https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:10:38 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2834150 Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:10:40 +0000 SweetiePie 2834150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: hi!<br /> Here it is. Very happy with it so far because it can turn around almost 360 degrees and has variable speed. Very sturdy!</p> <p>SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip on... <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0797RVF4T?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0797RVF4T?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2834147 Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:08:06 +0000 josina 2834147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: Hi, what was the clip-on fan that you recommend? Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833268 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:08:00 +0000 ReadItMama 2833268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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!!</p> <p>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). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833169 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:52:57 +0000 josina 2833169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: lol, nope!<br /> Good idea on a thin blanket for sunshade while DD is (hopefully) napping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833149 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:56:07 +0000 MrsSRS 2833149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any chance you're in KC? I have a double I really need to get rid of 😂<br /> The list by @faithfertility is good I'd add sunglasses and a muslin blanket or two for sun shade, catching spills, and sitting on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833139 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:17:04 +0000 josina 2833139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Woolly Mammoth: Yep, already checked and they rent single and double strollers, and wagons. From my google image search I think their front/back vs. side to side which is what I think would be better for getting dd to stay put! :)<br /> It also looks not super comfy so I think I'm going to try and borrow one from a friend if I can...<br /> @MamaCate: Good idea on bringing food for the LO's while we eat there!<br /> @looch: I read a blog yesterday that suggested making sure to have quarters for animal food! Great advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833108 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 08:49:02 +0000 merriment 2833108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833094 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:26:31 +0000 looch 2833094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son is the kind of kid that needs to be actively engaged, so one thing I would have liked to do for a zoo trip was to create some kind of scavenger hunt or bingo game. I would also scout out the petting areas and make sure you have change to buy the feed if it's offered). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833060 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 22:59:55 +0000 MamaCate 2833060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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. </p> <p>DH told them they could only eat snacks in the stroller so that helped too, especially going from area to area. </p> <p>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?</p> <p>Otherwise I think you have good advice—it will be fun no matter what! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2833048 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 21:47:26 +0000 Woolly Mammoth 2833048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never been to the Omaha Zoo, but the one near our house rents strollers (singles and doubles) and wagons.</p> <p>I don't see anything on the website about it, but it might be worth giving them a call to ask. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832948 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 15:58:48 +0000 josina 2832948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FaithFertility: Thanks, that list is a huge help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832915 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 15:04:07 +0000 FaithFertility 2832915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: Double stroller for sure even if E gets tired!</p> <p>Find out what type of cooler you can bring<br /> We do all day trips all the time</p> <p>We have a soft cooler and I pack:<br /> Water water water lol<br /> PB sandiches for kids<br /> Apples<br /> Packet for AJ, G will have one two<br /> Pretzels<br /> Sunscreen<br /> Hats<br /> Change of clothes for both kiddos<br /> Rash guarda work great as shirts and sun protection when outside all day<br /> Stroller fan(s)</p> <p>Naps for DD I say Just go until she crashes lol<br /> AJ naps well on the go and will sleep in stroller<br /> I put him in back so G and still hop in and out</p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832912 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:57:09 +0000 renee0106 2832912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: We went on a Saturday. I would guess Friday would be a little less busy. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832910 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:56:26 +0000 josina 2832910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsKRB: We have a similar one, (unfortunately without the canopy) but definitely an option!<br /> @renee0106: Thanks for responding! That sounds like a good plan! What day did you go on? We're going to be in town Friday-Sunday and are hoping it will be a 'little' less busy Friday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832877 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:57:43 +0000 renee0106 2832877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832863 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:40:33 +0000 MrsKRB 2832863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about a wagon? I see these all the time and plan to buy one with #2 </p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-Folding-Wagon-Canopy/dp/B01CTUGC5K/ref=pd_aw_lpo_21_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&#038;psc=1&#038;refRID=KCJ2JG0E13VK5GQFK94P" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-Folding-Wagon-Canopy/dp/B01CTUGC5K/ref=pd_aw_lpo_21_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&#038;psc=1&#038;refRID=KCJ2JG0E13VK5GQFK94P</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832862 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:39:39 +0000 josina 2832862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: We just have the Graco stroller that came as a set with the infant car seat, so no stand-on option but I can definitely see us using that more than once if I can find one cheap! The zoo does also have wagons, which I think both of them would enjoy, and we do have one also, just rather large to bring.<br /> Great idea on the frozen pb&amp;j's! And same for the clip-on fan, might even keep dd entertained in the stroller.<br /> Thanks!</p> <p>We're not strict on sleep so I don't plan on leaving. Fingers crossed if she gets tired enough she'll just sleep on me!</p> <p>@maddyz: Yep, exactly what I'm worried about with DD!<br /> @Bluebonnet: That's a good option, our hotel isn't far away so if the kids do get really fussy we could leave for a bit and come back. I just hope they're good, lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832842 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:09:45 +0000 Bluebonnet 2832842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: Our strategy was to get to places like that before they opened, prioritize what we wanted to see, and leave when the kids were DONE. (we also recognized this meant that we would not be able to see and do everything)</p> <p>You could see if they will stamp your hand and let you back in after the kids nap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832840 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:06:54 +0000 maddyz 2832840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832836 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:59:51 +0000 SweetiePie 2832836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What kind of single stroller do you have? Does it have a ride-on board option? If so I’d get that new or used and keep it for future. They could take turns using it (unless you think there’s be fights) or you can just designate that one uses it and the other sits.<br /> OR I’ve seen lots of people at the zoo with a wagon type option. If they’d both enjoy it might be worth it to have for a long time. </p> <p>I would plan to buy lunch there. They’ll have indoor and outdoor options. Maybe just choose really early Lunch so it’s not packed. We’ve had luck getting to the food spots when they open.<br /> If you really insist on bringing lunch, I would bring something that doesn’t have to be refrigerated. Like get the frozen smuckers PBJ and they’ll be perfect by lunch time. </p> <p>Third the sunscreen and hats. You’ll be reapplying the sunscreen all day so more than you’d think. I guess as much as a full day at the beach. </p> <p>Clip on fan could also be really nice to have. I just got an awesome one I can link if you’re interested. </p> <p>As for the younger ones nap - take this with a grain of salt becuase im sleep crazy and my older one would never ever nap in a stroller, yet he has/had high sleep needs - is it possible to take the younger one back to the hotel for a nap? Maybe one of you stays with the 3yo and then meet up with the group for early dinner after?<br /> We avoided all things that would be an all day experience until just recently when my 3.75yo stopped napping unless we could easily get him back to nap or do a car nap. He’s just not a happy nap skipper. Haha. It would have been miserable for all of us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832824 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:09:08 +0000 alphagam84 2832824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832806 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 11:00:06 +0000 MrsBucky 2832806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For what it’s worth, by 17 months the ktan will be fairly useless IMO. It’s great for newborns but way to stretchy to be useful for bigger babies- I haven’t even tried a toddler. I bought an inexpensive ring sling to have for an international trip when my son was 28 months and we used it a bit, in a pinch. If you think a wearable option might be helpful I’d look to borrow one or buy an inexpensive one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832777 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 10:02:19 +0000 josina 2832777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: Yeah, its a 6 hour drive, we have a hotel for the weekend but we're going with 2 other families - and it's a huge zoo - so I think all-day is a given.</p> <p>Lol to owning zoo sunscreen/hats! I feel like there will be so much to remember that would be an easy oversight! Thanks!</p> <p>@Adira: Yes, I'm hoping that if they're both riding in it, it will be more 'fun'. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832775 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:55:24 +0000 Adira 2832775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely get a double-stroller. Your youngest might not mind riding it in if the 3.5 year old is riding right next to her. And we usually bring snacks, waters for everyone, and change of clothes/diapers in a backpack (or stroller storage if you have it).</p> <p>As for naps, if you can get a stroller that reclines, your youngest might nap there. Mine weren't great at napping in the stroller, but would last much longer at parks because of all the excitement.</p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832774 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:53:49 +0000 erinbaderin 2832774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is it too far away to only go for a half day?</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/all-day-parkszoos-with-los#post-2832772 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:42:46 +0000 josina 2832772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning a trip to Omaha Zoo next month, with a 3-1/2 year old and a 17 month old. Tips/tricks/things to bring?<br /> .<br /> .</p> <p>We only have a single stroller, so I'm debating on renting a double or borrowing one.. but the 17 month old typically HATES riding in it. I have a K'tan that I haven't used since she was a baby and I imagine would be hot. Good one-time-use carrier I should look for used as an option?</p> <p>Bring a cooler? Snacks? Backpack vs diaper bag? How do I handle nap time for dd?<br /> This is our FIRST vacation so help a girl out! :) </p>