A Trip to the Zoo

While in Omaha, we took a trip to the zoo. It was a little on the cold side, but the kids wanted to go and we figured it would be a good way to get them out and moving around. We stopped by Whole Foods on the way to pick up lunch, and we were on our way.

The kids really enjoyed the aquarium and the desert dome. The lower level of the desert dome had a Creatures of the Night exhibit. Part of that was modeled after a swamp. It was dark and you had to cross a lot of rickety bridges with alligators, and other creatures, all around below you. The mood was set with "swampy sounds". Grant kept asking, "What was that sound? What is that sound?".

The aquarium had a tunnel you could walk through while the fish and sharks swam around you. Check out the choppers on that shark! Grant and Johanna loved sitting in the window to watch the penguins swim.

We also enjoyed the primate exhibits, but I must admit they always make me sad. I love for my kids to be able to see these animals, but not with them behind glass walls and bars. These animals are so smart and it is such a shame to put them in these little enclosures for our amusement. But anyway.... you can tell these guys are soooo bored! This little orangutan found himself a comfortable bed. One of his buddies was nearby closely watching another zoo-goer remove items from her purse one-by-one and show them to him.

We also enjoyed a break from the cold with a stop in the butterfly and insect house. In the insect house, Grant and Johanna got the chance to pet a very LARGE spider and a scorpion. Grant was all over it, but Johanna was a little more hesitant.

We ended up being at the zoo for about 4 hours! We enjoyed it, and the kids had a lot of fun.