14 October 2010

Living! (On the Cheap)--Emporia, Kansas Zoo

       Now I don't mean to rag on the Kansas City Zoo, but where are the animals???? I think I walked 20 miles and saw, uh ZERO animals! And the expense! Way too much for a family of five, even if we did pack our own snacks and lunch! Now I don’t want to rob my family of the whole “Zoo Experience” but I also don’t want to rob their college funds to afford the zoo (or carry my three 35 plus pound children the last six miles to our car). So with a little research we found something that actually worked better for our family. **  
Porter Petting
some of the smaller
exhibits.
 Welcome to the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia!  One of the smallest accredited zoos in the country.  My four year old and two three-year-olds had NO problems walking this zoo several times over. 

There are three distinct areas to this zoo. 
·         The first area is for the large animals, bison, elk, llamas, etc. and it can be walked or driven through even if the zoo isn’t open—large sections of this area are closed to the public except during special events. 
·         The second area is the education building. It houses small reptiles, some amphibians and a few birds. My kids loved getting up close and personal with many of the snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies!
·         The last area is the main zoo. It’s basically a walled in garden that’s approximately two or three city blocks and houses the medium to small sized animals. 
The Emporia Zoo is home to approximately 400 animals ranging from a Mountain Lion and Elk to Prairie Dogs and Tamarins—110 species in all. The zoo also features beautifully, lush botanical displays and the holiday lights are not to be missed! Oh and did I mention it’s FREE!!!! (They do take donations and check out their website because they also have a wish list of items that they use to keep the animals happy and entertained.) 
For those not familiar with Emporia, the Zoo itself could be a wonderful little day trip or Emporia is well equipped with your choice of hotels and restaurants. This is a college town with a beautiful downtown full of antique shops, a lovely historic residential district and a nearly 150 year old college to explore.
My whole family really enjoyed it!  This is place we will keep coming back to again and again. 
The Emporia Zoo is open daily 10 am - 4:30 pm and located 75 Soden Road, Emporia Kansas.

Although I do my best to ensure that the information I report is current and correct, I suggest you always follow up for yourself.  If you would like more information about the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia please check out this website http://www.emporia-kansas.gov or call: (620) 341-4365.

**I was in no way compensated for this review this is just a tip I like to pass on to my readers and friends.

Check out my other Living! (On the Cheap) segments here!
Dagg Park                                                              
Powell Gardens
The Kansas City Northern Railroad
Geocaching
Fort Scott, Kansas
Two Websites Every Parent Should Know About
Emporia Kansas Zoo
Powell Pumpkin Patch
Portable North Pole
Deanna Rose Farmstead Pin It
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
All images and written work, found herein, is the sole property of Rebecca Burton and may not be used in any capacity without express written consent.