Grand Rapids with kids: John Ball Zoo review

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi. Going to the zoo is a classic family outing in every part of the world. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s John Ball Zoo  is not large, but the unique opportunities it offers guarantees it a place in kids' memory. The first thing to watch for upon arrival is "Nessie," the water sculpture in the lake beside the … [Read more...]

Portland with kids: Oregon Zoo

We love the Oregon Zoo! Like many Oregon Zoo reviews attest, we love that it’s small enough to be manageable in one day with young kids, but large enough to stay interesting time after time. We toured the entire thing with a five-year-old and three-year-old (plus older kids) and the entire loop took us about three and a half hours. With five main sections of the park—Great Northwest, Africa, … [Read more...]

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History

A perfect half-day pit stop off I-90 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Great Plains Zoo is manageably sized, but more importantly, carefully managed to be a high quality zoo experience in the heart of the midwest. Plus, Great Plains Zoo has a Kidscore of 66. (Learn more about Kidscore.) Great Plains Zoo is so open and accessible, it feels like a park that just so happens to house an … [Read more...]

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

3411 Sherman Blvd. Fort Wayne, Indiana Rated one of the top ten zoos in the country by Parents magazine, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is a must-see family attraction in the greater Fort Wayne area. What's to love? The 40 acres of exhibits (well-suited for small legs!), the 1500 animals to view, the ongoing educational programs and conservation efforts of the park, and rides like the SkyFari and … [Read more...]