Questions about the Memphis Zoo (Columbia: coupons, home, buy) - City-Data Forum

Columbiasteve · 06-21-2010, 08:24 PM

Visiting Memphis in the very near future and was wondering if anyone could give me some basic information about the Memphis Zoo. Can you bring snacks in or do they check backpacks at the gate? Do they have any food/drink specials in the zoo? Any admission specials? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I go to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia SC all the time but I know every zoo is different. Any tips to enjoying the zoo more? I am bringing my 7 yr old daughter with me. Thanks in advance. Steve

fittoac · 06-21-2010, 08:43 PM

First of all, the zoo is fabulous. I'm sure you and your daughter will have a great time! I would avoid going on a Tuesday, as that is the day it's free for all TN residents and obviously can be very crowded. (I assume you aren't a TN resident, from your SC comment). You can bring in whatever food or drink you want. There are picnic areas throughout the zoo you may use if you'd like. You can also buy food, though I have never done that so I have no tips on that. There are a couple areas where your daughter might like to get wet, so it might be a good idea to wear sandals or clothes that will dry quickly. (In this heat, that shouldn't be a problem!) Near the entrance, there is a "river" people can wade in, followed by a deeper part that kids actually swim in. At the Teton Trek exhibit there is a large geyser area that shoots tons of water high into the air. It's hugely popular with kids! They WILL get soaked! Lots of fun.

If you need a break from the heat, go to the panda exhibit. There is a short film you can watch and the room is blissfully dark and air conditioned. I like to go in there and let my daughter have a snack while we watch the movie.

I guess that's all I can think of right now. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions!

pixiepony · 06-22-2010, 10:10 AM

I bring snacks into the zoo all the time.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I heard Mountain Dew cans purchased at local gas stations have buy one get one ticket coupons on them.

strumpeace · 06-22-2010, 01:15 PM

Steve --

As others have already written, you can bring food/drink into the zoo. There's a cafe in the zoo (formerly run by Backyard Burgers, but not anymore). The food is a bit pricey, imo. Of course, admission is a bit pricey, too.

BUT the zoo is well worth the cost. Memphis is fortunate to have one of the best zoos in the nation. Your little one will want to take the pandas and polar bears home as pets.

Enjoy your visit.

hex_haight · 06-22-2010, 03:34 PM

you can wade in that river thing??? I haven't been in a while because the admission is just too much for me, but last time I was there, I thought there was a sign that said not to play in that....maybe I was just told that so I wouldn't end up dirty and getting into someone else's car....I also do not recall a 'swimming' area....I'm not at all saying you are wrong...I'm just really upset I missed out on a chance to wade!!!!

also, the only food for purchase the last time i was there was backyard burgers fast food. not bad fast food, but nothing special either. I truly hope that since my last visit, they have added a sno cone vendor. sno-cones are very important!!!

at one time the zoo also had a small 'mid way' area with fair rides targeted toward the 8 and under set, and I believe those are a separate purchase from the admission. =/ There is also a really neat area called 'on the farm' or something. kids can get up close with animals like goats! this has been the hit with every little one i've taken there. unlike stum, the kids i've taken wanted to take home a goat...guess I got off lucky on that one. =)

(901) · 06-22-2010, 03:49 PM

Chuck Brady = SATAN

Columbiasteve · 06-22-2010, 06:01 PM

Thanks to everyone for the answers. My daughter is looking forward to seeing the Pandas and the Polar Bears, especially where you can see them swim underwater. I keep telling her Riverbanks Zoo use to have a Polar Bear exhibit like that but they do not have the Polar Bears anymore. We will be prepared to get wet. Thanks again, Steve

fittoac · 06-22-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hex_haight

you can wade in that river thing??? I haven't been in a while because the admission is just too much for me, but last time I was there, I thought there was a sign that said not to play in that....maybe I was just told that so I wouldn't end up dirty and getting into someone else's car....I also do not recall a 'swimming' area....I'm not at all saying you are wrong...I'm just really upset I missed out on a chance to wade!!!!

at one time the zoo also had a small 'mid way' area with fair rides targeted toward the 8 and under set, and I believe those are a separate purchase from the admission.

Oh yes, you can wade! The water is extremely warm.... I wouldn't exactly call it refreshing, but it's still fun. I use the term "swim" loosely- the water is like 2.5 feet deep at the most. But kids still swim in it!

There is no midway area w/rides anymore. The only ride in the zoo is the carousel, which is just outside the exit from the panda exhibit.

hex_haight · 06-23-2010, 10:53 AM

fittoac!
thank you for the update...i haven't been to the zoo in like two years...everytime we have the $30 to go, we end up deciding to spend it someplace else. =)
but now that i know there is wading available, I may have to re budget. I looooooovvvvvveeeee the fountains downtown you can play in and mud island's river walk. I get very envious when I see old old old pics of Overton parks now extince wading pool. I think I saw that Big Fish movie one to many times.

strumpeace · 06-23-2010, 01:35 PM

Sorry to hear about the rides. The zoo hadn't staffed that area very well for the last several years, so I saw the writing on the wall. Too bad. My son loved those rides.

Of course, getting rid of the ride section opens that part of the zoo to new stuff. And if the new stuff can top the stuff that's been added in the last few years, then we're in for a real treat.