A Memorable Family Outing at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you.
Starting off the day!
This past Saturday my family and I (all 12 of us!)visited the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. With sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80’s, it was perfect weather to spend the day checking out animals. Our group included 5 adults and 7 kids ranging from 5-10 years old so we (adults) were definitely outnumbered. We got there right at 9AM when it opened and stayed until about 3PM, giving us plenty of time to explore every exhibit without feeling rushed. Read on for the scoop on our super fun day!
The Exhibits and The Animals
One of our favorite exhibits were the cheetahs, who were far more active than we anticipated. They were pacing around and we ended up with some great videos and one not-so-great video of a cheetah going #2!!
The grandparents were generous enough to buy the kids some lettuce so that they could hand feed the giraffe which the kids were stoked about. The lions were just lounging and napping the day away in their domain complete with rocks, ledges and shady spots. We also enjoyed watching the zebras, towering ostriches, the snoozing snow leopard and the bald eagles.
Rides and Entertainment
While we didn't catch any live shows, the kiddos had a blast riding the old-school carousel and the zoo “choo-choo train” that loops around parts of the park around the Zoorassic play area. Both gave us a nice break from walking around and were perfect for youngsters. We also let the kids burn off some energy at the playground which was perfectly shaded with plenty of space for running around and exploring.
Dining and Shopping
Binder Park has several food options which we’ve partaken in on past trips, but this time, we picnicked at one of their pavilions just outside the park. When it came to souvenirs, the gift shop was a score with each kid picking out a stuffed critter to remember the awesome day.
Need-to-Know Zoo Tips
After our visit, here are some need-to-know tips: Arrive early since animals are most active in the morning (assuming you visit during the warmer summer months). Bring water because fountains are limited, but the shady park makes summer days comfortable compared to other zoos we’ve visited. Top exhibits for kids are the cheetahs, giraffes, otters and lions. Allow enough time to see everything at a relaxed pace.
The zoo does not allow “coolers” into the park. We opted for a small wagon to carry our items through the park which was helpful, but a backpack would work as well. As most zoo animals have a very specific diet, I do understand them asking that all food is left outside of the park for the safety of the animals. We used a cooler like this for our drinks we brough into the park!
That’s a Wrap!
All in all our day at Binder Park Zoo was super fun for the whole family whether you were a youngin’ or an old fogey! We loved getting to see amazing animals in well-designed habitats. The kids were over the moon about the rides, playground, and snagging souvenirs at the gift shop. We can't wait for our next annual visit and highly recommend it as an awesome zoo, perfect for families!
