For my list, I've created a bucket list of places ...

For my list, I've created a bucket list of places to go. And they've been to all the zoos beside Oakland zoo. In December, one of my friends went to the Oakland Zoo with her 2 year old and family. She cognizant that Oakland zoo is not huge and not that many animals to see. Although her reviews were stuck in my heard, I still sought to see for myself.
Entrance- At the zoo parking entrance, you have to pay $10. There were signs posted on the windows of the entrance, credit card system temporarily down and cash accepted. I pretended as if we didn't read the instruction and gave my credit card. They guy said you don't have cash. I replied, no. Then he swiped my card. I guess to speed up at the entrance, they posted those signs.

We purchased the tickets at the zoo entrance and I kept saying to myself that should have purchased the groupon deal. It was expensive, $19 per adult without tax and for 2 year and up they charge. I think best time to come to the zoo is in the morning. We reached the zoo at 10.30am and the parking lot was almost full. At the entrance, make sure to grab the map so you don't miss out anything. Once you enter the zoo you'll see the gift shop on your right and the flamingos directly in front of you. Near the gift shop are the restrooms and on the left is the restaurant where we ate. The gift shop is small but remarkable, great educational toys, t-shirts, hats, sunblock, puzzles and etc.

Outside the zoo is the Outback Express Adventure Train. They have a train ride for adults and children that go around the zoo. Every time my daughter see the train, we have to ride. And she loved it. Our conductor did not give much information.
After paying the zoo entrance, we paid additional for the train ride. I felt everything was adding up very fast.

Wear comfortable shoes because there are steep hills in different portions of the zoo.
For the sky ride, you have to pay $ 3per person. I have 9 months old and they charged $3 for the baby. You can see most of the animals through the sky ride and it was totally worth it. I loved the newly opened Gondola ride. It had a beautiful view of the bay area. We saw elephants, giraffes, zebra, turtle, lemur, lion, buffalo, tiger and etc.

Overall, this was a great zoo and I would definitely come back when the new area is opened.