We went to York's Wild Kingdom in York, ME today and here is my review.....
Date: 8/21/2008
Parking: There is a lot of parking, but I did notice that if you arrive later in the day the cars are parked along the road into the zoo and up at a field quite a walk from the main gate. We arrived at 11:00 AM and the lines were long, but we parked up close to the gate.
Gate/Admission: [$$$] - We paid for the zoo only. The lines to get in were long. I don't know if it's always like that or if it was a combination of the great weather and the time of day. Anyhow, there were 4 lines open and we waited about 25 minutes to pay and get in. The umbrella stroller was helpful so I could keep my son in one spot while we patiently (yah, right) waited to pay and get a wrist band. The lines in the morning are in the shade!
Birthday Parties: No mention of actual birthday parties on their site, but I love this zoo. I think this would be a great place for a party!
Bathroom: There is a bathroom to the right of the gate and there is another one inside the zoo near the Two-toed Sloth! We used the one by the Sloth. The changing table is outside of the bathroom in full sun during mid-day.
Cleanliness: The park is pretty clean.
Store: There is a souvenir store at the main gate and another near the butterfly exhibit. There is an area to get food. They have the typical variety of hotdogs, chicken tenders, french fries and I think I saw a sign for tacos! I noticed a few vending machines with drinks also.
Overall: I like York's Wild Kingdom for a couple of reasons. I like the zoo itself. My son loves the deer petting/feeding area. It's just the right size for a toddler. It's not huge and it's not tiny either. It has just enough to see. I love the fact that if you walk through the ride area it ends up on the main road to Short Sands Beach. We walked over to a diner and grabbed a grilled cheese and went to the grassy park overlooking the beach. We had lunch there then walked the beach. There is a playground right there as well. We had a great day. Go check it out for yourself!
This is AWESOME!!! I found you through The Goffstown Edge. I'm a first time mom of twins (only 4 months) but I will surely keep this site handy to reference as they get older. Great site!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad York's Wild Kingdom isn't open year-round, but I guess our New England weather won't permit this! York's Wild Kingdom is really one of the best New England amusement/zoo attractions, better than some other places that get more publicity!
ReplyDeleteYork's Wild Kingdom is one of the best places to go for a toddler/preschooler. The zoo is great, the rides are fun (but definitely more appropriate for the little ones~ only about 4 "adult" or older kids rides) and the walk to the nice clean beach and LARGE play ground is short and it's one fun-filled day. There are even plenty of shops and places to eat on the way. There's also a taffy and candy shop where you can watch it all being made!! We go every summer leaving at 8 am and not returning until 8-9 pm. We pack spare clothes, bathing suit, towels and snacks in a back pack and leave pj's in the car for the ride home. It's a must try!!
ReplyDeleteWow - I am surprised at the great reviews. I recently took my 14 month old daughter with friends with other children. The children had a great time, but the adults were all horrified at the living conditions of the animals. This is an old-fashioned zoo, where the animals are expoilted for your amusement. I would not recommend this zoo to anyone who cares about animals.
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