In Your Backyard March 2020 ~ Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Phil the Groundhog said we were in for an early spring, and as the temperatures go in and out of the

40s I have hope his prediction is correct. So that means cabin fever has hit the breaking point and that is the perfect time for a great educational and all around fun road trip for the family. Pack a raincoat and don’t forget the camera and head south with me for a fantastic day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Hosting 77 acres of fun and 9000 animals including the fish, the zoo is a great place to view and learn about animals you may have only have read about or seen on tv.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium has seasonal rates and times and until April 30th general admission for Adults $16.95, Seniors (60+) $15.95, children (2-13) $14.95 and children under 2 are free. Summer rates kick in May 1st through September 2nd and are $1 more. I was able to make it down for World Wildlife Day on March 3rd and the Zoo offered free admission for the day. Check their webpage to find out about RAD Day in October for another free admission day and also plan a visit on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day when Mom or Dad respectively receive free admission when accompanied by their child of any age. If you happen to be members of the Erie Zoo then you will be delighted to know that there is a 50% discount for their members if you show your membership card. US active duty military, reservist and veterans also receive free entry with proper ID. If you plan to make the zoo a multiple visit destination for the year, then let me suggest a membership. You can check out the different types on their webpage at www.pittsburghzoo.org Going this route will ensure you get to see all the different types of animals including the reptiles or warm weather animals that may be off exhibit in some of the cooler months as well as save money on your visits.

Families are able to bring in sack lunches and snacks as long as there are no glass containers or bottles and strollers can be used as long as they utilize the elevator for entry into the zoo. So it is the perfect trip for all ages and definitely a great time for the family.
I was absolutely thrilled to see the two baby Clouded Leopard cubs on my latest visit. Both are little boys and are named Gale and Lynn and they seem to have a great time with their enclosure and are full of energy and a true joy to see. Owning cats just made me want to cuddle them and take them home, that was until I saw mom and realized they someday they will be just as big.
I am a huge fan of the PPG Aquarium and all of the different animals including the Sea Turtle Second Chance program. Harbor the Sea Turtle is a current resident who arrived after a severe spinal injury and it was great to see him swimming around his tank. There are many different programs like this that are part of their ongoing commitment to conservation and education, so take a few minutes to check that out if you would like to help.

My absolute personal favorite part of the zoo since I have been going with the kids is the Waters Edge Exhibit. It is a chance to go under two different tunnels in the water to see the polar bears swimming in the first tunnel or sea lions in the second tunnel. It is magical to watch how gracefully these animals are while they are in the water. The fur on the polar bear is just moving in waves like the water giving them a truly amazing look. Be sure you visit that area when you go and I am positive you will not be disappointed. Sometimes the bears are not swimming, but usually if you are patient (even if you have to stop back by) they will at some point go in the water. I no longer have little young ones but one look at the Kids Kingdom and I could tell you that it is absolutely the coolest playground and kid area I have seen in a long time. A wonderful place that has many things to play on, animals to pet, and even a themed restaurant for your picky eater.
Maps are available online as well as the ticket areas, be sure to grab one so as you wander, you are not lost.

As seen in the Meadville Tribune on March 9, 2020 https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/monday-spotlight-pittsburgh-zoo-is-in-your-backyard/article_843c50fa-601b-11ea-9791-b36703bc07b9.html