Monday, March 5, 2012

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Cameron Park Zoo - Waco, TX

There is one more week left until Spring Break for most Texas kids!  Do you have some great plans set? If not, we are ready to help!  We have been reviewing many fun attractions to visit with the family over the past few weeks. Hover over the top left hand menu entitled "Texas Travels" and view by city some of the unique places we have posted about.  And come back each afternoon to see a list of fun things to do by city.  By Friday, we should have you ready for the perfect Spring Break Stay-cation!

We have reviewed a few of our larger zoos located in Texas (Ft. Worth & San Antonio), but wanted to take the time to tell you all about a wonderful gem of a zoo that is right here in Central Texas - the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco.
 Set on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, the Cameron Park Zoo has a unique backdrop - filled with lush vegetation and waterfalls.  This large zoo has over 1700 animals, representing 300 species.  From black bears to giraffes, and elephants to Komodo Dragons, this zoo has plenty of animals to delight every age.
 There were many shaded, winding pathways that led to the different exhibits, allowing for a slow meander and peaceful visit.  We took our time in the exhibits, having gone on a weekday and were so pleasantly surprised at what a fantastic resource this zoo is.  For being in a 'smaller' Texas city, the Cameron Park Zoo is well established. It is maintained as a "large" zoo with incredible habitats for all the animals, but has such a relaxing feel that is sometimes missed at the bigger zoos.  We never found ourselves waiting for extended periods of time to see any of the animals.
 There are several different play areas for the kids too.  Cool off by splashing in the water, seeing an animal encounter or climbing in a giant snake's head at Grammy Nell's.  Play around in Jungle Jim's Playground at the Asian Forest.  My kids loved swinging from the ropes like an orangutan!
The Cameron Park Zoo has so much to explore.  This zoo is worth seeing multiple times.  They always have fun events occurring and host special events like sleep-overs at the zoo and birthday parties.

We mostly come for the peaceful one-on-one time with the animals.

Texas Travel Facts on the Cameron Park Zoo:
Location: 1701 North 4th St., Waco, TX
Hours: Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm
             Sun: 11 am - 5 pm
Admission: Adults - $9.00
                    Children (4-12) - $6.00
                    Children 3 & under - free
Recommended Time: 4+ hours
Good to know: All ages welcome, lots of walking, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, strollers are allowed, wagons are available to rent, no outside food or beverages allowed, gift shop & snack carts, cafeteria-style restaurants are available, Saturdays & Sundays are generally the busiest

4 comments:

Jessica said...

We've never been to the Cameron Park Zoo, although we have thought about it several times. Looks like we should check it out.

Macey said...

I love that!
It looks so homey there. Does that make sense?
That owl does NOT look amused. LOL!

Spencer said...

Looks like a great place to take the kids!

Myya said...

LOOOOVE the Zoo!!! I can't wait to go again this year. This zoo looks fantastic.