Which one of these parks is better for a 2year old (stroller will be in tow)? I want to go to both on our trip, but i think that will be too much for our son... we will be in southern ca for 6 days. Our 1st stop is disneyland, then we will travel to san diego and go to some of the attractions down there... im debating between Sea World, San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park... What are your thoughts?
Go to the zoo. The Wild Animal Park is a valley that_s set up to look like an African plain, where the animals can roam around in a somewhat natural habitat. You could wander around for quite awhile at the Wild Animal Park and just see a bunch of native African species of shrubs or something like that, without seeing any animals. Also, someone mentioned the tram. They shut that down last year, because it was getting old and unreliable (it kept breaking down, stranding people in the middle of the park for hours).
The zoo is full of various exhibits that are packed together into a smaller park. It is hilly. But, you can start at the top and work your way to the bottom of the zoo, and then take a long escalator back up to the top. The zoo also has a petting zoo for kids, where they can harass ... er ... pet some barnyard animals. One thing, though: This year, the zoo stopped letting people bring in their own food (they want to make more money by selling their high-priced junk). So, expect to have to pay for food and drink.
Sea World has a bunch of ocean type of exhibits (pools of dolphins and stuff, as well as an enclosed aquarium building). But, mostly the big attraction is the shows. And, you spend a lot of time sitting in the sun waiting for and watching the next show, because the seating is uncovered. I think Sea World is better for kids aged 5 and older.the Wild Animal Park and the Zoo are different. The cool part of the Wild Animal Park is the tram that takes you around the park, this is 1 hour long. . . .and the wait in line can also be 1 hr. . .the zoo is a traditional zoo where you walk al around the park and look at all the animals.
If you want to do less walking, then the Wild Animal Park is the one. But know also that depending on where you will be in SD, this can be a long drive as it_s inland past Escondido in North County.
With a 2yr old, I would also recommend Legoland in Carlsbad, close to freeway and fun for the whole family. Sea World is also a great option, they have shows with animals that are fun for little kids.
here are some links for you:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/
this will have info on both the zoo and the wild animal park
http://www.legoland.com/
http://www.seaworld.com/sandiego/
Do 1 not both. And I would pick the Zoo because you see the animals better and closeup. The WAP is about observing the animals in their _natural setting_ out on the prairee in other words...and most of them from far away, Plus the WAP is outside the city so it_s not very practical, whereas the ZOO is in the city center.Definitely the SD Zoo. Sea World and the Wild Animal Park are both cool as well, however you can find all the animals at both of those places at the SD Zoo and the zoo is much larger in size.
