The zoo is magnificent. We had two hours to wander and look around at the different animals. We didn't even get to see half. We would love to come back here and spend the whole day at the zoo.
Yes, according to everything I had heard, the zoo is indeed free although there are exhibits that do charge. But there is so much to see that is free that not going to the paid exhibits in no way takes away from the experience.
Parking was $11.00. But, there are places to park that are also free. This is a very affordable, educational, fun trip that is really not all that far. It definitely is a full day trip and with a farm is not a spur of the moment trip. But with planning, we can get up early to have breakfast and feed the animals, leave at 7:00am (Indiana time) and arrive at the zoo at opening time (9:00 St Louis time) and spend the day. (Closes at 5:00.) Bringing a cooler full of drinks and snacks (that is where they try to get you, but there is no ban on outside food or drinks) and you are good to go. Staying until closing time, get home around 9:00pm, send the children straight to bed and do a late milking and the night time feeding.
As I said, it would take some planning, but it is totally doable and a lot of fun. I just need to remember my hat the next time. My face is sunburned. We are also going to bring the wagon to carry the backpacks, cooler, and children. We didn't have a cooler this time, but will next time. So, the wagon will be necessary. We just need to clean it of yard debris. (Dirt, poop, etc.)
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We just got back from spending a few days with relatives in Washington DC over Easter. We visited several Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo, which are all free. DC has a really nice public transit system which made it possible for us to take buses and subways very inexpensively, saving parking fees. Food wasn't cheap, but it was almost our only expense, and we had several meals with family. The wagon is a good idea - I actually miss having a stroller sometimes (even tho' my kids are 12 and 16), because it gives you a "cart" to haul your bags, jackets, and water bottles.
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