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Is it too far away to only go for a half day?

I would definitely go with a double stroller, she might be happier to stay in it with lots to see? I definitely think you’ll be hot wearing her all day.

Definitely snacks, as for lunch it’s probably easier to buy there, that also gives you a chance to take a break and sit down somewhere probably air conditioned. And bottles of water with lots of ice. And this probably goes without saying but as somebody who owns multiple bottles of zoo sunscreen and some zoo hats, hats and sunscreen for everybody.

A k'tan wouldn't fit a 17 month old. Our daughter was on the smaller side and maxed out our at around 10 months. Definitely get a double stroller, that will be a lot of walking! Hats, sunscreen, water, snacks, extra changes of clothes for each.

We can stay out until 3 or so at the zoo or something like that. I bring an umbrella stroller and my 22-month-old naps in that. The 3-year-old will skip a nap or nap in the car later. I carried a backpack, bring snacks but buy lunch. My older one is a really good walker but we often spend a bit of time on the train at the zoo or some other sit down activity. The younger one hates the stroller and I feel like it spends half the day carrying my backpack while i carry him.

@josina: I just went to the Omaha Zoo this past weekend with my boys (18 months and 2.5 years). We took a double stroller and it was perfect. The 18 month old stayed in the stroller most of the time and my 2.5 year old got in and out depending on what he wanted to see.

We packed a lunch and brought tons of and tons of snacks. It is a GIANT zoo so definitely plan on all day if your kids can hack it. Our strategy was to do the outdoor exhibits first, then hit up the splash pad and slides, and then eat lunch in the aquarium to cool down and do a few of the other buildings. It mostly worked out except by the time we got to the aquarium it was packed and was very hard to navigate with a double stroller.

The splash pad and kids area is so fun. You could almost spend the entire day there and not even go to the exhibits so if you think your kids will like that definitely plan for a few hours in those areas.

@josina: We went on a Saturday. I would guess Friday would be a little less busy.

@Woolly Mammoth: we did the San Diego zoo last summer with a 5.5 and almost 3 year old. We had brought our single umbrella stroller but forgot it at the house and ended up renting the zoo double stroller. It was a life saver. The kids took turns being in and out but did well. The little one took a short nap in there at one point and I think the double meant less negotiating over whose turn it was and less upset kids.

DH told them they could only eat snacks in the stroller so that helped too, especially going from area to area.

In terms of lunch, my kids can be picky and it drives me crazy sometimes when I spend money on kids meals for them and they decide they don’t like it. So lately we have been packing them a peanut butter sandwich to eat while adults eat actual prepared food from the eating place. Maybe you could check out the menus online in advance?

Otherwise I think you have good advice—it will be fun no matter what!

I would strongly consider two single strollers instead of a double. This will give you maximum flexibility when napping the LO. It's a long day and a lot of walking, and even if your older kid isn't riding in strollers so much, they might want to at the zoo. If you have two singles, one of you can walk to a quieter part of the zoo to get a nap for the baby, and then sit in the shade. The older one can continue going around with the other parent.

Any chance you're in KC? I have a double I really need to get rid of
The list by @faithfertility is good I'd add sunglasses and a muslin blanket or two for sun shade, catching spills, and sitting on.

Others have listed all of our required items, but one thing we always do is determine what we are willing to pay the extra fees for ahead of time, that way we can be on the same page as a parental unit - especially if going with others. Some of the spots you can watch others do it (budgies, giraffes) without paying; depending on the kid, giving them the option of 2 or 3 options gives them the (illusion:) of control. Unless you have a really adventurous 3.5 year-old the train or carousel rides are a safe bet - the chance of a younger kid dropping the leaf, seed-stick, ray food in fear/shock when the animal approaches are high. Of course the best are the free petting zoo/splash pad/play areas!!

As you determine what you want to bring consider how you want to navigate the indoor exhibits. What are you comfortable leaving in the stroller parking area - a backpack allows you to easily grab the necessities (and your wallet/phone).

@josina: hi!
Here it is. Very happy with it so far because it can turn around almost 360 degrees and has variable speed. Very sturdy!

SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip on... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0797RVF4T?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf