How is Blank Park Zoo?

**CRcyclone6** · 10-16-2008, 08:32 AM

Looking to take the kids to the zoo today. We've been to the Niabi Zoo (which is very good) in Quad Cities a few times, but never to Blank Park. Any opinions on it?

**DaddyMac** · 10-16-2008, 08:36 AM

If you're expecting Omaha or St Louis or something - you'll be disappointed.

I've never been to the Quad Cities zoo (didn't know they had one), so can't compare. I imagine the DSM zoo is a step up.

If I were you, I'd drive the extra hour or so and go to Omaha.

**jumbopackage** · 10-16-2008, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by CRcyclone6

Looking to take the kids to the zoo today. We've been to the Niabi Zoo (which is very good) in Quad Cities a few times, but never to Blank Park. Any opinions on it?

I've been lots of times. You won't mistake it for a "big" zoo, but it's honestly not too bad. Omaha is much better, though. It's more of a casual day thing than an "event", IMO, but I think it's worth the price of admission.

They do need more monkies, IMO.

**Cyclonepride** · 10-16-2008, 08:40 AM

Not bad, but I agree that Omaha is worth the extra travel time.

**DaddyMac** · 10-16-2008, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by jumbopackage

I've been lots of times. You won't mistake it for a "big" zoo, but it's honestly not too bad. Omaha is much better, though. It's more of a casual day thing than an "event", IMO, but I think it's worth the price of admission.

They do need more monkies, IMO.

I believe the big draw this summer was a baby elephant. Not sure if they still have it there or not.

I only knock it because it's rather small and you can get through it pretty quick. Of course if you get done too fast, you could hit the Science Center. My wife took our niece (3 y/o) down there this summer and they had a great time.

http://www.blankparkzoo.com/index.cf...ay&newsID=2695

Baby giraffe is off exhibit is seems.

**CRcyclone6** · 10-16-2008, 08:42 AM

thanks for the tips. we've been to the Omaha one before. just looking for a day trip. Prob hit Blank Park for something different. thanks again.

**superdorf** · 10-16-2008, 08:44 AM

I haven't been to Niabi zoo in a LONG time... But if it is anything like it was when I was a kid Blank Park will blow it away.

**CRcyclone6** · 10-16-2008, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by superdorf

I haven't been to Niabi zoo in a LONG time... But if it is anything like it was when I was a kid Blank Park will blow it away.

we went again this past summer, it is very nice. they have added lots of things over the last 2 years.

**bmuff** · 10-16-2008, 08:49 AM

We went through Blank Park and saw pretty much every exhibit in around 3 hours. Nice diversion for an afternoon, but nothing like Omaha.

**DaddyMac** · 10-16-2008, 08:52 AM

Something called Night-Eyes going on tonight. Not sure what it is exactly. Additional entrance fee. In fact, it looks like you have to leave and come back at 5:30 (??).

Only open until 4 during the weekdays....

**brianhos** · 10-16-2008, 09:05 AM

Night Eyes is trick or treating for kids at the zoo, it is a lot of fun.

**Bubbahotep** · 10-16-2008, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Something called Night-Eyes going on tonight. Not sure what it is exactly. Additional entrance fee. In fact, it looks like you have to leave and come back at 5:30 (??).

Only open until 4 during the weekdays....

Night Eyes is where you can take the kids to trick or treat, nice set up, my kids enjoy going to it every year.

**wolverine68** · 10-16-2008, 09:07 AM

It's a nice zoo, but everyone is right, you see everything pretty quickly. Depending on how old your kids are, their favorite part will probably be the petting zoo, it's very interactive. You also need to check the feeding times for the giraffes, if you are there at the right time, they will actually let you feed them! That's lot's of fun!!

**cmoneyr** · 10-16-2008, 09:08 AM

It's a good zoo for what it is. Don't think it'll be some amazing place like Omaha, but if your kid likes animals he/she will have a good time.

We're taking my son to night eyes this year, should be fun.

**jdoggivjc** · 10-16-2008, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by CRcyclone6

Looking to take the kids to the zoo today. We've been to the Niabi Zoo (which is very good) in Quad Cities a few times, but never to Blank Park. Any opinions on it?

I'd like to know when it was that you went to the Niabi Zoo. Last time I went (8 years ago) very good is not the description I would have used for my assessment...

I've heard nothing but good things about the Omaha Zoo, if you're willing to drive that far.