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San Diego Zoo Reopening: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

We were so excited when we saw the announcement that the San Diego Zoo was reopening (again) after being shut down again due to mandatory stay at home orders! We have been annual members for years and couldn’t wait to visit the animals and do something familiar in our hometown during quarantine.

 

 

I was really apprehensive at first. I wasn’t sure it was going to be safe and didn’t want to put me or my family at risk of being exposed to Covid-19, but I also know I can’t live my life in a constant state of fear and after weighing the pros and cons we decided to give it a try. Plus we knew we would be outside the entire time and with the zoo being so open and spread out, we could easily socially distance from others.

 

 

 

And I am so glad we went! It felt like we had the zoo to ourselves and never felt like I was too close to anyone or in a compromising health or safety position. And I think the animals missed seeing humans and were just as excited to see us as we were to see them! In hopes you can have a similar family experience, below is some information and some personal tips that you should know before you go!

 

Be Prepared

We were very prepared with hand sanitizer, face masks, and even disinfectant wipes. We brought our own water bottles and plenty of snacks. We wanted to minimize buying any outside food or using any water fountains. Per California state mandate, face masks are required for all guests 3 years old and older. And they are also required even if you’ve had the vaccine! But if you forgot one, you can purchase them at the zoo entrance near the main shops.

 

Prep Your Children

Before we left the house we prepped both of our children with multiple reminders not to touch anything like ropes or railings, that they had to wear their face mask at all times, and we would have to leave it is was too busy. I also told my very energetic toddler that he would have to sit in his stroller the whole time unless someone was holding him or unless we were in a wide open area with no one else around. And honestly there wasn’t much to touch since we were just walking around outside the whole time and I don’t think my children touched anything during our entire visit, however, there were some children climbing on the railings, pulling on the ropes, and putting their hands and faces up against the glass encounters. And I didn’t see those parents sanitizing hands or even telling their children not to do it, so I would still be cautious! To each their own, but I wouldn’t have made the same choices for my children under the circumstances of the current climate. Germs of all kinds can be lingering so I encourage you to have a conversation about your expectations and health hazards before you leave.

 

Know When To Go

The zoo is currently accommodating less than half of usual number of guests. There IS a reservation system and it is first come first serve, and parking is also limited, so make a reservation in advance as some days will sell out and check the website before you leave the house for current wait times. The website has an estimated “current wait time” as well as a graph with typical busy hours to expect throughout the day so you can make an educated decision of when to go. We knew going on a weekday might be a little less crowded, but with work and school it can be difficult to find the time, so we decided to go late in the afternoon when we knew most people would already be heading home. Right now, on most  days, the zoo is open from 9am-5pm so we didn’t arrive until about 2:00pm. When it’s late afternoon, the weather isn’t as hot, it’s less crowded, and you’ll see more animals at this time of day!

 

What to Expect

When you arrive, you will enter through a health check area where an employee will ask everyone in the family to answer a few questions about their health and who they have been exposed to recently. Once you answer the questions you can proceed to the front entrance.

 

 

 

You’ll need to have your reservation, your photo ID, and your pre-purchased tickets or your annual member pass ready to go when you arrive at the gate. They have large plastic plexiglass protectors at each place of entry where you will hold your ID and ticket up to the plexiglass so they can scan it through the protector. They eliminated the turnstile, so once your ticket is scanned, you just was through without having to touch anything. And I’m not kidding when I say that no one was in line so we walked right up and right in immediately. Once inside the zoo, I loved that they had 80’s and 90’s music playing on the speakers from the DJ area to welcome everyone!! They have maps available but since we know the zoo so well we passed. Normally we get them just for the kids to hold and look at, but we really tried to limit our exposure and decided not to try and touch anything!

 

 

There are green social distancing signs and circles all around the zoo as a constant reminder to keep your distance from others, which most people were good at doing. They also have more hand sanitizing stations as well! You are required to wear your mask the entire time and they have multiple security cars driving through the zoo to help enforce that! There are only a few restaurants open, so be prepared not to be able to grab a snack or a drink at the many locations around the zoo like you used to. Also, all of the play areas are roped off so children won’t climb and play on them. And some of the animal encounters have a barricade in front of it to protect the animals so you for get to close to them as well! The Skyliner is open, but the bus and shows are closed right now. But honestly, we didn’t mind. We wouldn’t have gone on anything that was closed, we really wanted to just walk around in the fresh air and see the animals!

 

 

Also, per the zoo website, during this initial reopening phase, “members and guests are not permitted to exit and re-enter the Zoo or Safari Park on the same day.” In the meantime, have fun and stay safe and healthy!

 

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Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children.

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TODAY.com Parenting Team Parenting Contributor

About Dr. Kim

Hello! I am Dr. Kim and I am The Parentologist! I am first and foremost a wife and a mom. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I hope through my professional and personal experience we can collaborate with each other on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children. Read More…

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🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had t 🇺🇸 What a monumental day in history we had today! 🇺🇸

As soon as we woke up I started educating my children, specifically my daughter, on what the inauguration meant and why today was such a special day in history. We both were glued to the television as we watched @kamalaharris be sworn in as the first Black South Asian woman Vice President and @joebiden be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. We also were powerfully moved hearing @amandascgorman - the youngest inaugural poet in history recite “The Hill We Climb.” 

My daughter was so excited to participate and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with the rest of the county and she was so proud to see and be a part of history in the making. I haven’t been to Washington D.C. in about 8 years but I promised I would take her one day when the pandemic is over. 

In the meantime, I have a fun fact for you! Did you know that President Joe Biden and I both graduated from the same university? Yep! We both went to @syracuseu 🍊 And in fact, @joebiden is the first @syracuseu alumnus to become President of the United States! 

📸: @chrissywphoto #inauguration #inagurationday #inaguration2021 #joebiden #kamalaharris #presidentbiden #syracuseuniversity #syracuse #syracuseu #historyismade #madamvicepresident #mommyandme #46thpresident #sandiego #sandiegoblogger #momblogger #parentingblogger #motherhood
This time of year is notorious for dry air, allerg This time of year is notorious for dry air, allergies, and sinus trouble. #ad 

And since I work from home, it can get quite noisy and distracting with my husband and two children here, so sometimes I get my best work done in the comfort of my own bed. And the best part is that I can have my new @crane_usa “4 in 1” cool mist humidifier on at all times with essential oils to help with overall wellness and since it comes with a sound machine I can block out the other noises in the house! 

And at night, it helps my sinuses as I sleep, especially when the dry air of the heater is on, and it has a nightlight so my kids can see where they are going in the middle of the night when they inevitably need water or a hug! 

This is our 6th #cranehumidifier style and it’s my favorite one yet! Check out my stories for a closer look! 👀 #happyhealthyhumidity 

#humidifier #coldandflu #humidifiers #peaceandquiet #workingfromhome #workingmom #working #coldandfluseason #coldandflurelief #winter #winterstyle #wintertime #wintervibes #winter2021 #wahm #wahmlife #wahmlifestyle #workfromhomemom #workfromhomelife #workfromhome #workathomemom #workathome #workathomelife #newmom #babyshowergift #sinusrelief
{New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude {New Blog Post} “How to Teach Children Gratitude” 🌱✨🌸

Throwing it back to one of the first mommy and me photos I ever posted on my feed because I’ve been teaching my daughter about gratitude since she was this little, possibly even younger (she is two here for reference)! 

Gratitude is such an important virtue and must have trait to build a child’s character. It also shows therapeutic benefits when you show gratitude to others, so why wouldn’t you want to make it a priority to teach and instill in your children? 

In this blog, I have suggestions for how to teach children gratitude broken down by ages and stages from infancy to teenage years, while also including some conversation prompts, and links to my favorite gratitude journals for busy families that we use here at home! 

Find the direct link to read in my bio and stories! I also published similar articles on @todayparents and @redtricycle if you follow me there! #drkimblog
DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I am DOUBLE TAP if you agree!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

I am that mom who wants to do it all and when I get overwhelmed or start suffering from a major case of burnout, I feel guilty if I take a break instead of giving my body and mind permission to slow down or even stop. 

As moms we often feel guilty if we take a break or believe we are perceived as weak if we ask for help. I have learned that the more I ask for help and the more time I take for myself, the better I am for my children. 

Guilt is an emotional response to something you perceived you did wrong, but when you experience unnecessary guilt, it’s counterproductive to healing and helping you with what you need most. So give it a try and let me know how you are going to take a break and not feel guilty about it this week below in the comments! ⤵️ #drkimparentingtips #theparentologist #drkimparentingadvice
DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when yo DOUBLE TAP if you used to love Hello Kitty when you were little - and still do! 🙋🏼‍♀️🐱#ad

I am so excited to have all of these new items from the @erincondren Hello Kitty collection that launched today to keep work fun, playful, and reminiscent of childhood - something all adults need a little more of, am I right? 

The collection is all about organization, kindness, and friendship. My favorite piece of the collection is the “Daily Kindness and Joy Journal” that boldly says BE KIND, BE NICE, REPEAT on the front cover but I am also pretty obsessed with the Hello Kitty x Erin Condren Pencil Case and Vegan Leather Padfolio! 

Swipe to see my business attire on top and activewear on the bottom work style! 😉 And head to my stories to see it all up close and for your convenience I have everything linked for you http://liketk.it/35XZC and make sure to follow me at THEPARENTOLOGIST @liketoknow.it  for more of my favorites!!! #liketkit #erincondren
{New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and {New Blog Post} “Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and Role Play Ideas for Children with Autism” 🧩 🧸 🚂 ⚽️ 
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For the last 3 years I have spent my career therapeutically helping families and children of all ages on the Autism Spectrum. Play has been a fundamental way for many of my clients to communicate if they are non-verbal. And some of my clients have had to be taught how to play with a toy or another person. The play ideas listed on the blog can be used with children with or without special needs. Play is a universal way a child can explore their world in a way that makes sense to them and cultivate imagination, creativity, and fun! As a Registered Play Therapist, I love the work I do and couldn’t be prouder of the progress my clients have made with play over the years! #drkimblog
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#autism #autismmom #autismfamily #autismspectrum #autismcommunity #autismparent #autismlife #autismparents #autismparenting #autistickids #autisticchildren #autistictoddler #autismresources #playtherapy #playtherapist #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #activitiesforkids #activitiesfortoddlers #activitiesforchildren #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryactivities #momswhoblog #ontheblog #newblogpost #parentingblogger #momblogger
{New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control {New Blog Post} ✨🌱🧴“Ways to Take Control of Your Eczema” #ad 
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These winter months have been so dry and my eczema has been flaring up. Can anyone relate? For decades I have used a variety of treatment options from over-the-counter ointments and lotions to doctor prescribed steroid medication. In today’s blog, I am partnering with @mediqcme to share more of my story and struggles with atopic dermatitis as well as some new treatment options! If you or a loved one suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis it’s a must read! 
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Plus there is a survey at the end of the blog you can fill out and opt in to be entered to win 1 of 10 VISA gift cards! 🙌🏻 Link in bio and in stories! #itchyskinhelp #drkimblog
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#eczema #eczemarelief #eczemahealing #eczematreatment #eczemaproblems #eczemawarrior #atopicdermatitis #itchyskin #itchyskinrelief #atopicskin #atopicdermatitistreatment #atopicdermatitismanagement #eczemamanagement #winterskincare #winterskin #winterskincareroutine #winterskincaretips #newblogpost #momswhoblog #ontheblog #wellnessblogger #wellnesstips #wellnessexpert
{New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get {New Blog Post} 🌿 “How to Utilize Play to Get Your Kids to Do What You Want” 
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As a Registered Play Therapist, play is the foundation to the way I help children conceptualize and conquer the world. Play is second nature to children and the way they respond to many of life’s obstacles. Sometimes as parents, it is easy to get into a power match with your children, especially when you want your children to comply with a request and they won’t budge. When this happens, we need to change the way our adult mind thinks and switch it to the way a child thinks. Instead of giving them a punitive consequence, try these play recommendations that can be used with children as young as toddlerhood all the way to adolescents! #drkimblog 
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#playtherapy #playtherapist #therapistsofinstagram #playoutsidethebox #learningthruplay #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #learningisfun #parenting #parentingtips #parenting101 #parentingteens #parentingtweens #parentingtoddlers #parentingadvice #parentingexpert #parentingblogger #parentingblog #newblogpost #ontheblog #momswhoblog #parenthood #toddlerproblems #toddlermom #behaviortherapist #behaviortherapy #positiveparentingsolutions #positiveparentingtips #positiveparenting
{New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effect {New Blog Post} “Tips on How To Set Goals Effectively in 2021” ✨ 
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It’s is usually around this time that I start thinking of the goals I want to accomplish for the year. And whether you believe in making resolutions, affirmations, or goals, it is time to be proactive!! On the blog, I outlined an organizational system I use year after year to help me accomplish my goals. And I hope they work for you!! 
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What are some of your goals you want to accomplish this year? 
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#2021 #2021goals #goals #goalsetting #goalgetter #goalsettingtips #goalsetter #goalsetting2021 #goalcrusher #momhustle #snowday #snowman #newgoals #newgoals2021 #mommyandme #letthembelittle #letthembekids #letthemplay #playoutside #playoutdoors #playoutsidethebox #familyday #familyfun #familysnowday
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