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Best Zoo Exhibits In The Bay Area

A Lemur at the Oakland Zoo (credit: Oakland Zoo)

The Bay Area is home to a number of quality zoos that are house everything from elephants and giraffes to meerkats and monkeys. The summer months provide long days and warm weather perfect for leisurely strolls through animal exhibits. This summer, zoo visitors can enjoy a variety of special exhibits ranging from a guided bike tour to a private animal-themed tea party. Here are five of the Bay Area's best zoo exhibits.

Fathers' Day Bike About
San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Rd.
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 753-7080
sfzoo.worldsecuresystems.com
Date: June 19, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

Each year on Fathers' Day, the San Francisco Zoo holds a special Bike About event for dads and their families. During the event, participants will be treated to a guided hour-and-a-half tour through the zoo followed by a leisurely continental breakfast. The Bike About price for zoo members is $25, $30 for non-members, and includes admission to the zoo. Participants must pre-register and bring their own bikes.

Teddy Bear Tea
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Road
Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 632-9525
www.oaklandzoo.org
Dates: June 12, July 16 and Aug.14, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to noon

Each month the Oakland Zoo designates a Saturday or Sunday morning to hold a special Teddy Bear Tea. Each event is geared towards children ages 4 through 8, who may be joined by their favorite stuffed animal and an adult.  Events include a variety of activities such as stories and snacks, and children will each receive a treat bag full of surprises to take home. The theme of each tea changes monthly. This year, it's Baboons in June, Sun Bears in July and Macaws in August. Space is limited, so pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Forces
CuriOdyssey
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 342-7755
curiodyssey.com/forces
Opens June 22, 2016

CuriOdyssey is a Peninsula-based wildlife and science education center. Hands-on exhibits encourage kids' exploration and interaction to enhance learning experiences. A new exhibit entitled FORCES will be opening on June 22, and will feature a variety of nature's driving forces. Attendees will have the opportunity to investigate everything from a rain panel to "flying" magnets. Other CuriOdyssey exhibits include Backyard Science and mammal, bird and reptile habitats.

Zoo Camp
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Road
Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 632-9525
www.oaklandzoo.org/zoocamp

Another program run by the Oakland Zoo is Summer ZooCamp, open from mid-June through mid-August. Open to children entering Pre-K through grade 12 in the fall, each grade level grouping's camp features a different theme ranging from topics like Eco-Explorers to ZooArt. Animal focused camp activities include everything from crafts and games to science projects and puppet play. Children are welcome to attend multiple sessions as activities are structured to avoid repetition. Half-day options are available for younger campers, and pricing varies by grade level.

Hoot And Howl
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
1300 Senter Rd.
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 794-6400
www.hhpz.org/events
Date: Sept. 10, 2016

San Jose's Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been a long-time favorite spot for South Bay families. The combination theme park and zoo features a variety of rides and animal exhibits designed for younger children. Each year in early September, the Happy Hollow Foundation holds a special benefit event called Hoot & Howl. With proceeds going towards zoo growth, education and conservation, these adults-only events draw zoo supporters with a variety of fun activities. Attendees will be treated to private after-hours park access, food stations, signature cocktails, music and more.

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

 

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