Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

(Disclosure:  I will be compensated with tickets to the Lowry Park Zoo in return for this post.  All opinions though are my own.  Information was provided to me to share with my readers.)


Living in Tampa, Florida, we have visited the Lowry Park Zoo often.  We even had passes for a while. My kids absolutely love it.  The ask often when we can go back.  They love all the different animals that are there and they enjoy the rides that are there.  It has been probably 2 years since we last visited and I know that the last time we were there they were doing many renovations.

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 cage with "grab and go" food and beverage
-expanded dining area with additional seats and shade canopies
-nursing mothers area
-new ride for young children- Lil Joeys Caravan
-new midway games and activities
-ponies on parade (twice daily) and a goat show
-livestock training demonstrations with ponies and llamas

Explore:
Take a trip to the Land of Oz and visit a variety of animals of Australia and its neighbors including koala, wallabies, cockatoos, emu, singing dogs and flying fox bats.  The petting area features a hear of friendly goats that children can brush, pet and feed.

Play:
The newly upgraded "Billabong" water play area takes kids "down under" to an interactive splay zone with unground fountains and free standing water features.  Try your hand at new midway games with the chance to win prizes and souvenirs, or go mining for gems and fossils at the new Hopper's Mining Company.

Ride:
Children can take a spin on one of five fun rides: the NEW Lil Joey's Caravan, Tasmanian Tiger Family Roller Coaster, Overland Express Kiddie Train, Boomer's Flyin' Bananas and Outback Bumper Boats.

Refresh:
Parents can enjoy added shade while their little joeys cool off in the water play area.  Next door is Boomer's Cafe, a redesigned grab-and-go restaurant offering a variety of freshly prepared foods and drinks.  A "mommy center," designed for nursing mothers, provides shade and privacy for infants and caregivers.

About Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo:
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society.  The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has been rated No. 1 by Parents magazine, "10 Best Zoos" (2009) and Child Magazine, "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids" (2004).  Parking is free.  The zoo is open 7 days a week from 9:30am-5pm.  Visit Lowry Park Zoo for more information.

Enjoy the Savings!!  Lowry Park Zoo is giving my readers $3 off Zoo admission