DS(5) wants to go to the zoo. Our most local one is offering half price entry to children as well as then free return visits for a year. There’s a splash pad and a Gruffalo trail and a soft play so the actual animals seem almost incidental.
However, I’ve only been once before and to be honest had a bit of an uncomfortable feeling about it. I’m not keen on zoos generally but the enclosures for the animals seemed really small and there wasn’t much shade for them or places to retreat to in some cases (kangaroos in tiny bare paddocks was one that really upset me and some zebras in pretty much a field.)
I get that they aren’t reliant on my custom and it makes no difference to them if I go or not, so part of me thinks that ds will enjoy it and just let him have a good day. Or stick to what I’m comfortable with which is not lining their pockets?