Today Jenny and I took the boys to the excellent Fort Worth Zoo. Brenden had visited a zoo a couple of times before, but this was Jonathan’s first visit. Jenny and I are science nerds and actually go to the zoo on our own sometimes, especially on vacation. When we go alone, we like to take our time, read all the different signs to learn about each animal, and take lots of pictures.

That’s not how it works with two toddlers. =)

We arrived at the opening bell (10am), paid half price for Jenny and me since it’s Wednesday, and got the boys in for free since they are under three years old. Although we took the double stroller, Brenden preferred to walk most of the way. Unpredictable as usual, he blew off things that we thought would excite him, such as the gorillas and kangaroos, and preferred to spend time playing in the kids’ play barn and listening to an educational recording on a telephone. Here’s a typical exchange:

Me: Come on, Brenden, let’s go see the jaguars!
Brenden: No, not yet! I’m talking to someone. (phone held to his ear)

Jonathan rode around in the stroller for most of the visit but really enjoyed getting to see the penguins, which are almost his size and came right up to the window. When Jonathan pointed at one, it pecked the window in response. He cracked up.

We ate a picnic lunch inside the zoo, and by 12:30. Jonathan was done, so we went home.

Jenny posted some good pictures on Facebook.

It’s a great zoo and worth a visit. Your kids will probably get more from it if they were a bit older, but ours definitely had a good time.