Summer 2020 looks different than we might have expected it to at the beginning of the year. We all have to be extra cautious because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and many standard favorite activities are off limits or significantly restricted.
But different doesn’t have to mean bad! Since June 8, the Greenville Zoo, a local favorite, has been open. The zoo is taking plenty of safety precautions, but it is wise to make some plans of your own as well. Here are some tips for planning a senior-friendly trip to the Greenville Zoo.
Check the Weather
As a Greenville resident, you’re well aware of how hot summer in the city can be. As you plan your trip to the Greenville Zoo, consider whether it is worth it to go before summer ends or whether you might want to wait until autumn brings some cooler temperatures. Please know that we don’t mean to discourage you from a fun summer outing! It is certainly possible to have a great time at the zoo in August — see some of our tips below — but senior visitors in particular should be mindful of the possibility of heat exhaustion. Of course, it’s also always a good idea to check the forecast for rain!
Pack the Essentials
As with any day trip, it is a good idea to spend some time ahead of your visit to the Greenville Zoo considering what you’ll need to take with you. Depending on when you’re going, whom you’re going with, and what your priorities are, your zoo day “essentials” might look different from someone else’s. Do you want to take a camera to capture the animals’ expressions? Would you rather take your own snacks than rely on possibly overpriced vendors? Especially if you’re going during the summer, do you have high-SPF sunscreen? Do you have enough water to keep everyone in your group hydrated?
Choose Your Co-Explorers
Speaking of everyone in your group, who are they? Are you picturing a leisurely stroll through the zoo with friends from a book club or neighbors from your senior living community? Are you taking the grandkids on a more high-energy outing, or maybe making something of a family reunion out of it and inviting a larger group? You’ll have fun at the Greenville Zoo with any combination of friends and loved ones — and might even want to make multiple trips! — but knowing whom you’re going with ahead of time can help you plan things like what you’ll see and how much the trip will cost.
Maximize Your Time
Some people enjoy the thrill of showing up without a plan and winging it, letting their feet carry them around the zoo at random. But if you’re more of a plan-ahead type, you can take advantage of the zoo’s online map and decide where you’ll go and when. You can use the map to plan a route with plenty of well-timed bathroom stops and aim to be near food around mealtime if you don’t bring your own. It is also worth thinking about whether a full day is doable; weather and ability are considerations here. (Is it too hot? Is it too far to walk?) If you don’t plan to spend an entire day at the zoo, what animals and exhibits are your top priorities? If you’re going with a mixed-generational group, are there things the grandkids can see alone while you take a rest-and-rehydrate break?
Consider Splurging
Everyone can enjoy a casual day at the zoo, but the Greenville Zoo offers some special opportunities for true animal lovers. If you’re interested in how the zoo operates and what a day in the life of a zookeeper looks like, consider a behind-the-scenes tour. If you’re going with a group and want a truly personalized (and extra socially distant!) experience, you can sign up for a private tour. If you can’t get enough, the zoo also offers several options for membership, including the Grandparent package.
We hope these tips will help make your trip to the zoo as fun and stress-free as possible! At The Gardens at Eastside, we always enjoy planning trips like these for our residents, and we know how refreshing it can be to do something out of the ordinary. Interested in learning about community outings and other amenities you can enjoy in our top-tier senior living community? We’d love to chat anytime!
