Minnesota zoo.

Linna on the tortoise at the Minnesota Zoo.

This morning, we braved the frigid temps and headed to the Minnesota Zoo for their ABC Weekend. Linna has only been to a zoo once before when she was only a couple months old, so we were excited to see her actually enjoy herself this time around. Even though it is nice to walk around outside when the weather is warmer, there is still a lot to do and see at the Minnesota Zoo during the cold winter months. It's actually a great place to go when you're looking to just get out of the house, when you've been cooped up for days during our long Minnesota winters. Everything we did at the zoo was indoors, except for the few minutes that we put on our coats to walk the Minnesota Trail.

Penguin.

Oh, hey fish.

Those are real crocodiles. 

We first checked out Discovery Bay, where we got to see sharks, fish, penguins, and other animals. Almost everything was at Linna's level, so she could walk right up to the glass and watch the animals move about. She loved running around, and we loved that she was wearing herself out and getting ready for a nice, long nap. After Discovery Bay, we went to walk the Tropics Trail, which is basically like being inside a rainforest. It's really warm, humid, and we were surrounded by greenery, birds, monkeys (gibbons), crocodiles, bats, and other creators. There were two gibbons that were REALLY loud, as they played and talked to each other. A lot of the animals were sleeping, but the active ones were VERY active! There were little "caves" for the little kiddos to go in and explore too, and some caves even had windows inside that looked into the animals' homes. Linna's favorite part was seeing all the ducks in the water (she's such a Minnesota baby). We also walked the Minnesota Trail, which is outside and enclosed, but still pretty cold (today's temps didn't even reach the double digits). I loved seeing the wolves, and Linna of course loved seeing the owls.

Bats.

Spotting monkeys with Papa.

Obsessed with owls... and buttons.

Gorgeous wolves.

We didn't time our day very well, because we missed the storytimes that were part of the ABC Weekend, and the World of Birds Show. We have heard so many good things about the bird show, so we were tempted to wait for the 1 p.m. show, but we knew we had to get Linna home for her nap. I guess we'll just have to go back! Since it was ABC Weekend at the Minnesota Zoo, there were some craft projects going on, as well as other activities to keep the kids busy and entertained (as if the zoo itself isn't enough, right?!). There's also a little Bee Hive play-area (no, there's no real bees in there) for the little ones, and I saw a couple nursing moms in there as well, so if you're a mom looking for a private nursing area, you're in luck. We love that the Minnesota Zoo is so family friendly!

Eating a little lunch before we headed home.

I know there is so much that we didn't get to see because we had to get Linna home for a nap, but I guess that just gives us another reason to head back to the Minnesota Zoo for another visit!

This is how we roll during Minnesota winters. We'll be back Minnesota Zoo!