I took my son, Levi, to the Phoenix Zoo. The weather was perfect — a nice breeze, no harsh sun. The animals were out. Levi sat quietly in his stroller, pointing at each creature with fascination. The crowds were manageable. Everything was going just as I’d imagined.
Yeah, right.
Zoos and aquariums have always been some of my favorite places to explore. There’s something magical about walking around and seeing animals in environments that feel almost natural. This was Levi’s official first zoo trip — his first time had been at night for Christmas lights — and I was excited for him to experience the wonder the same way I do.
Instead, I was met with screams that nearly rivaled the lion’s, tested patience, anxious moments, and a toddler who missed most of the animals.
We arrived at 9:50…
…and surprisingly, the sun was tolerable for a June day in Arizona. I had decided last-minute to go after finally getting a day off. The zoo was running a special in honor of June 2nd — $6.02 admission — so I wasn’t the only one with the bright idea. It took ten minutes just to get into the parking lot, and I snagged a lucky spot in the back of the main lot.
The first ten minutes inside were calm. Levi sat quietly in his stroller as we searched for animals that hadn’t retreated from the sun. I took him out to see the lions — and he immediately threw his shoe on the ground. When I put him back in the stroller, he cried. He kept trying to wriggle free, growing louder each time I adjusted him. I handed him a snack — he threw it. I offered ice water, lowered the stroller seat, pushed him over some bumpy cobblestone… and finally, he fell asleep.
For the next 40 minutes, I weaved through the zoo, passing bears, flamingos, and horses, while Levi snored peacefully. He woke up just in time to catch glimpses of the tigers and rhinos — and to eat kettle corn, his favorite snack.
And then it was over. The zoo closed early, so we left early to beat the traffic.
Was That It?
I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment.
Did I make the most of the day?
Did I get enough good photos?
Did Grandpa enjoy himself?
Did Levi?
Was it worth it?
I had imagined a magical, eye-opening experience for Levi. Instead, the zoo turned out to be a great napping location. And I hate to admit it, but I felt disappointed — not just in how things went, but even in my son.
Why did he have to sleep?
Why couldn’t he have had more fun?
Why did he cry so much?
What if he doesn’t like zoos as much as I do?
Takeaway
HE’S A TODDLER.
Of course he’s not going to sit still the whole time. Of course he’s going to follow his nap schedule, even if we’re somewhere new and exciting. And that’s okay. He’s not a doll I can bring along and expect to perform on cue. That’s where I lost sight of the point.
We were there for just two and a half hours — and he still experienced the zoo in his own way.
He touched a lion’s fur.
He jumped in a sand pit.
He devoured kettle corn.
He sat next to a monkey and a tiger (with glass between, of course).
He spent the day with his grandpa.
Maybe not all animals thrilled him, but the joy on his face when he pointed to the birds told me all I needed to know — he did experience something special.
So yes, I’m calling this trip a success. It taught me something too: for future adventures I’ll bring more snacks, a comfy blanket, more patience…
…and hopefully, Daddy.
TINY SHOES BIG VIEWS 
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