Here’s Why I Think The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the PERFECT Day Trip
I absolutely love trips to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with my family. The kids have the best time, and for me, it’s deeply nostalgic, like flipping through the pages of my own childhood.
From the moment we walk through the entrance and see the Welcome to The Maryland Zoo sign, the magic begins. The carousel turning nearby and the buzz of excited families makes me feel like a kid again. There's something timeless about the zoo that hits differently as a parent, it’s not just about seeing animals, it’s about reconnecting with wonder through your kids’ eyes.
Into the Wild: African Journey
We usually start in the African Journey, one of my favorite areas of the zoo. The paths curve through wide-open spaces, and you’re suddenly surrounded by zebras, ostriches, and even rhinos. My kids stand still for nearly five minutes just observing, completely mesmerized! That quiet moment? A small miracle in mom life.
And the giraffes… Oh, the giraffes. My heart grows three sizes when I see how excited my kids get over them!
Flamingos, Giggles, and All the Color
The flamingos are one of my daughters FAVORITES. I think we sometimes forget how much joy kids get just from seeing animals being... themselves. It’s a lesson I’m learning to relearn.
Penguin Coast & Tiny Wows
If you've never stood inches from a penguin as it zips through the water, you're missing a tiny miracle. The Penguin Coast exhibit is so thoughtfully done, cool, shaded, and interactive. It’s the perfect mid-trip reset. My kids love watching them swim, and I love that it buys me five minutes to sit down.
A Woodland Walk: Maryland Wilderness
Typically we end our visit in the Maryland Wilderness, a more shaded, peaceful trail with native species and hidden gems. It’s easy to overlook, but it’s such a calm way to wind down from the bigger animals. Turtles in the pond, birds in the brush, a little quiet after the big excitement.
Parenthood is full of chaos and craziness. But places like The Maryland Zoo give us pause. They remind us to slow down and see the world through our kids’ wide eyes again!
Make Memories, Take a Family Trip to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore!
So, here’s to more days filled with muddy sneakers, animal sightings, and quiet in-between moments that remind us we’re doing okay. We’ll be back soon, Maryland Zoo!