My family always enjoys going to the zoo! It's a c...

My family always enjoys going to the zoo! It's a cheap way to get out of the house, get some exercise, and view the animals! If you live nearby and have kids, it is probably worth getting a family membership, about $150 for the whole year covers two adults and I believe however many kids you have. It also comes with coupons for the shuttle, guest passes if you want to bring a friend or the grandparents a couple times, and some other great savings. What I really love about the zoo is that they do not try to push their restaurants on guests. You can pack your own lunch, drinks, and snacks, they have no policy against outside food or drink. That being said, they offer basic food: pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and more. Although not all restaurants are open every day, but I believe during the summer everything should be open. They have Golden Road beer, as well as some other popular brands, so you can walk around with your kids and relax a little. They also have dip n dots, kettle corn, churros, soft serve ice cream, glazed almonds and vending machines with sodas, water, energy drinks, and ice cream. The bathrooms are generally clean and placed with decent frequency around the park, I know this because I'm pregnant . Oh and parking is free, just pay attention to the red zones or you may get a ticket. If the main parking is packed you can park at either the museum accross the street, or the extra lot for the zoo that is located right past the museum parking (on your left if you are coming from the freeway). I should mention too that if you forget something, e.i. sunscreen, chapstick, a hat... The main stores just up the stairs from the enterance carry the basics behind the counter and are not too crazy overpriced. This is a much more economical way to spend the day than going to a theme park, and as a parent I enjoy it more because the kids get to learn and exercise, and we don't have to spend like crazy. If you are a member, I would highly recommend going at different times during the day! One of our best animal viewing days was when we went around 3:30 ( the zoo closes at 5) the big cats are more active, so we finally got to get up close and personal with the jaguar as he was pacing for his dinner (4:30ish). Also another tip, if you can't see the otters... Go up the stairs! There is a large viewing platform, with a ramp past the lily pads if you have a stroller. The view from up there is really awesome, you can see almost all of the otter habitat! If you need quiet time on a crowded day the aviary has quite a few benches and plenty of shade, just keep an eye on toddlers... There are tons of stairs and rails with steep drops! Sorry, long review but I hope it can help some people get more out of their visit!