Denver Zoo050

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best Day Camp for little kids in Denver, the Denver Zoo is one of our favorite attractions in the metro area. Nearly 4,000 different animals, representing over 700 species, fill the various "neighborhoods" at the Denver Zoo. Amur leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas, raptors... it's all happening at the zoo.

Our favorite spot: Tropical Discovery, where the kids like to pretend they're Indiana Jones-type explorers. The jungle habitat is truly magical, with waterfalls, a spooky (but not too spooky) cave, and even a temple ruin.

Wander along the tropical riverbank to a mangrove swamp - and spectacular coral reefs - where fresh-water and marine fish, and exotic turtles, swim in the 2,250-gallon azure pool. The cypress swamp and marsh lead to the world's largest indoor Komodo dragon habitat before exiting through the Discovery Center.

Predator Ridge is an example of what accredited zoos nationwide are trying to achieve - larger, more naturalistic, and educational exhibits. Beautifully landscaped habitats house 14 African species of mammals, birds, and reptiles including two prides of lions.

Primate fans can explore seven acres of monkey business, where tree-dwelling creatures have a habitat four stories high in open-air wire mesh tents while visiting Primate Panorama.

The Gates Wildlife Conservation Education Center houses classrooms and meeting rooms, and the Wild Encounters outdoor amphitheater, designed for wildlife presentations, is located immediately outside the Gates Center.

The Safari Shuttle ($2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children and seniors - once you've paid, you can ride all day!), can be a lifesaver when little feet have had enough. The open-air electric vehicle tours the Zoo paths at regular intervals. Tickets may be purchased at all Zoo gift shops. (Operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.)

The Pachyderm Park features a special ride of its own: the Denver Zoo Pioneer Train costs $1 per person and offers exotic views of primates, rhinos, elephants, plus the scenic Downtown Denver skyline! The natural gas-powered train runs daily, weather permitting.

Little ones who long to ride the animals might settle for a turn on the Endangered Species Carousel (also $1 a ride), which features hand-carved wooden replicas of a polar bear mom and cubs, giraffes, okapis, and baby gorillas, among other beasts.

For a unique birthday party experience check out the Zoo. Parents can sit back and let the Zoo staff do all the work, with a "Wild" themed birthday party, or be in charge of all the fun, with a Zoo-It-Yourself party - flexible packages are available to accommodate most needs. Remember, no balloons, streamers, stickers, straws, glitter, or confetti are allowed inside the Zoo. Call 303.376.4842 to reserve your party.

The Hungry Elephant Cafeteria and the Pronghorn Gift Shop are open daily and located near the main entrance. Seasonal snacks and specialty gifts (like safari outfitters) are also located throughout the Zoo. Checks, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted.

Age-appropriate Summer Camp Programs that include hands-on activities, animal visits and observations, crafts, games, stories, projects, and zoo tours. Campers also enjoy nutritious snacks and receive a t-shirt.

Joining as a member allows you to attend Zoo Walks which are held approx. monthly either before the zoo opens or after it closes. This is a wonderful opportunity for a virtually "private" (or at least it seems that way) zoo visit. Kids can run free and easily stay in sight. Lots of other member-only events are offered free or for a nominal charge throughout the year.