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Earlier today we had a chance to Cruise the Zoo at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo! A couple of days ago I was getting dressed and heard on the news about an event called Cruise the Zoo at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and I knew I wanted to take the children. I mentioned it to Darrick, but once we saw the $40 Admission (non-member price) we were a little skeptical about paying for it. However, today we attended and I wanted to hurry up and share our experience on the blog, so other families could make the decision to go or not.
This was my children’s first time at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, crazy right! We have been to the Zoo in other cities and states but never to our Zoo in our hometown!
When we arrived, we had to drive around the parking lot to the line. The line was long but it was moving at a steady pace! The kids played in the backseat and didn’t really notice we weren’t moving fast! Once we got closer to the entrance there were two stations: one was a person with an animal skull, and the second person had a Boa Constrictor. Once the kids saw this, they got excited! The line stopped right by her, so we sat and chatted with her for a little bit.
As we moved towards the entrance, we were given Scavenger Hunt papers that also contained a map on the back! Emma and DJ quickly snatched those up and called themselves giving us directions.
Once we were inside, you could listen to a Sound Cloud station with updates. We listened to the first couple of messages, then we talked amongst each other the rest of the way! Emma and DJ bounced back from side to side looking at the animals and asking questions (no worries, you never went faster than 4mph the entire time but you’re constantly moving)!
Today was absolutely gorgeous outside! We saw the majority of the animals on the path! I think they were out enjoying the weather as well! If the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was actually open today, it would’ve been a perfect day to take the family to the Zoo.
As I said earlier I was a little skeptical about spending $40 for a drive-thru experience at the zoo. On our way out of the Zoo I looked at Darrick and asked if he felt it was worth the price of admission and we both agreed that it was! The kids loved it, we were able to social distance, we didn’t have to constantly have on masks because we were in our own car, we had our own snacks and didn’t have to spend extra money for hungry children, and it felt great to have this experience since we have been on lockdown for about 8-9 weeks due to COVID-19!
If life is still as it is now in the winter, Darrick and I said this event would be perfect for Zoo Lights!
Cruise The Zoo Tips…
- Snacks…I usually pack snacks, because my children are expensive! No seriously, if we’re going to be in the car for an extended period of time I always have snacks readily available.
- Water…If you have snacks you need drinks. But don’t overdo the drinks because there isn’t an option to get out of your car for the bathroom. Only at the beginning and you’re going to the restroom in a “porta-potty.”
- Good Music…You may want to listen to the Sound Cloud updates, but if not have some good music playing. My husband opted for Kendrick Lemar (LOL) not necessarily my choice with the kids, but it was fine!
- Patience…I mentioned you’re constantly moving, but it’s at a slow pace. If you’re in a rush, this is not the event for you! And once you’re in there is no fast way out!
- Gas…We keep our tanks pretty full, however, at one point we did get hot so we turned on the air. One could easily run out of gas, if they don’t have a good amount before coming into this event. I recommend filling up just in case you’re sitting longer than expected.
For us, Cruise the Zoo took about 90 minutes from beginning to end. Depending on where you are in line, and how long people sit will determine how long it takes to go through.
The Staff of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was absolutely amazing; they were friendly and thanked us multiple times for coming and supporting the zoo! Thank You to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for hosting this event!
