Kind of thing · 3 ideas
Zoos, aquariums & gardens
Zoos and gardens are at their best in the first hour after opening: the animals are up, the paths are empty, and the light is good. Aquariums are the opposite, a dark cool room that works on a rainy or scorching afternoon.
- Typical price
- Zoo $15–30. Aquarium $25–40. Botanical gardens $0–20, many free.
- How long
- Two to three hours.
How to do it cheaper
- Many zoos and gardens have a free day each month or free admission for city residents.
- Library pass programs often include the zoo and the botanical garden.
- A membership pays off at the second visit and usually includes free parking.
- Go at opening; by noon you'll want to leave anyway.
- Botanical gardens are often free on weekday mornings.
Works for
The ideas
$15–30
2–3 h
Zoos, aquariums & gardens
The zoo at opening time
The first hour: animals up and moving, paths empty, nobody's stroller in your shins. Leave by noon.
- Best when
- Opening time, weekday if possible
- Cheaper
- Free days monthly at many zoos; libraries lend passes; residents often get a discount.
- Skip it if
- It's over 90°F. The animals hide and so should you.
- Bring
- Water, a hat, good shoes. It's three miles of walking.
$25–40
2 h
Zoos, aquariums & gardens
The aquarium
A dark, cold building full of slow things. The right answer to rain or a 100°F afternoon.
- Best when
- Weekday afternoons; weekends are school groups
- Cheaper
- Evening hours, where offered, are cheaper and quieter. Memberships pay off at two visits.
- Skip it if
- You're on a tight budget. It's the priciest thing on this page.
- Bring
- A sweater. Aquariums are kept cold for the tanks.
$0–20
1.5–2 h
Zoos, aquariums & gardens
The botanical garden, early
Paths, benches, a conservatory, and nobody talking. A place to be alone outdoors without being in the woods.
- Best when
- Weekday mornings, right at opening
- Cheaper
- Many gardens are free; others have free weekday mornings or a free day monthly.
- Skip it if
- You wanted an activity. This is a place to sit.
- Bring
- A book and a coffee in a lidded cup.