How to Plan a Day Trip to Utah's Hogle Zoo

The Hogle Zoo in Utah is 42 acres full of adventure in a beautiful natural setting. At its current location since 1931, Hogle Zoo is visited by nearly 70,000 school kids each year. Planning ahead will help you--and your kids--make the most of your trip and alleviate stress.

Things You'll Need

• Lunch money or a picnic
• Water
• Wagon or stroller
• Comfortable shoes

Instructions

1. Plan to go when you can spend the entire day at Hogle zoo. Giving yourself plenty of time allows you to go at a leisurely pace and better enjoy the zoo.

2. Bring a stroller or a wagon to give your little ones a rest. You will appreciate this when they start whining about tired legs and achy feet.

3. After paying admission, take time to look over the map and mark the exhibits you most want to see. Check for operating times of special exhibits and programs. Plan your route so that you are visiting the exhibits around your events so that you are not rushing to see a show at the other end of the zoo.

4. Bring a picnic lunch or plenty of money to buy lunch at the zoo cafe. You may also want to bring snacks as your children may become as ravenous as the wolves after walking all day. There are many shaded areas great for eating and plenty of picnic areas with tables.

5. Be sure to ride the Zoofari Express train. It is really great for giving your feet a rest. Your kiddos will love this unique way of seeing the animals up close. The train ride does cost extra but is well worth it.

6. Allow time for the kids to play at the playground. The animals are exciting, but there is just something about a new playground that kids love.

7. Visit the zoo store only if you are willing to buy a souvenir. If not, avoid it altogether as you will be sure to buy something you did not plan on, or leave with a grumpy child.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the weather before you go. The zoo is almost never fun in the wind, rain and cold.

• Bring plenty of water.

• If eating at the zoo, be prepared to pay top dollar.

• When bringing your own lunch, be sure to put it in a cooler with ice so that it doesn't spoil.

• Remember to bring cash for the train ride.

• Wear comfortable shoes as you will spend the day walking.

• Don't miss visiting the giraffes: Daphne, Riley, Kipenzi, Pogo and Joy. You can often get very up close and personal with them as they are munching leaves outside.