which only costs $2 to ride (it’s $3 for unlimited rides all day). We then fill in the rest of the time with whatever animals are out that day, any shows that might be taking place, or new displays that are being rotated through like the LEGO creations we recently saw.
Things to do at the Louisville Zoo
We shared our love of the zoo with my parents on one of their visits. During that particular trip we had an interesting encounter with the lions. As we all stood looking at them and commenting on how active they were that day, the male lion walked up to the edge of the enclosure and graced us all with a very loud, powerful roar.
It was one of those times that you did wonder for a moment if the gap between their space and ours was wide enough. My husband actually picked our daughter up and looked at me like “uhh”.
After seeing how much we enjoy the zoo, for her birthday this past year my parents gave Bubbles a family zoo membership. This has allowed us to make a number of visits including the attendance of some special events. For example this year we went to the Easter Egg Hunt they host that, while a little chilly, was a lot of fun.
So far Bubbles’ favorite area has been one that was a surprise to me: the reptile and insect house. Every time we go she asks if we can go see the snakes and bugs first. Every. Single. Time. For a kid that runs away from even a shadow of a spider this really cracks me up.
Another must-see is the polar bear. Or maybe I should say must-hope-to-see. Out of all the trips we’ve made to the zoo, few years ago the zoo the very first time we saw Qannik the polar bear was in April of this year. He’s absolutely beautiful so I hope you get the chance to see him, too.
If you live in the Louisville area or are planning a visit I definitely recommend that you add the zoo to your itinerary. Be sure to check their calendar of events because in addition to the Easter Egg Hunt they sometimes host movies, educational talks, even a huge Trick or Treat for Halloween.
There will definitely be something for every member of the family!
What’s your favorite thing to do or see at the zoo?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.