/cities/seattle/Playgrounds-Parks-and-Trails/ Judy's Book - Latest reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails - Seattle, WA en-us help@judysbook.com http://images.judysbook.com/members/judysbook.png /cities/seattle/Playgrounds-Parks-and-Trails/ Reviews - Zoos cat c.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

After a hiatus of about five or six years, as a member of the Woodland Zoo, I had some catching up to do. So I made a trip back on the second day of October 2007 to see what had changed. A new jaguar and one for the gorillas at the beginning of the Tropical Rain Forest were two of the most important additions. Also a "night" exhibition hall for those critters that tolerate very little light (I saw nothing myself, as I have poor night vision. Supposedly it takes 10 minutes to acclimatize to the darkness). Other than not, not that much had changed in terms of animals. Maybe it's my appreciation of the sheer beauty and fascination of the animals, that has changed. October 1 through April 30 constitutes the "winter" season for the Zoo, so I was able to wander about in serenity without having tons of screaming kids and their parent-chaperons. But the zoo closes early (4 p.m.), at which time all the indoor exhibitions are locked down. Visitors can apparently stay until about 5:30, depending on the mood which zoo staff they happen upon. Actually, it was better than when I used to remember it, mostly because it was the off-season. It felt like I had it to myself and a few other interested adult "naturalist"-types. Plus a few families ("o-o-h, see the jaguar. He is lonely. He doesn't have a mate"), a few tourists. The grizzly bears in the Northern Trail section were to use the too-often used adjective, "magnificent" in a way that makes Steven Spielberg seem all too Disneyland-ish. The Monorail, Columbia Tower, etc. seem strictly utilitarian, clunky, and boring by comparison with any of the denizens of this species. Nature wins hands-down. The giraffes, with their impossibly long, thin legs were still there, passing back and forth between their aluminum sheds and the very smallish, narrow quarters outside behind the wire fence. And in the African Savanna--probably the best of the "natural environments"--no rhinoceros, but, instead, I was able to catch a fleeting close-up glance of a male lion, truly regal, before he trotted back into the savanna. I suddenly had an insight as to how obscene hunting is, especially as it is considered a "sport" (?!) and has nothing to do with meeting real human needs, other than that of sheer (mistaken) ego. And a couple of Malayan sun bears were frolicking without self-consciousness in their own miniature neck-of-the-woods. With the improvement of the "natural habitats" of the past ten years (less of the "animals-trapped-in-cages" of earlier times), a trip to the zoo every year or two brings a kind of natural bliss. Just go in the off-season so that the families don't become the principal show. My main criticism of the Woodland Zoo remains the same, and could be directed probably at most zoos: the animals, though housed in relatively "natural" environs, are still, largely, part of a "show," without enough attention being directed towards providing a learning experience. The destruction of 1/3 of the Amazon River Valley in the past few years, the sharp declines in populations, as well as their natural habitats, along with their imminent or probable extinction is not stressed enough. Going to the zoo becomes a family outing no different from other entertainment: going to the movies, to the circus, shopping at Pacific Place, skiing, etc. On the other hand, admission, or a membership, to the zoo is at least a way of showing a little appreciation for all the other members of the Natural World that we take so often for granted and have as much right, if not more, of living on this increasingly crowded (by homo sapien!), polluted planet.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/Catlover/posts/2007/10/526381/ Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:02:50 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/Catlover/posts/2007/10/526381/ Reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails HAN O.
Review of: Pike Place Market

I used to live a few blocks from this place and I was SO excited....at first. Ugh, I was so turned off by all the damn tourists who don't know how to walk, the pricey ingredients, the lackluster quality of the food, and overall uselessness of the place. It's a giant souvenir pavillion! We went there several times to get seafood, fruits, breads, cheese, etc but we felt pretty gyped each time we got home and saw what we got for the amount of money we paid. One time, we paid $100 for these giant Australian lobster tails and they had the taste of chemical FUNK. No amount of salt and butter could salvage it. We got crab multiple times and there was a 50% chance that they would give us one with a rotted off leg. As for produce, sometimes they'd let you pick but most times they'd do it for you and it's never consistent. We bascially had to toss batches of fruits and veggies cause they janked us SO BAD. Go there to experience "Seattle" or whatever, but don't go there to buy anything fresh or edible.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/45586/posts/2006/12/500649/ Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:14:51 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/45586/posts/2006/12/500649/ Reviews - Zoos M G.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has been around for a very long time but they have managed to change the exhibits in the zoo to make it more humane and accessible. The African village provides a great learning experience for little children with limited experiences of any world outside of Seattle. While the nocturnal house is a favorite for kids of all ages with its simulated dark jungle. The zoo is the perfect size for a preschooler who will be able to make it through most of the zoo but will be ready to take a nap by the time you circle back around to the gate. The zoo also offers zoo tunes concerts in the summer and they always have a great line up. http://www.zoo.org
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/15515/posts/2006/11/494833/ Thu, 30 Nov 2006 21:03:06 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/15515/posts/2006/11/494833/ Reviews - Zoos Aileen O.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo ( http://www.zoo.org ) is a great zoo to have a yearly membership. We have enjoyed the zoo membership throughout the year. A common misconception is not going during the winters. On the contrary, we enjoy inclement weather- well, overcast or light rain, we are guaranteed that it won't be crowded. One perk of having a membership is that we can focus on one area at a time. In doing so, we never get bored of the zoo, there is always something new and fascinating to see. We enjoy the Zoomazium (indoors), the Birds of Prey exhibit, Willabong station (feed the birds), Butterfly exhibit (summers) and the petting farm.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/40879/posts/2006/11/491210/ Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:24:07 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/40879/posts/2006/11/491210/ Reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails Aimee Q.
Review of: Warren G. Magnuson Park

If you live in Seattle proper, Magnuson Park near Sandpoint/U-District is great! They have an area for the small and shy, as well as a huge area for the big and brave. The larger area includes acess to the water for swimming, which is great for those that like to swim and fetch sticks, balls and the like. If it is absolutely disgusting out, Go Great Dog on Roosevelt offers fun runs every Saturday. 30lbs and over is from 11:45-1:15, while the smaller breeds are from 1:30-3. The charge is $3 per dog, but it is worth its weight in gold when its more than a little nasty outside...
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/3762/posts/2006/11/490825/ Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:30:09 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/3762/posts/2006/11/490825/ Reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails fin p.
Review of: Ravenna Eckstein Community Center

The same teacher has been there for 17 years, what can I say, I never see her talking to the kids; I never see her playing with the kids; I never hear her catching the kids being good, but she quickly admonishes them when they do something a little wrong. Preschool is semi-co-op, you need to help 4 or 5 times, and you need to bring a snack about 3 times. There are lots of toys scattered around, but not teacher playing with them. There are lots of big cars, an indoor jungle jim with mats and a slide, there is a doll house, a train table, a little kitchen and a little work bench. The kids arrive, have free play for 30 mins. then a couple of books are read to them and they sing a couple of songs (note that they really aren't taught the songs), then an art project, then hand washing for all the tots, then a snack, more free play, then dismissed. The art project is always nicely organized: sometimes the children get stickers to put on a cut out house, or, put a feather on a bird, or, color a paper crown. Basically, there is no teaching. No alphabet letters, no positive reinforcement, just a lot of chatter between the teacher and parents. This is cheap, and a safe environment for kids to play and begin to learn how to do what they are told in a group setting. Not much more.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/45950/posts/2006/11/490157/ Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:19:15 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/45950/posts/2006/11/490157/ Reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails Seattle Photo C.
Review of: Fremont Sunday Market

This is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. The booths range from Pike Place Market-esque flowers to Mexican jewelry, antiques and furniture. I was really surprised about the amount of really different, gorgeous furniture. Tons of armoirs, mirrors, even bed frames and dressers. There are blocks of antiques, everything ranging from used tennis shoes to match box cars and everything in between. There are only 3 food stands, but Fremont has many great restaurants to choose from (try the Red Door, right above the market). Do pick up some Kettle Corn while you're there, as well!
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/seattlephotochick/posts/2006/10/467470/ Mon, 02 Oct 2006 19:45:41 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/seattlephotochick/posts/2006/10/467470/ Reviews - Playgrounds Parks & Trails Heather B.
Review of: Ballard Locks

Need a fun, free activity for the kids on a sunny day? I highly recommend the Ballard Locks! My kids love to watch the boats going through the locks and the water rising and falling to accomodate them. I think it's pretty neat too. Be sure to explore the park on one side and the salmon ladder on the other. (Now is a great time to see the salmon running.) There is an observation window under the water, so you can watch the salmon leaping upsteam from below - pretty cool!
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/LibbyRose/posts/2006/9/463145/ Sun, 24 Sep 2006 09:23:33 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/LibbyRose/posts/2006/9/463145/ Reviews - Zoos Juliann B.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

Seriously one of the better zoos in the nation (I've been to maybe 10 all over the country). The exhibits are well done- very habitat specific for the animals at hand. I appreciated that areas of the zoo are divided by habitat/continent so as you walk around you feel like you are walking around the world. The nocturnal house is really cool and well done. But my favorite exhibit was the gorilla one. What majestic beautiful animals. I could spend all day watching them. My major complaint about the zoo is the signage. I felt a little cheated on learning the natural history (being the wildlife dork that i am). There were docents (trained volunteers) walking around to answer questions though. The raptor show was a good addition too because it brought a message of local conservation to the public. Since I don't have kids I did skip the petting zoo and the Zoomazium. I see in other reviews that people felt the Zoomazium is unsafe/pointless. I wouldn't be surprised if that was true but why focus on the rides or the Zoomazium when you have all this really neat wildlife to observe! If I had kids I definitely would bring them here. But even if you don't have kids, if you have any interest in animals this is a great spot to stop and check out.
]]> http://www.judysbook.com/members/47740/posts/2006/9/460400/ Mon, 18 Sep 2006 21:10:25 GMT http://www.judysbook.com/members/47740/posts/2006/9/460400/ Reviews - Zoos bao h.
Review of: Woodland Park Zoo

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