A Guide To Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento Zoo has been in operation since 1927 and today is the home of over 140 species. The zoo is a world that revolves around kids, adults, seniors and classroom instructors, offering varieties of events that include overnight stays, educational adventures and birthday parties. With the diversity of science and education in mind, the zoo has an interesting layout of zoo animals. Create a day of fun-filled excitement when visiting the Sacramento Zoo with this all-inclusive guide.

There are so many animals to see at the Sacramento Zoo. Meet Wolf's Guenon, a mammal territorial primate who protects its own by letting out a loud cry. These mammals live in rainforest lowland swamps and are social primates. For those who are bird lovers, the infamous flamingos are in town. This species is popular in the West Indies but has decreased in colony number, from 50 colonies 100 years ago to only four colonies today. Another rainforest species is the poison dart frogs. Each has its own beautiful color, and with excellent eyesight, can spot a tiny inspect that is hidden in foliage and use its tongue to quickly snatch it for a feed.The Sacramento Zoo has even more exciting venues. Now open is the Conservation Carousel ride. The kids will enjoy the educational experience of learning about these beautifully carved wooden, hand-painted animals while riding on the carousel.

If that's not enough, the Sacramento Zoo is open for birthday parties. Celebrate a day, evening, winter, spring or summer birthday party. Check out the special packages offered and plan a party in the wild.

Slice of Broadway
2424 16^th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 281-3333
www.sliceofbroadway.com

If your group is looking for a little nourishment during your day at the zoo, drive a few blocks to Slice of Broadway pizza parlor and choose to dine in or take out and enjoy a picnic at William Land Park. This pizza parlor offers a full menu that includes a variety of pizzas, appetizers, salads and drinks.

If you love organic chicken, unique burgers and mac and cheese, then have lunch at Dad's Kitchen. A few blocks from the Sacramento Zoo, this eatery serves tacos, fries, chili, soups and salads. There are enough options to satisfy the entire family. But its signature is the dad's burger, specially made with grass-fed beef, bacon and blue cheese. Eat on the patio and dine at one of the best eateries in Sac town.

Related: Best Tasting Menus In Sacramento

William Land Park
3800 S. Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-5200
www.cityofsacramento.org

William Land Park is a great spot to picnic near the Sacramento Zoo. Check out the map on the website and plan your post-zoo picnic. From the zoo, drive south down Land Park Drive, between 11^th and 13^th Avenue, and there you have it. You will find a playground area, a basketball court and baseball fields. This makes for a complete day of fun-filled activities in and around the Sacramento Zoo.

Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-5233
www.fairytaletown.org

End this exciting day at Fairytale Town, just across the street from the Sacramento Zoo. Between the zoo and Fairytale Town, it will be a day of merged learning. Fairytale Town is a place for fun play a nd creative learning. Visit the gardens where the kids can experience hands-on learning featuring seasonal vegetables and an appearance by Peter Rabbit. At Fairytale Town, you can keep the animal adventure going with sheep, three Vietnamese pigs, Nigerian Dwarf goats, rabbits and the miniature Sicilian donkey. Top off your day by visiting the stage where you will enjoy puppet plays and concerts.

Related: Weirdest Museums In Sacramento

Stephanie Reed, a freelance writer in the Sacramento area, covers family and parenting issues for Examiner.com. She works and volunteers for local agencies and organizations promoting healthy family living. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.