When’s the last time you’ve been to the zoo?

If you’re one of those Negative Nancies who constantly complains about the lack of entertainment within the city limits, then you’re forgetting about one of Wichita’s best attractions: The Sedgwick County Zoo.

The zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon, especially with the Indian summer still going strong. And it’s not just for fourth-grade field trips and junior high biology classes. It’s perfect for people of all ages looking for something new to do.

The zoo is a great way to get out and enjoy some fresh air and maybe even get a little bit of exercise. Walking around the zoo is bound to burn off some calories from that huge breakfast you just ate at The Beacon.

It’s also a great idea for a first date. Skip out on that weird Cameron Diaz movie and go check out the penguins and otters. It gives you opportunity to actually interact with your date. Who knows, you might even talk to her.

A good zoo experience is whatever you make of it. If you want to skip the monkey exhibit because you think it smells like a frat house bathroom, then go ahead. If you want to spend an hour watching the gorillas throw stuff each other, that’s cool too.

You can take an entire afternoon and browse every exhibit on the map, or you can hit the main attractions and be home in an hour.

Adult tickets will run you $11, but I recommend the season pass. You’re going to drop $55 at the door, but it’s worth it. The pass allows you and a friend unlimited free admission for an entire year. Being open 364 days a year (it’s closed the day of Zoobilee, the annual fall fundraiser), the zoo gives you plenty of opportunities to get your money’s worth. You and your friend only have to go a few times a year for it to pay for itself.

From November to February, the zoo operates under its winter hours, which is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. During these colder months, some of the animals are taken off exhibit, but all the popular animals are still on display.

The two newest exhibits, The Downing Gorilla Forest and Slawson Family Tiger Trek, are both indoors. The reptile and amphibian house and jungle exhibit, which have been there since I was a kid, are also indoors.

So do something different this weekend. Spend Saturday afternoon at the zoo. That Express sale will still be going on next week, and you can still make it to 2-4-1’s later that evening.

(image source)

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