I'm a child at heart in so many ways. I love fruit strips and candy. I prefer a cute little trinket or toy over a fancy gift from Max. Beginning when we first met, anytime Max traveled without me he would bring me back a very small gift. Once it was a panda eraser from a 50 cent machine in a record store in Saint Louis. Another time a Japanese keychain that looked like edamame. And more recently, tiny wooden Frida Kahlo earrings from a market in New Orleans. When it comes to being a mom, I am already imagining the day when Miles and I can build Legos together, or paint at an easel (soon!). I am all about fun learning activities. I strive to learn more about learning philosophies and play styles, and also stay in tune with my own intuition.
From Miles' infancy he was very aware and had an active mind (not that he was hyper- there's a difference). The fact he barely napped really drove that point home. He sleeps exactly the bare minimum of healthy time necessary and wakes up early ready to take on the day.
For playtime, I am a huge fan of learning beside him and letting him be confused as he figures things out. I fully believe that it means the world for me to be there in the process of him learning, and not just the final outcome when he has figured it out. Understanding development stages has assisted with understanding when to say no, and when to let things slide. All in all, I have a joy that I can barely contain about playtime and Miles does, too. I think I am supposed to be miss those newborn days, but there is nothing like sitting with him, sharing lunch, and running around! These are the moments I dreamed about having and as a parent, and it is my greatest happiness to find fun, happy, interesting things for him and us to together.
Becoming a Member at the National Zoo
Most recently I decided to become a member at the National Zoo. Here are the best reasons I think it's totally worth it! I joined at the Premier level for $80 (and also got a cute tote!).
- FREE parking. It's normally $25 and taking the metro to the zoo is just not my thing. You go to the zoo to get worn out, and a train ride home sounds miserable. Get us in an air conditioned car! We take the train all the time but this is a time I vote no. Parking, please!
- First access to fun, free events.
- Saving 15% on food. There are now food trucks and organic coffee at the zoo. Come on. That's awesome.
- Cute freebies. Like right now members can go to the Asia gift shop and get a free stuffed animal. That's awesome as normally a little gift from the shops are kinda pricey.
- Free train rides.
- Reciprocation. There are TONS of other zoos and aquariums around the country where you can get free or discounted admission and other great discounts. Awesome!
Okay, that's about all I can think of at this moment but there's more on the website. And depending on which level you chose, there are different perks. I think Premier is the perfect balance of still getting a deal for what you're paying for: 3 visits to the zoo would be $75 so why not just become a member? That was my logic.
A Day at the Zoo
So a membership is great and all but what about planning the day? Here's what ours looked like:
- 7:45am - Called ahead to order for pick-up at nearby Open City Cafe. One of us ran in to get it and grabbed a coffee as well. All of the food does not open until 10am at the zoo.
- 8:15 - Parked in Lot A to be near the Asia Trail aka where the pandas are! It is also right near the Panda Overlook which has tables and that is where we sat to eat.
- After this, we just kept an open schedule. We saw the pandas first which was a lot of fun and then wandered on mixing up indoor exhibits to cool off, with outside fun. Towards the other end of the zoo where the petting zoo is, there is a really excellent playground space. The ground is so soft and there is so much space. It's also perfect for sitting down for a break and have a snack. I packed us a small cooler lunch bag with snacks (cheese sticks, fruit rolls, pb & j, water, crackers). There is also a family restroom and purified water bottle fill-up station.
- Shortly after this we made our way back to leave so we could run an errand, but ideally we would have just stayed for lunch, let Miles have a stroller nap, and then left.
- All in all I prefer to get to the zoo early even though the food does not open until later on. There's more parking and things just feel more peaceful. The crowds are not out yet and it's also not as hot.
Anyways, I hope this was helpful! It's sometimes weird to write posts like this that seem sponsored? This is not sponsored, it's just something I am very excited about! So it's a motherhood and fun stuff update all-in-one!
wishing you joy on your journey
kristen
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