Quick Tips on San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park with Toddlers
A wonderful day at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park definitely reminded me of what I can expect on our Disneyland Trip this September. With 4 kids ages 5 and under, the adults definitely got their daily workout completed.
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Oh, and did I mention our 2 year old is potty training? First stop bathroom:
Toddler: “Potty, potty!”
Me: “OK, let’s go!”
*Enter bathroom*
Toddler: “No, no potty.”
Me: “Do you have to go potty?”
Toddler: “No, no go potty.”
*Walk back to group. Repeat 3 times.* At least there are bathrooms located all throughout the park.
Our next eye-opening moment was when our little one was afraid of the gorilla statue. It wasn’t just refusing to pose for a picture (a hit or miss typically), she just did not want to get close. This might be a normal reaction for some toddlers, but we have been to the zoo many times and she always loves climbing on every single statue. In fact I can usually get a good picture because she is having fun and doesn’t realize the camera is in my hand. I thought “Oh no, this is going to be a long, cranky day,” and braced myself for similar moments.
Luckily, as soon as we got to the Australia Walkabout exhibit, she started warming up a bit. This is a great area to take little ones to as it is an enclosed exhibit. As long as they stay on the path, they can wander around, sit on some benches, and watch the kangaroos hop across the walkway. There were 7 baby kangaroos when we went!!!
We made it over to the tiger exhibit next which is always exciting. They have a wonderful enclosure with a lot of enrichment opportunities and great viewing for guests. Aaand…a bathroom!
Me: “Do you need to go potty?”
Toddler: “No.”
*Continue through tiger exhibit*
By now my family is usually heading on to the next stop on our pre-planned route; however, with little ones the pace is much slower. This is not a bad thing- half the excitement of traveling with toddlers is to see their reaction to new things and experiences. Plus, they have little legs. It just takes a little mental re-adjusting when you are used to walking at a brisk pace on a route you have done many, many times before (growing up in San Diego with season passes has its perks).
Mental note for Disneyland: the priority is the toddler experiences and reactions, not the usual get-on-as-many-rides-as-you-possibly-can-by-quickly-and-effieciently-making-your-way-through-the-park method that my siblings and I are used to doing.
That being said, 2 exhibits in and it was time for a snack. This was actually perfect timing since there are tables in the shade right by one of the glass viewing areas. Some of the group snacked, some dug into their Subway sandwiches a little early. They have pretty good food in the park, but you can’t beat $40 for feeding 7 adults and 4 kids. Not to mention, we budgeted for ice cream in the park, not lunch.
As for drinks, we always bring our hydro flask since it keeps your water ice cold all day. Then as an extra treat we refill our souvenir cup with a soda. Free refills on day of purchase, then discounted refills every day after that- I think our current one is from 2017.
Our little one finally agreed to go potty- thank goodness! On with the pull-up in case she falls asleep in the stroller or on the way home.
We came across a fake hallow log the kids loved playing in on the way to the gorillas.
Mental note for Disney- sometimes the simple things are what capture the child’s attention and excitement. Roll with it, even if it wasn’t something you went there to see or do initially.
After the gorillas we went into the Lorikeet Landing exhibit where you can either walk through or purchase a cup of nectar to feed the birds. I suggest getting a couple cups of nectar for your group and just switching off who holds it. That way if someone is shy or scared they don’t have to feed them but can still participate.
I was so proud of our little one helping her Daddy feed the birds! I was terrified of these birds when I was younger although as an adult (who has worked with multiple species of animals) they are not scary at all. It’s a matter of perspective and experiences.
You also want someone to take pictures when the birds land on you! Everyone’s hands full? Don’t worry, they have Safari Park staff there to take pictures you can purchase.
By now it’s nearing nap time, so we head downhill to the tram (don’t worry, there are elevators to get back uphill!). A quick peak at the elephants and lions, then on to a nice quiet tram ride right as adults and kids alike are getting a wee bit exhausted.
The line for the tram wasn’t too long (maybe 30-45 minutes), but with kids needing a break before they reach the critical i-didn’t-get-my-nap cranky zone, we opted for paying the extra money to go in the short line (basically a paid fast pass). By the way, thanks, mom! It really was a good idea given the circumstances.
The tram is a wonderful way to see multiple animals while you get to sit. There is a cover on the tram, so depending where the sun is at the time you ride it you are in the shade. I recommend sitting on the left side if you want to see the most species, including the giraffes. The right side has it’s perks though, so don’t be discouraged if the left side is full by the time you get a seat. The right side has a better view of the cheetahs and rhinos.
After that it was up the elevators to get some ice cream (chocolate-vanilla swirl soft serve in a waffle cone is always a must) and then home. Stock up on baby wipes
Our poor little one fell asleep at the end of the tram ride and woke up after the ice cream had all been consumed. A similar situation happened at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop in San Francisco…oops. That’s OK, there will be plenty more ice cream opportunities on many more family travel adventures!
The Disneyland connection is not always on my mind when visiting the Safari Park (we go quite often with our season passes); however, with our Disneyland multi-day trip coming up, I am being extra analytical of all our zoo/aquarium/park visits.
The take away from today?
Quick Tips on San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park with Toddlers:
- Know where the bathrooms are no matter what potty training phase your toddler is in at the time of the trip.
- Be flexible with your plans so you can stop to enjoy the little moments without feeling like you are falling behind on your itinerary.
- Bring snacks or buy snacks, just be sure to snack!
- Every toddler will nap or not nap on family travel full-day outings. Be prepared with a stroller or with patience for either outcome.
- Don’t forget the ice cream!
Have you been to the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park recently? How was traveling with a toddler?
What was your favorite animal or exhibit? Did you learn anything new about animals and conservation efforts?
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