Affordable Adventure

Monkeying Around at the Zoo.

Our family kicked off the new year by visiting the Santa Ana Zoo, which is right off the 5 Freeway and easily accessible to most IE families. Because it was our first time, we did not know what to expect in the way of food prices so snacks were packed for our toddler and we ate lunch before going in (very Frugal-Fairy-ish, if I do say so myself).

It was a pleasant surprise to learn what a fun and affordable outing this zoo is. Admission is only $6 per adult and even less for children. The food options were impressively priced as well, with a burger, drink, and fries all for less than $5 bucks, candy, ice creams, and much more for no more than  you would pay at a snack shack. An added plus was the authentic Mexican food for cheap.

Top Ten Greatest Things:

1. Free Parking

2. Cheap Admission

3. Affordable, yummy food.

4. A large, safe playground next to the eating area with plenty of room for kids to run off energy after lunch.

5. An interactive farm-style exhibit where children can roam free while feeding and playing with safe animals (handwashing station included).

6. An electric train giving witty tours of the park for a small fee.

7. A shiny carousel full of all kinds of creatures for kids to ride – again, you must buy tickets but this keeps admission costs down.

8.  More monkeys than you could shake a stick at, and a wide variety of other animals to enjoy.

9. Lots of safe, clean, open space for families to play and rest during their visit.

10. The park is just big enough to last all day but not so overwhelming that you feel rushed from place to place.