Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo is a world-class experience. When my boys were growing up, we went there twice, and it was shocking for me to realize how much Ross remembered from those long-ago visits to this zoo. It is THAT impressive. And this was the perfect 2018 end-of-the-summer Grandma Camp Adventure!!

We started off with a trolly ride around the grounds, just so we could get the lay of the land...

We went to the first Dolphin Show of the day.  OF COURSE we had to sit in the Splash Zone!! (Warren was trying to look sad)

But he wasn't sad!  He is the happiest kid in America -- always eager to please, and he was DELIGHTED the whole day...(even though we ended up walking about 6 miles)...

The dolphin show was TERRIFIC..!!

And, at this zoo, YOU SEE ANIMALS at every turn.

Of course, the smaller species are behind glass -- or hiding under rocks...

There are lots of things for kids to climb on -- both indoors and out...

Many opportunities to see the UNDERWATER life of animals, species, bears, sharks, etc.

After five hours, we stopped for a slushy snack.  (Thanks, Uncle Ross)

The Polar Bears were of particular interest to Lilly.

And, WOW -- are they BIG..!!

Tropic World was, at one time, the largest indoor animal exhibit in the world.

Representing the continents: South America, Asia and Africa...

Warren was fascinated by the monkeys, jumping from tree to tree -- and you really feel like they could jump into your arms!

This is 23 year old Koola, holding her new baby, born June 1st. The baby girl was named Ali.

The last thing to do on our list was to ride the amazing animal Carousel.  As we waited for our turn, the kids were picking out which animal they wanted to ride...

 Of course, Uncle Ross stood behind Warren the whole way....(Grandma was on a bench).

Lilly wanted to ride the wolf...and she got lucky!!

I CANNOT IMAGINE A BETTER DAY.   The weather was perfect...it was 83 degrees that day! Because the zoo is nestled in the woods -- all the mature trees provide comfortable shady areas.

We walked into the zoo at 10:00 -- and we were headed back through the tunnel to our car at 4:00.

Warren was asleep before Ross even drove out of the parking lot...