#6 on our list was to visit a lighthouse and after doing a bit of research we found that there was one in Cape May, which is only a 2 hour drive away. Also while looking for other things to do in Cape May, we found that they had a FREE zoo close by which we knew the kids would really enjoy. And based on most reviews we read, we knew that the zoo was situated within a park and would only take about 2 hours to walk around, so we decided that we would do a day trip to Cape May. Praying and hoping for good weather on Saturday, when the forecast called for a windy but for the most part dry day, we decided it was a go for Cape May!
We set out around 9:40am and were really lucky that we didn't run into any crazy shore traffic so was able to arrive at the park/zoo around 11:20am. First we went to the surrounding park to have a picnic lunch (#3 on our summer list) and watched people ride on the zoo's train, the Hummingbird Express, and the carousel. Then we went into the zoo to check out the animals. This zoo is very well maintained and very clean! One of the ways they keep it clean is that they don't allow food or drinks in the zoo except in 1 designated around where they sell food. They have a few spots around the zoo where they collect donations to help them maintain the zoo, and if you ever get a chance to go I totally recommend you donate because they really do a tremendous job here!
They have tons of pea fowls (learned that the males are called peacocks and the females are call peahens) wandering the grounds which all the visitors seemed to enjoy and 1 even had his feathers on full display!
*This is the first time I've seen one with this colored body.
*Kids totally loving the peacock.
*Feathers on full display! There were tons of people around just in awe of the beauty.
There were also quite a few exhibits where the visitors walk around on raised ramps so you could get a very nice view of the animals, which both John and I really enjoyed and thought were a great idea! After walking through most of this zoo, and having visited about 5 different zoos in our short time being parents, we both agreed that we liked the way this one was maintained and set up the best.
*John showing E3 how to use binoculars on one of the ramps.
*Checking out a black bear.
*Seeing a python in motion.
It was around 2:30pm when we were done with the zoo and the rides. We then took a short drive, about 20 minutes, and arrived at the Cape May lighthouse. The kids were instantly amazed by how tall the lighthouse was. We took this opportunity to explain to them the purpose of a lighthouse. And then took some pictures outside the lighthouse but decided to not go up because we weren't sure if the kids could climb 199 steps and also it was really windy and would probably be even more so up high which we were sure the kids would not enjoy.
Luckily, right next to the lighthouse is the beach! No swimming was allowed at this beach but that suited us just fine since the kids only really enjoy playing in the sand. We took the short walk from the lighthouse to the beach and the kids had a blast playing in the sand.
*Taking their shoes off so they could run around on the sand.
*Another view of the lighthouse.
* Took E4 a while to get used to the sand and actually get down and play.
*A WWII bunker on the beach.
*E3 playing in the sand.
Around 5:30pm we were finally able to convince the kids to leave the beach and go look for some dinner. We finally got home around 9:30pm, being gone for almost exactly 12 hours, we were so glad to have done so much! Checked off #3 Picnic in the park, #6 Visit a lighthouse, and #7 Go to the beach all in one day!
Do any fun things this past weekend? We would love to hear from you!
Zi
Whew! I am exhausted just hearing about your day. We stayed in town over the long weekend and did some fun things around the neighborhood. It was relaxing.
ReplyDeleteHaha...we did do quite a bit in one day but it didn't feel too rushed when we were doing it for some reason =)
DeleteYay for crossing 3 things off your list in one day! So efficient! I didn't know the Cape May zoo was free. We visited Cape May last year and decided not to go there for the day. Maybe next time we will since it's got such a great review from zoo veterans like yourselves :). I didn't know female pea fowls were called peahens! Glad the weather held up for your day trip to Cape May! As you know, we went to Lancaster this past weekend. Still haven't downloaded the photos to post about it, but it was a blast!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read about your time in Lancaster! It's funny how after you have kids, you end up in the zoo a lot!
DeleteYay for getting things off your list. Looks like you guys had such a great time!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
We had a wonderful time!
DeleteWhat an awesome day you had! That's so awesome that the zoo was free. This past weekend, we went to a reservoir near our home. We biked 8 miles around it. I didn't realize it was 8 miles or else I would have never agreed to that. Ha ha! But feel so good that I accomplished that. Then we had a great lunch at restaurant we tried for the first time.
ReplyDeleteWow, 8 miles that's awesome! It does feel good when you think back at what you accomplished. We were amazed we got so much done in 1 day!
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