The St. Louis Zoo is Totally Worth the Drive from Southern Indiana & Western Kentucky

Most of the time, my Sundays are reserved for church, barn chores, and getting ready for the week ahead. Oh and laundry. There's always laundry! But this past Sunday my step-dad was flying home from Seattle and needed to be picked up from the airport... in St. Louis. Guess who was volunteered to go get Pops. Yep, me. St. Louis is a really fun place but since it's about three hours from the tri-state, we don't get over there too often. So, we decided that since I had to go pick him up, we'd just make a day of it. There's a lot to choose from but the majority of people said to go to the zoo when I asked my Facebook friends for advice. Oh my gosh. It was AWESOME. We just came home from San Diego and I have to say, I think the St. Louis Zoo trumps the San Diego Zoo! Here's why!

It's Free!

Like, it's seriously, just walk in off the street and enjoy. But, since I'm a little touristy, my friend Matt and I decided to get the $15 (per person) Adventure Pass that includes: Sea Lion Show, Conservation Carouse, Dinoroarus, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, Zooline Railroad, 4D Theater, and Wild Wonder Outpost. It was totally worth the $15. We also paid to park but there is free parking if you can find a spot up close or don't mind walking.

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There Were So Many Animals to See

My favorites were the elephants, the hippo, the rhinos, the big cats, and the snakes. The entire list can be found here. And here were some of my favorites.

When You Walk in, There's a Life-Size Great White and Giant Squid Hanging from the Ceiling

Both terrifying and educational!

The Animal Habitats were Spacious

Nothing compares to the wild but I was happy to see that each animal had a good amount of space to roam. Most of them also had access to a water hole to play and cool off in. The bears put on a show and took full advantage.

You Can Take Lunch In or Dine at the Zoo

We opted to take a picnic into the zoo. Drinks (not in glass containers) and coolers are permitted as well.

They Had Dinosaurs at the Zoo

Now, this one does cost a little extra but the animatronic dinos were really cool to see and experience. They even have a nice cool surprise to share with you.

You Can Get Up Close with the Animals

The hippo was lounging right next to the wall. It's cool to see an animal so up close.

You Can Ride a Wild Ass

Well, sorta! My daughter thought she was hilarious riding the wild ass on the carousel.

There's a Butterfly Garden You Can Walk Thru

Ever wonder what heaven is like? Take a few minutes to walk thru the Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing at the Insectarium.

There are Interactive Exhibits Throughout the Park

My daughter had fun feeling bones and sliding down otter slides.

The Kids Learned So Much!

I mean, they will at any zoo but this experience will be one they won't soon forget! :D