Kiddie Rides, Animal Rides and Skyfari are Closed due to Weather.

Train Ride is OPEN today.  This is subject to change due to weather.

Zebra Cafe is Open. (Clarice’s Cupboard/Funky Monkey closed today)

Giraffe Encounters are weather permitting.

We are OPEN tomorrow SUNDAY and MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY 10am – 5pm.

Tanzie hanging on her MoM!

Since Mother’s Day is this weekend we wanted to say Happy Mother’s Day to our friends and family.  We are amazed each day by our animal moms and surrogate moms here at the zoo.  Tabitha is an amazing MOM to Tanzie….even when Tanzie does not leave her alone! Auntie Jingles is also a great mom to Tanzie.  On Mother’s Day, our moms will get a special treat!  We have a lot of new babies here at the zoo including monkeys, aoudads, goats, kangaroos, sheep and so many more to come too! We are asking for large cat boomer balls www.boomerballs.com for our lion cubs as a donation if anyone would like to make a donation to the animals!  Thank You!

Weekday Show Schedule

Note: Mondays , A Peacock Party  will take place at 3:00 pm

She needs a name!

We are looking for a meaningful name for the female lion cub.  When you visit the zoo, stop by Parakeet Landing before 4pm to submit a name.  She is a very intelligent, resourceful and playful alpha female.  We are looking for a name that has a great meaning and will fit her personality.  Her brother has been named L.J. after his father Leroy.  Help Us….the person who submits the winning name will receive 2 general admission tickets to the zoo and a lion plush animal.

• Weekdays – Rides Operate 11 am – 4pm
• Weekend – Rides Operate 11am – 5pm
• Parakeet Aviary open 12 – 4 daily
• Elkhorn Mining open 11am – 4 weekday and 11 – 4:30 weekend!

Camel Rides:  Closed Monday – Thursday,  Open Friday 12 – 3,  Sat & Sun 11 – 5

With the influx of eReaders and online movie streaming, many have abandoned use of their local library for the latest technology. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that the local library is a goldmine for those looking to save money, even with the latest gadgets.

Whether you’re an avid reader, a movie buff, a music fiend, or someone who likes to visit museums, your local library has the ability to save you thousands of dollars. A local library is not solely reserved for use by academics. Even if you don’t enjoy reading, there are so many other ways that your local library can benefit you and your wallet. The following article from HubPages explains ways in which you can save a lot of money by utilizing the free services from your local library.

How Much Money Can I Save With My Library Card? Easy Tips For How to Have Fun and Save Money With Help From Your Library

I am going to start by stating the obvious, you can save money by using your local library. I am hoping this is not a surprise to anyone. If it is you’ve already missed out on thousands of dollars worth of savings. You might be surprised however by just how much you can save by using the library. Sure you can go check out hat new best-seller instead of heading to Barnes & Noble and paying ten dollars for your own copy, but that is just the beginning. My estimated library use in the last year is worth approximately $2,000. Two thousand dollars. This is as a single individual, not currently in school, or otherwise using the library for extensive research projects.

 

10 Easy Tips for Saving Money at the Library

 

So how exactly did I use more than $2,000 worth of library services? Well, first there’s the more than 150 books I checked our both for my own personal reading, and for work, but books are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using the library to save money. Here are a few other ways, the library can save you some cash –

 

(1) Use the library’s computers
(2) Access free wifi on your laptop or mobile device
(3) Take your children to story hour or another free event
(4) Read newspapers and magazines from the library instead of buying your own
(5) Borrow CDs
(6) Borrow DVDs
(7) Borrow a book on tape for your next roadtrip
(8) Learn a new money-saving skill with the help of a frugal cookbook or a DIY book
(9) Participate in a coupon exchange

And my personal favorite….(10) MUSEUM PASSES!!

 

Just how much can these museum passes save you? My library has passes available for free or reduced admission at 10 different museums, as well as a free parking pass for the Massachusetts state parks. A family of four who used all ten of these passes would save a total of $318! Over $300 is far from pennies for any family, and means choosing between saving vs. having fun is no longer an issue, with the library’s help you can do both! I saved my parents’ and I a collective $45 with a free pass to the Norman Rockwell museum – normally $15 per person. And this is a library in small-town USA which fights for funding, imagine how many savings options might be found in a larger urban library?

 

And a little bonus tip – if your local library is part of a larger regional or county library system, don’t forget to check out the museum pass offerings at other local libraries, especially ones in larger or wealthier communities, or town’s which are known to have especially good libraries!

 

So how much is YOUR library card worth?

 

What I have listed above are only the direct, easy to calculate savings results of my library use.  I calculated these savings using a great calculator from the Massachusetts Library Association.  Check out the link yourself to see just how much you’ve saved through library use in the last year.

 

http://69.36.174.204/value-new/calculator.html

 

And remember these are just part of your savings opportunities. You could also check out DIY books to help you with that new home project.  You could help slash your grocery bill with books on frugal cooking, or home gardening, or by using one of the coupon boxes popular at many libraries.  Educational programs and seminars are also offered at many libraries for little or no cost.

As you can see, your local library has many resources available at a free or discounted price. Remember, most library cards are free to obtain!

Even if you prefer your eReader to physical books, many libraries now have ebook loan programs as well. Contact your local library to find out how you can borrow ebooks directly from your eReader, free of charge. Don’t have an eReader? Your local library may also allow you to borrow one!

If your local library is a part of a larger network of public libraries, then the possibilities are nearly endless. If your local library doesn’t have a certain item, then you request it from any other library in the network, and it will be delivered directly for you to pick up to your local library. There is no longer a need to pay for movie or game rentals with access to nearly any item in the inter-library loan catalog, for free! The library should no longer be thought of as simply shelves full of books, since your local library now carries music, video games, audiobooks, toys, and much more. Plus, all renewals and requests can be made online.

Another great way to utilize your local library to its full extent is through passes. These are typically good for discounted or free entry to local museums, educational exhibits, and state parks. Now you can have a day of fun and learning with your children or friends without worrying about the cost.

Visit your local library to find out if you have the opportunity to get discounted entry to Southwick’s Zoo, simply for holding a library card. Just be sure to call ahead, because many local libraries will ask you to reserve these passes ahead of time. Now you can make trips to Southwick’s Zoo a part of your budgeted learning experience! Contact us to learn more.

We’d love to know: how do you use your local library card to its full extent?

Kya taking in scent!

We are working hard getting the animals into their summer exhibits.  The weather has been a little chilly so some of our birds and monkeys will have to stay inside for a little bit…but it is getting warmer each day so we are able to bring out more animals each day!  The lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, chimpanzees, deer forest, kangaroos and so many more are already out! This picture of Kya our bengal tiger is catching a scent…hmm could it be our visitors perhaps?  Come on down for a visit…the animals are waiting for you!

Shows, Bird Talk & Giraffe Encounters Begin May 4, 2013

Elkhorn Mining OPEN 11 am -4:30 pm!

Elkhorn Mining

Elkhorn Livery Stable & Pony Rides NOW OPEN! 11 am – 5pm Sat & Sun, 11 am – 4pm (mon – fri)

Pony Rides have moved next to the Elkhorn Mining Company!

The following article from What to Expect gives some excellent tips on managing a zoo visit so that you and your toddler can make the most out of the trip.

Making a Zoo Visit With Toddlers

If your curious critter can’t get enough of his stuffed furry friends, it might be time for a trip to see some real animals. Just remember these tips to keep your zoo visit (relatively) tame.

 

There’s a reason that “Old MacDonald” is the most beloved song of the toddler years: Little kids love animals. But your little one’s unlikely to cross paths with too many different species besides dogs and cats (and the occasional gerbil) in his everyday life. Your best bet for animal education is to go on a family outing to a zoo near you. Here’s what to know to make a day with kids at the zoo a roaring success.

 

When to Go on a Zoo Visit

 

The youngest toddlers can be stimulated and engaged on a visit to the zoo, even if they just look and listen from afar (or from the comfort of your arms). Older kids at the zoo can delve more deeply into the fascinating elements of animal life, like what they eat or where they live, as they listen to a (brief) trainer talk or watch (or even participate in) a feeding. Even though the fun and learning quotients are high, it’s still best to keep your zoo trip to about two hours, which is the max that munchkins can manage without getting tired or cranky. One more word to the wise: If possible, take kids to the zoo when the crowds are smaller (during the week, during the day).

 

Before the Visit to the Zoo

 

• Read (and sing) all about it. Your animal-lover will enjoy his zoo visit even more if he knows a bit about what and who he’ll encounter. Look at books highlighting the creatures that live at the zoo (pop-ups or books that make sounds are particularly fun with this subject matter). Watch a tot-friendly video about animals, and of course, sing songs about animals and the noises they make: “Pop Goes the Weasel” and “Down by the Bay” (“did you ever see a llama wearing pajamas?”) are two tried-and-true winners. If you’ve ever taken your tot to a children’s circus, remind him of the animals he saw there — he might be able to spot them again!
• Dress for success. Comfy walking shoes are a must for your tot (and for you). And since zoos have both indoor and outdoor areas (not to mention a chilly reptile house and that hot and humid aviary), dress in layers and take along a jacket and sun hat so you’re both comfortable no matter the micro-climate.
• Pack healthy snacks. Aside from animals, zoos are full of ice-cream carts and cotton-candy stands, which can sabotage your visit with a battle over treats or, if you give in, a sugar-spiked crash and burn. Bypass the junk food and boost your kid’s energy by bringing healthy treats from home. (If you do allow a special treat on your kid’s day out, buy it as you go to soften the blow of leaving.)
• Bring (or rent) a stroller. Even the hardiest walker can get tuckered out by all the terrain you’ll cover walking around the zoo.
• Stick (mostly) to the petting zoo. It’s tempting to take your tot to see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), but these creatures hang in sprawling landscapes, making them tougher for toddlers to spot. The petting zoo is a much better place to take toddlers because little ones can see animals up close and even interact with them. If your sweetie’s heart is set on seeing safari animals, head over during scheduled feeding times or trainer talks to guarantee a good view.
• Don’t feed the animals people food. Animals eat animal crackers, right? That makes sense to your toddler, who may be anxious to share his stash. Be sure to explain (and enforce) that these creatures eat only special animal food. If he’s gung ho about feeding, buy some feed from the vending machines at the petting zoo and let the nibbling begin. Just be sure to whip out your hand sanitizer or head to a sink soon after the feeding frenzy.
• Use your senses. Encourage your child to activate all his senses (well, except taste). As he cuddles the lamb, ask how his coat feels (fuzzy? scratchy?). How does the llama smell? (Stinky is a popular response.) What about those monkeys? Are they quiet or loud? And how about that toucan’s beak? Those are called stripes. These simple questions really engage kids at the zoo and help your child learn while he’s having fun.
• Walk the walk, talk the talk. Kids love to imitate, so a trip to the zoo is the perfect time to practice their mimicry skills. Challenge your child to trumpet like an elephant or walk like an ape. Then once you’re home, do your best animal imitations and see if he can name that beast.

During Your Zoo Visit

 

• Stick (mostly) to the petting zoo. It’s tempting to take your tot to see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), but these creatures hang in sprawling landscapes, making them tougher for toddlers to spot. The petting zoo is a much better place to take toddlers because little ones can see animals up close and even interact with them. If your sweetie’s heart is set on seeing safari animals, head over during scheduled feeding times or trainer talks to guarantee a good view.
• Don’t feed the animals people food. Animals eat animal crackers, right? That makes sense to your toddler, who may be anxious to share his stash. Be sure to explain (and enforce) that these creatures eat only special animal food. If he’s gung ho about feeding, buy some feed from the vending machines at the petting zoo and let the nibbling begin. Just be sure to whip out your hand sanitizer or head to a sink soon after the feeding frenzy.
• Use your senses. Encourage your child to activate all his senses (well, except taste). As he cuddles the lamb, ask how his coat feels (fuzzy? scratchy?). How does the llama smell? (Stinky is a popular response.) What about those monkeys? Are they quiet or loud? And how about that toucan’s beak? Those are called stripes. These simple questions really engage kids at the zoo and help your child learn while he’s having fun.
• Walk the walk, talk the talk. Kids love to imitate, so a trip to the zoo is the perfect time to practice their mimicry skills. Challenge your child to trumpet like an elephant or walk like an ape. Then once you’re home, do your best animal imitations and see if he can name that beast.

Consider getting a map of your local zoo before the zoo visit, so that you can pre-plan the zoo visit tour. You can map out all of your toddler’s must-see animal exhibits, and then visit them in a timely fashion, without having to do excessive amounts of walking.

Not only does Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, MA offer a wide range of animal exhibits, as well as a free petting zoo, but we also have fun rides to entertain the younger children that visit our Zoo. The Woodland Express ride is a great way for your toddler to see the zoo from a new perspective. The Woodland Express is a rubber tire train ride that will take you through various parts of the Zoo, plus children ages 2 and under ride free!

Southwick’s Zoo is also home to Deer Forest, where children can feed deer from our special feeding station during their zoo visit. However, it is important to take note that deer tend to be frightened by loud or rambunctious children, so this may be a portion of your zoo visit to put at the beginning of your itinerary. It is also important to talk to your children about the difference between people food and animal food, as the article above suggests.

We would love it if you made Southwick’s Zoo the location for your toddler’s zoo visit. If you have any questions about your next zoo visit, such as what you are allowed to bring into the Zoo, please review our FAQs. For example, we allow you to bring in your own strollers as well as your own lunch, so that your zoo visit can be hassle-free.

Have you ever brought your toddler for a zoo visit to Southwick’s Zoo? What tactics did you use to help make your zoo visit a positive experience?