The Santa Ana Zoo is a great inexpensive outing to check out. My husband and I have purchased the Couple Club annual membership the last two years, and at $45 for the two of us (Emma is still free), we have found it to be money well spent! It means we can make a quick outing, sometimes for just an hour or 1 1/2 hours and it is fun, entertaining and *cheap!* Even without a membership, admission is very reasonable. Only $7 for adults, and $4 for kids 3 – 12. On weekdays after 2pm, prices go down to $3.50 for adults and $2 for kids.
The funniest part about this little outing is Emma’s favorite attractions don’t even really include looking at the animals! Although there are definitely cute (albeit not many!) animals to check out…monkeys, llamas, birds, etc. You can make your way through seeing most of them in about an hour.
Lately we start off playing at the playground right off the main entrance. It has two big structures for kids of all ages. Surrounding it are benches for viewing, as well as many picnic tables to have a snack or lunch. Adjacent snack bar is reasonably priced as well, and offers lots of lunch options.
After playing for a bit at the playground, we head over to the Zoofari Express Train and Conservation Carousel. The little red train will take them around the grounds, and there are always friendly “conductors” in pinstripe overalls and red bandanas. The greatest NEW addition is the carousel. It is a GREAT one…lots of fun animals to pick from. Emma’s favorite is the Bird’s Nest, which they can spin like a Teacup. Both these are an additional $3/ride.
Adjacent to the Train / Carousel area is the Crean Family Farm, which is a nice little area to view (and somtimes feed/pet) the animals close up. There are bunnies, ducks, pigs, goats and horses.
They also offer Birthday Parties as well. We are going to our first SA Zoo birthday party next month!
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 East Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana
Weekdays 10am – 4pm (grounds close at 5pm) / Weekends 10am – 5pm (grounds close at 6pm)
Click here for more visitor information.
I love the Santa Ana zoo. My daugther had a birthday party there and it was so much fun. I’ve been debating buy a membership this year- we skipped last year but reading about this – I’m thinking that I will head over this week to buy a family membership.
Great post as always!!
p.s.- Thanks again for Friday’s post!!
we haven’t been to this zoo forever, I kind of forgot about it and look forward to going back. the kids will love the new rides!
I "collect" zoos and I haven’t been to this one. We’ll have to go now that I’ve seen the photos!