The Brookfield Zoo

I had never taken my kids to a zoo (although my parents did this summer in WA), but I was excited for this experience. We met our friends the Hartsocks and the Matthews at the Brookfield Zoo on a very warm fall day.

Daphne and Dayton watching the Dolphins;
The dolphins swam around the tank in pairs,
and often danced, swirling around each other

Watching Sea Lions;
they were very playful, swimming right
up to the glass and diving up/down

The zoo has several playgrounds, and my kids
begged to play at each one, even though we have
an abundance of playgrounds near our house
Dayton

Daphne

Admiring some birds;
Dayton and Daphne were eager to see each new animal,
but then quickly distracted after seeing it.

One play center had a greenhouse for kids to water plants

Dayton was very exact with his spray bottleDaphne kept going back to the greenhouse for more watering

Face crayons were also available;
Dayton was timid to paint his face, but he was persuaded
when Andee and Daphne were both doing it

We also saw a tiger, a few rhinos, some hippos, alligators, and kangaroos (laying down- I was hoping they would bounce around). We only saw a portion of the large zoo, but it was a hot day and kids don't last too long for activities. I'm glad they enjoyed the zoo. Thanks for taking us Lindsy! We'll have to go again.