Our first time to the Okinawa Zoo, I took a new friend along with me and O. Even with directions from OkinawaHai, we ended up driving in circles.
So I'm telling you now, these are the directions you need: Go out Kadena Gate 2 and continue going straight until you see the sign for the zoo. Follow the sign. It's one right turn and the zoo is on your left. SUPER EASY! Can you tell I get lost a lot?
Anyways, go down the stairs/elevator to purchase tickets for the zoo (500 yen per adult). They also have a museum, rides area, and a petting zoo. We got there later in the day so we didn't check those out, but it's my understanding that they're extra but not that expensive.
The actual zoo is half on top of this giant hill and half at the bottom... basically. But we did discover that they do have a giant elevator that can take you from the rides section to the lower portion of the zoo. Supposedly there's one to the upper portion too, but I didn't see it. Or maybe I just didn't understand. Well, we walked up and down the steep hill anyways.
It was worth the climb though, cause the bat exhibit was awesome. I had no idea that bats were that lively during the day. And O could get close enough to really watch them. And next to the bats were the monkeys, which she also thoroughly enjoyed. I think she wouldn't have minded if all there was to the zoo were bats and monkeys!
Among other things we saw were: Giant Anteaters, Big Cats, Ostriches, Giraffes, the Reptile House and Elephants.
Olivia only got scared twice while we were there. (Although I have to admit I enjoyed her running to me for a hug and latching onto my leg.) The first time, a kid was doing inappropriate things to a monkey and it started making noises like I've never heard before. It was kinda cool actually and effective because the kid stopped. The other was the elephant making strange calling noises and stamping his enormous feet. If I were a pint-sized peanut, I'd be scared too!
All in all, the zoo was an A+ in our book. We might even get
a season pass and come here more often. After all, it was enjoyable
and isn't located to far away.
Other related posts:
Okinawa Zoo - Petting Zoo and Pond
The playground at Comprehensive Park is one of the best that I've come across on island so far. The only thing missing that I can tell are the Japanese Roller Slides. But who knows, they could have them elsewhere in the park. I may have to explore some more to find out.
Anyways, this playground rocks because of the large variety of things
for kids to do. There are stairs, hanging balls and chains to climb,
various types of swings, slides, teeter totters, springy animals, a
stationary train, etc. Just so many things to see, explore, and play
on. If your kid gets bored here... well, they'll be bored anywhere. :D
