Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana Zoo - perfect size zoo for toddlers

This is a great place for families with young children. The size of the zoo is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to roam around. There are quite a few things you can do there.

Animals - There are lots of different kinds of monkeys. Birds. Turtles. Llamas. I can not remember the rest.
Playground – there are two playgrounds right next to the food concession area.

Food concession – they have kid menus and they are pretty good. The only thing is they don’t have lids and straws for drinks. They harm the animals so they don’t have them.

Train rides – the train ride goes through various parts of the zoo. Also the train station has a little model train going around near the ceiling.

Carousel – I heard that now they have an animal themed carousel, I have not gone to the zoo lately to see it.

When my daughter was 2, we had an annual family membership for $45 (now it went up a little) and we went to Santa Ana Zoo practically every weekend. There were animals to entertain her, playground for her to play in, food to eat and her favorite, the train ride!! The zoo has membership appreciation days where they let the members get free train rides. They also had member discount for Halloween events, picnics, and other special events. It was like a one stop shop for toddler. This was very well spent $45 in my opinion.

My Tips

- Get there early for train rides as these are very popular.

- Bring an empty sippy cup if you think your kid will spill without the lid and a straw.

- On membership appreciation days, they usually have free crafts for kids.

- If you are not sure, bring a stroller. You will need it.