Family vacations are always tricky because you have to please a lot of different personalities at once.  

In deciding to visit California for our summer vacation my husband immediately realized this would mean roller coasters and theme parks, potentially his least favorite things. So in an effort to make the trip something everyone could look forward to, we added a day at the San Diego Zoo and a day at the Safari Park. A world-famous zoo and a safari-like animal experience seemed to be a great opportunity for learning and fun.

After experiencing both parks back-to-back, I instantly knew what readers and fellow travelers would need to get the most out of a similar vacation — simple tips and basic information that highlight each park.  

One important tip, valuable for both parks, is to read the signs and take the available free tours. There is so much to learn.

For instance, did you know that both zoos use all the money they make from tourists to participate in wildlife conservation all over the world? Many species have been saved from extinction due to the work that takes place in both parks.  

You and your children will be amazed at all the San Diego Zoo officials have accomplished, so don’t miss opportunities to learn about conservationism while you’re there.

Even if you can’t make it to the zoo in person enjoy reading about its efforts as a family at SanDiegoZooGlobal.org.

 San Diego Zoo

This is a very big zoo! There are over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species. In order to see everything you want, you will need to think ahead.

• Heading online ahead of your visit will help you prioritize the exhibits you and your family would like to see the most. The most popular are Absolutely Apes, Children’s Zoo, Elephant Odyssey, Panda Trek, Ituri Forest, Monkey Trails, and the Polar Bear Plunge (this was my kids’ favorite area by far; it’s chock full of fun).  

• If you have young children, there are many areas that have play equipment added into the exhibit that will keep the kids occupied while you take a quick rest and have a soda or snack.

• Unlike many amusement parks, both zoos allow you to bring in food. So, a well-stocked backpack will save you from spending a great deal of money on food and leave you cash for all the cute stuffed animals and photos they have for sale at fairly reasonable prices.

• The Tour Bus and Skyfari Gondolas are included in the ticket price, so use them. They save your feet and the tour guide on the bus is excellent. You will learn an incredible amount about animals you may not have even noticed as you tour the park.

• There are many paths within the zoo that are covered by lush exotic plant life and trees. The zoo is also an accredited rare plant arboretum and grows endangered and exotic flora that can be as interesting as the animals … not to mention a great relief from the sun on a hot day.

• Make sure to see the Giant Panda, Condor and Koala Bear exhibits because you will most likely never get a chance at any other zoo in this hemisphere. They are rare and amazing.

Safari Park

The Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wild animal park that houses over 2,600 animals representing more than 300 species, as well as 3,500 plant species.

• There is a lot of walking involved in this park. The animals are in an “open” atmosphere for most of the park, which means they roam. In order to see them you have to travel across large open spaces and trails, which can be tiring for little kids.

• The park offers nine different “safaris” to choose from. The Africa Tram safari is included with the ticket price and is an excellent experience for the money. However, if you have the cash you can’t go wrong with adding in extra safaris. Everything from zip lining through the park, to meeting giraffes and rhinos up close and personal with a zoo keeper available.

• There are a few interactive experiences that are price-friendly or even free that you should check out. The petting zoo is terrific and the Lorikeet Landing is a must if you enjoy birds. You’ll be able to watch colorful rainbow lorikeets swoop down to enjoy nectar right out of your hand. The food costs extra but you can walk through the exhibit for free and watch the birds feeding all around you. There is also an area to pay a quarter and get fish and duck food. Large catfish, birds, ducks and smaller fish will gather quickly around you as soon as the food comes out.

• The Savannah Cool Zone is a much-appreciated treat on a hot day. Walk through palm trees that offer a gentle mist to find three slippery toy critters that spout water: a turtle, a lion and a crocodilian. Located next to Lion Camp, you’ll want to add it to your route if you visit during the summer. They even have benches for Mom and Dad.

• The Cheetah Run happens every day at 3:30 and is a fast way to make your kids elated. You get to watch the fastest land mammal race across a 330-foot track and reach speeds up to 70 miles an hour.

• There are a lot of places to use telescopes to see out over the entire park. They are a great way for your kids to see what a savannah might look like and not feel like the animals are enclosed or sad. It’s a beautiful view of the park as well.

• Finally, my kids’ favorite park was the “Hangin’ with the Bats” exhibit. It’s an amazing area filled with fruit bats some of which had just had babies. Plus there is a place to take photos that the kids adored — the only picture they both want a copy of!

SAN DIEGO ZOO

Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. every day through Sept. 2., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 3-20

Directions: The San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego. From Interstate 5 (Los Angeles and Orange County), take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.

Admission: Single-day pass is $44 for adults age 12 and up, $34 for children ages 3-11. Multi-day and multi-park tickets are $79 for adults and $61 for children. Free parking

Info: For general information, call (619) 231-1515.

SAFARI PARK

Hours: 9 a.m-7 p.m. through Aug. 18. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 19-Sept. 2.

Directions: The Safari Park is at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, Calif. From Interstate 5 (Orange County, Los Angeles), take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs to the Park. From Interstate 15 (Riverside), exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs east to the Park. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.

Admission: Based on the safari transportation, the basic Africa Tram Safari is $44 for adults 12 and up and $34 for children ages 3-11; Cart Safari is $84 for adults, $74 for children; Cheetah Safari is $84 for adults, $74 for children. Other options include Jungle Ropes Safari, Behind-the-Scenes Safari Flightline Safari, Caravan Safari, Roar & Snore Safari, and the Ultimate Safari with prices ranging from $89 for adults to over $600.

Parking: $10 per vehicle, $15 for RV.

Info: For general information, call (760) 747-8702