Hellobee Boards

Our kids are about the same age and when we go to the zoo we take the Uppababy with both seats. It's convenient to be able to put them both in seats to have snacks.

I'd just take one (prob the smaller one) and the carrier. If I'm remembering right (it's blurring together in my brain with the bronx zoo, we've gone to both many times, though Bronx is way bigger...) you have to park strollers outside all the indoor exhibits. Plus, it isn't huge so not that far to walk in between exhibits.

@Foodnerd81: I'm sure D.C. Bees can weigh in way better than I can. We used parking panda to reserve a space in the VIP lot, since they're all the same price ($31?). One thing to keep in mind is that the zoo is on a hill and the VIP lot is the top of the hill. If you're spending all day there you'll have to push the stroller UP the hill to get back to your car (not to mention little legs getting tired). Also, I think the petting zoo is at the bottom. For us the VIP lot made sense because it was near the panda exhibit and that was when the baby panda (bao bao? Too lazy to look it up ) was still there. Can't remember if I had any other reasons than that. E was young enough to still use a stroller and she was the only kid.

Edited to add that when we went, there were a lot of cars being turned away at the parking lots. We were grateful to have guaranteed parking, despite the higher cost!

We live 2 hours away and go pretty regularly. I like to take the double stroller so both kids can sit at once and they can trade for naps if we stay for a long time. My 3 yo doesn't sit a lot but she does need to rest her legs. The rest of the time I put the diaper bag in her seat so I don't have to lug it up the hills.

We just went this past weekend. We took our sit and stand stroller and I'm so glad we did. There is quite a bit of walking and it's built into a hill, so at some point in your day, you'll be walking uphill. D (4yo) would never have made it through the entire zoo if he had to walk the whole time. You do have to park strollers outside the indoor exhibits, but everyone does it, so I had no concerns about it.

If you plan to park, reserve your spot as soon as you know what day you're going. I tried to reserve mine on Thursday for a trip on Saturday, and 2 of the lots were already full. We ended up in the VIP lot, which is the bus lot. It was really nice to just coast in, park, and not have to stress about finding a spot or having the cash on hand to pay for parking. The VIP lot was nice, but I'd recommend the lot at the bottom (lot D, I think). That way you're starting your day going uphill, and ending it going downhill when you're hot and tired. Pushing that double stroller up the hill was tough at the end of the day!

You can pack food to bring so you're not spending a fortune on zoo food. We brought PB&J sandwiches, applesauce pouches, and a couple other snacks, plus water bottles for the whole family.

It’s hilly but not insanely so. I walked to the zoo from several block away, all around the zoo and back to our hotel wearing my LO when she was 2 without any issues and I’m not wonder woman or even in particularly great shape! So, my vote would be for the small stroller and just plan to wear the little one some; or carry either kid some here and there.

Second the rec of making sure to spend time at the same mammal house – that was my LO’s favorite!