Title: Here’s Why We Got Our AZA Membership At Como Zoo
Hello fellow adventurers and travel-loving families! DoubleDeckerFam, ready to share with you another gem from our cross-country escapades. If you’ve been following our journey on social media, you know that our family of eight – my gorgeous wife and six energetic kids – lives life on the road in our converted double-decker RV. Today, I want to talk to you about a fantastic decision we made on our journey: getting an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) membership at Como Zoo. Here’s why it was a great move for us and why it might be perfect for your family too!
Why Zoos on a Travel Itinerary?
First things first, you might wonder why a zoo, right? There’s a simple answer. With little ones ranging from 5 to 10 years old, we are always on the lookout for educational yet entertaining spots that can engage all of them. Zoos, my friends, are a goldmine for this. They offer a hands-on learning experience about wildlife and conservation efforts that books and screens sometimes can’t fully deliver. Plus, a well-laid-out zoo is worth its weight in gold for parents needing a structured yet flexible day out – you get walking paths, picnic areas, and educational talks all in one place.
The Magic of Como Zoo
Our adventure at Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was nothing short of magical. This place had something for each one of us. As we walked through verdant paths catching glimpses of gorillas and giraffes, it was not just the kids who stood in awe – those moments brought out the inner child in my wife and me as well. Como Zoo is a part of the larger Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, which means alongside the animal exhibits; you also get stunning botanical displays and a lovely amusement park. All of that, and the admission is based on voluntary donations – now that’s something you don’t see every day!
Discovering the AZA Membership
On our visit, we came across the AZA membership booth and after a quick conversation, we were convinced this was a valuable investment. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is dedicated to animal care, science, education, and conservation. By becoming AZA members, we were not only supporting these efforts, but we were also unlocking a plethora of perks that are perfect for our nomadic lifestyle.
Benefits of AZA Membership
1. Free or Discounted Admission Nationwide
As an AZA member at Como Zoo, we received free or discounted admission to over 150 other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the country. Given our nationwide travels, this was an immediate win. On one day we could be exploring the marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, and the next week find ourselves marveling at the stunning exhibits in Zoo Atlanta.
2. Supporting Conservation Efforts
Each visit to an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium contributes to conservation efforts locally and globally. We’re teaching our kids the value of preserving wildlife, one fun and educational day at a time.
3. Member-Only Events
AZA memberships often come with invites to exclusive events, previews, and educational programs. These sort of events are a chance to see the animal world up close while avoiding the hustle of daily crowds, something substantially appreciated when wrangling six spirited children.
4. Discounts and More
Discounts on food, gifts, and special exhibits save more than a few dimes – especially with a large family. Every little bit helps when you’re RVing full-time.
Why It Works For Families Like Ours
Accessibility
The double-decker RV isn’t exactly subtle, and finding RV-friendly spots can be a challenge. Zoos are usually well-equipped to handle bus-sized vehicles, so parking is seldom an issue – a real sanity saver if we’re just passing through a city and we need a spot to get out and walk around for a while.
Education On-The-Go
The educational benefits of zoos align perfectly with homeschooling. It’s a dynamic classroom on-the-go for each of our kids, enriching their learning in memorable ways.
Family Bonding
Experiencing the animal kingdom together fosters family bonding. We create shared memories while learning respect and empathy for these beautiful creatures that share our planet.
Wrapping Up Our Zoo Adventures
Investing in an AZA membership has become one of the smartest moves in our journey. By joining at Como Zoo, which holds a special place in our hearts now, we’ve opened doors to countless new experiences.
And dear friends, as much as I revel in sharing stories, remember this – it’s not just the destinations that matter, but also the dreams and passions you nurture along the way. Traveling the United States with a family of eight in a double-decker RV might sound a bit out there, but it’s our reality, filled with discovery and learning at every turn.
For those considering an AZA membership – do it. It’s a cost-effective way to enrich your family travels while contributing to something bigger than us all. If you’re ever at Como Zoo or any zoo across the nation and spot a lively bunch with a double-decker RV, come say hello! We’d love to meet fellow explorers on this wild journey called life.
Remember to check out our socials for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes look at the DoubleDeckerFam’s adventures. Until next time, keep roving, learning, and loving this beautiful world together!
Safe travels!