Zootastic Park. . . Begining a Family Tradition

We sent to Zootastic Park last year during the holidays for the Christmas Wonderland of Lights. We had so much fun and Olivia loved it even at just over a year old. So we knew we had to go back this year. She really got into the Christmas lights in the neighborhood, as we were riding around, and at our house. She had to turn them on outside (with the remote control), on the tree, and on our banister every night! At the park, you ride through their long drive way which is all decorated with lights. There is not a whole lot of planning, just lots of lights hung everywhere. My favorite is the lighted arches you drive under. They had a small barn and bonfire about halfway up the drive where they have a petting area with goats, sheep, and llamas. You could also purchase marshmallows to roast--but we decided not to, especially since we had just petted the animals.

Olivia had absolutely no fear. She wanted pet all the animals. She was saying how soft they were. So cute! Next, we got back in the car to head to the main zoo area. They have  a western town set up with the syncronized lights and music. This is also where they have hot chocolate, cider and snacks. You could go to Santa's toyshop and visit Santa. They also had some of the zoo staff with some of the baby animals--a baby kangaroo and another animal I had never heard of before. Then we head to the outdoor area. They have a barn that looks like  Noah's Ark. Inside there are goats, horses, sheep, camels, llamas, kangaroos, birds, a calf, and some other animals that I did not recognize that were all sleeping. You could buy feed for these animals. Olivia loved that! She watched a couple feed the camel, llama, and calf--she is still talking about the llama spitting at the lady. 

Next, we headed over to ride on a pony. We remembered this from last year, but weren't sure if it would scare her. Bart walked around the little forest trail they had set up beside her on the pony. She was a bit unsure but seemed to like it.

Last we headed inside to have "hot chocit" to warm up before we went back outside to watch the synchronized light show. We watched a couple of songs from the car. I think this is something that we will make a family tradition each year. We have already thought about inviting cousin Lucas to come next year. It is great fun for the whole family. We also want to go back this spring or summer to visit the zoo during the normal season.