There are just some places that feel like a reset button—and for me, the OKC Zoo is one of them.
We’ve actually gone a couple of times already this year, both in the spring (February and March), and every visit reminds me how much I love it. Honestly… I might love it even more than the kids do.
We’ve learned over time that spring and fall are our zoo seasons. Oklahoma summers are just too hot to make it enjoyable, so we soak it in when the weather is just right.
Both trips were just our crew—me, Mike, Braden, and Austin—and one of the days we met up with some soccer friends, which made it extra fun for the boys.
The Dino Exhibit = So Fun
One of the highlights this time was the new dinosaur exhibit, and I have to say… I loved it way more than I expected to.
There’s just something about seeing those giant dinosaurs up close that makes you feel like a kid again. The boys were all in—climbing into eggs, peeking through little cutouts, and just fully embracing the whole experience.
And of course, we had to get the classic “kids hatching from a dinosaur egg” picture, which might be one of my favorite zoo photos ever.
The Simple Moments Are the Best
What I always come back to with the zoo isn’t just the big exhibits—it’s the in-between moments.
Watching the boys run ahead together.
Stopping to look at whatever catches their attention.
Letting them just be kids without rushing from one thing to the next.
We don’t really have a “favorite” animal—we love all of them in different ways. Some trips it’s the elephants, other times it’s something totally random. It just depends on the day.
And for Austin, the playground is always a highlight. Honestly, it’s usually one of the most requested stops.
Snacks, Walking, and a Full Day Outside
I’m always a snack packer (because… kids), but we usually end up grabbing food there too. It’s part of the experience at this point—walking, snacking, stopping, exploring, and just taking our time.
There’s no rush, no strict plan. Just a full day outside together.
Why I’ll Always Love the Zoo
I’ve loved the zoo for as long as I can remember, and now getting to experience it with the boys makes it even better.
It’s one of those places where:
- Everyone is happy
- There’s no real agenda
- And somehow, it always feels like a good day
We’ve done the zoo in different seasons, at different ages, and it never gets old.
And if I’m being honest… I’ll probably always be the one most excited to go.