Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Wallaroo Station {family fun}


My older 3 kids have been going to Lowry Park Zoo for years, more so with their gramma because she likes to take all the grandkids over there to play and have fun together. Gives her the chance to spend time with the kids and there is something for all the kids. 
When I was given the opportunity to review the new renovations at Wallaroo Station inside the zoo I had to take it! 
This following review is only for Wallaroo Station. The full review of our day at Lowry Park Zoo can be found over on Tampa Bay Moms Blog. 
We got to Lowry Park around noon, kind of too late to schedule the shows so we took the time to really enjoy just the animals and the Wallaroo Station, which is what we were there to really review anyways. 
Wallaroo Station is off to the right of the zoo so by the time the kids got there they were definitely ready for some water play. The Billabong is the water play/splashpad area. It is big and open and somewhat shaded. Hours can easily be spent here.
Off to the side there is a BayCare Mommy Center complete with chairs, tables, and a little vending machine. It is right near the Boomer's Cafe and makes being at the zoo for an extended length of time easy for babies and younger kids. 
Wallaroo Station is presented by Outback Steakhouse. This area of the zoo takes you on an adventure down under. It is now much more colorful and interactive. The rides are free so the kids can easily go on them over and over, which they did. There are koalas, kookaburras, llamas, and goats in this area. The (kangaroo) Walkabout has always been a favorite. Kangaroos are just cute! In this same area is also petting zoo, where you can pet and feed goats, llamas, and stop over to see the horses. The Outback Bumper Boats are probably the overall favorite! I don't recall that they had them the last time we were at the zoo so this is definitely a reason for us to come more often.














About Wallaroo Station:
On May 11, 2002 Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo introduced Wallaroo Station, a 4.5 acre Australian-themed family area, where thousands of families with young children have enjoyed an interactive Australian adventure. The hands-on, family-friendly features helped the Zoo secure top honors from two national parenting magazines: Parents, "10 Best Zoos," (2009); and Child, "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids" (2004).

Earlier this year, Wallaroo Station temporarily closed for remodeling - the first significant updating of this award-winning attraction in its 13 year history. Newly re-opened for spring, guests to the "new Wallaroo" can expect this Aussie area to be even more "Auss-ome" with new animals and upgraded amenities, including:
* a female Queensland koala named "Ceduna" (a mate for our male "Heathcliff");

* "Bushland Birds" habitat with feathered friends and Fiji-banded iguanas;

* more water features in "The Billabong" splash ground;

* redesigned cafe with "grab and go" food and beverage;

* expanded dining area with additional seats and shade canopies;

* a new nursing mothers area with baby-friendly features;

* a new and fun ride for young children - Lil' Joeys Caravan;

* new midway games and activities;

* ponies on parade (twice daily) and a goat show; and

* livestock training demonstrations with ponies and llamas.


There is still time to enjoy the Savings! 
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo has offered to give my readers $3 off Zoo Admission! 
The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week,  9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 
Parking is free. 
Visit Lowry Park Zoo or call (813) 935-8552 for information. 
You can find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.



Comments

  1. My kids would love that splash pad. How fun is that?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Water bumper cars - yes please! They should make them for adults!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That seems like an awesome zoo, almost more like a mini amusement part with a zoo. We would love that!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my goodness...your zoo is way cooler than either of ours in Phoenix. I would love to visit one that had half the stuff yours does

    ReplyDelete
  5. My kids loves visiting Zoo. The pictures are really beautiful & it clearly shows you had a great time with your family. We have never been to Tampa's Lowry Park before. Would love visiting sometime with my family.

    ReplyDelete
  6. looks like they had a fantastic time. i love going to the park and zoo.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This Zoo sounds super cool. Wish just knew about it before just moved away from Florida.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks like an awesome Zoo. I wish I knew about before moved from Tampa. I will share with my Flordia friend's :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a cool looking zoo. I love the interactive features and the fact that the kids can choose from several options... Love that Llama shot. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow this looks like so much fun! 😀

    ReplyDelete
  11. What an amazing zoo! I grew up going to the Philadelphia Zoo (which of course is very awesome since it was the first one in the country), and I've been to a zoo in Washington, D.C., but this one looks great - a splash pad at a zoo!? How cool. I'm glad you had such a great time! :)

    Jenn, x@jenn.nu
    http://www.jenn.nu

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a fab zoo, I love the water features play area, my daughter would love it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. We cruised out of Tampa a couple years ago and really want to come back and visit the area again. Spent a couple days there and so much more to see. I love to visit zoos even though I don't have small kids.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts