San Diego Zoo

Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA Hours: Open every day of the year. Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at varying times, dependent on season and special events Location: Balboa Park
Transportation: Metropolitan Transit System offers service to the zoo. Information available at sdmts.com and by calling 511 Phone: 619/234-3153 (recorded info), 619/231-1515, 800-407-9534 (Toll-Free) Web site: www.sandiegozoo.org
Prices: 1-day pass $37 adults, $27 children 3-11, free for children 2 and under. Kids 11 and under have free admission October 1-31, 2010. Active-duty military (U.S. and foreign) receive 1-day complimentary pass Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express 

What to see - Fauna - Animals from A, as in African wild dog, to Z, for zebra, have found a happy home at the San Diego Zoo. While lots of zoos boast colonies of assorted critters and creatures, this zoo is a cut above the rest. From giant pandas to pigmy hippopotami, thousands of magnificent animals are on display and ready to educate and entertain guests, and pose for pictures at the San Diego Zoo.

What to see - Flora - The mild climate of San Diego is perfect for petals. Flowering plants in a rainbow of colors thrive in the bright sunshine that bathes Southern California throughout the year. Both in the botanical displays and throughout the zoological park, palm trees provide shade and new bamboo shoots assure the pandas that a fresh treat will always be available. In all, almost a million magnificent specimens from marigolds to dusty millers present a breathtaking backdrop for family photo shoots at the zoo.

Mark that calendar - While a day at the San Diego Zoo is always a best bet, there are certain days that should not be missed. Here are some upcoming events:

KinderNights - Programs with a kid-friendly theme are scheduled frequently for tiny tots ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult). The Zoo is really special at sunset.
Spooky Sleepover - Families with kids 4 and up will love this cool fall adventure with lots of fun activities and just a harmless hint of fright.  Plant Day - On the third Friday of each month, guests who want to enhance their own green thumb’s growth can learn and see a lot at the zoo. Botanical bus tours and educational sessions lead by the zoo’s horticultural experts are enlightening experiences.
Orchid Odyssey - The third Friday of each month is also the time when the San Diego Zoo’s 3,000-orchid greenhouse is in the limelight. Due to the popularity of this event, additional sessions are scheduled on some Sundays. Orchid experts from the zoo and the San Diego County Orchid Society answer visitors’ questions and put aficionados of these beautiful blooms on the path to success.

Group Events - Who knew a zoo could be the ideal place for a 7-year-old’s birthday sleepover or a corporation’s international conference? The management team at the San Diego Zoo makes childhood dreams come true and gives all of its special events guests a great time. From sunset weddings to sensational family reunions, bodacious bar mitzvahs to outstanding outings for boy and girl scout groups, it’s all happening at the San Diego Zoo.

Backstage Pass -The Ultimate Encounter - You don’t need to be Dr. Doolittle to talk and walk with the animals during this San Diego Zoo’s up-close and really personal experience. A professional zoo photographer will capture those precious moments of communing with some of nature’s most elegant and exciting creatures. San Diego Zoo trainers will reveal some of their secrets and guide visitors as they get a chance to groom and feed the animals.

Discounts - While everyone enjoys a day at the zoo, it’s even more fun when costs can be cut down. Here are some ways to make a zoo date more affordable: Military - Upon presentation of identification, active military members can receive complimentary 1-day admission to the zoo and adjoining San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Seniors - Visitors age 60 and up receive a 10% discount on a 1-day admission. AAA Members - A 1-day pass for the member and up to 5 others in their party can receive a 10% discount on a 1-day zoo admission. Multi-day Pass - Visitors can save $4 by buying a 2-day zoo pass instead of 2 1-day admission tickets. San Diego 3-for-1 Pass - What a bargain! 5 (consecutive) days of unlimited entry to 3 of the best attractions in San Diego - the zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld. Southern California City Pass - The best of San Diego (zoo or Safari Park) plus SeaWorld plus Disneyland Resort Park Hopper plus Universal Studios equals a fantastic vacation fling for an affordable price.

Check out this fun history of the San Diego Zoo graphic.

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