Few visits to San Diego are without an excursion to our world famous San Diego Zoo. With admission being almost half the cost of other southern California attractions, it’s at a price point everyone can enjoy and still have enough left over for that souvenir photo or obligatory koala t-shirt. Even we locals will forgo our Starbucks, pedicures, or fast-food runs just to keep our wallets stocked with our yearly zoo passes. And if that doesn’t work there’s always Grandma.

So here are ways to maximize the limitations that little feet and short attention spans can impose in order to enjoy your outing without wanting to relinquish your toddler to Jumani the African Gorilla - because Jumani just might be interested.

#1. Be ready for hills. Our zoo is the unofficial natural "labor inducer" for the locals. Look around and on any given day you’ll see the bulge of several pregnant bellies making their fearless way through Tiger River or walking the back canyons just hoping for any sign of the end. Be prepared to walk with great shoes and socks and make sure your stroller has wheels that can swivel well. The improved zoo map now divides areas by animal ‘zones’ and has a convenient section organizing routes by length and difficulty. A new integrated system of signs, location poles and trail names fashioned more like a street system also simplifies directions. When possible, try to walk down. For a zoo map go to http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/zoo_map.html

#2 You won’t see everything. Just accept it. They’ve planned it that way. Hence the reason we all spring for the pass or the three day ticket. Plan accordingly by having a rough idea which things you must see and which ones you’ll live without. Use the zone navigating system to orchestrate your day. For example, give yourselves about an hour and a half to make it through the Lost Forest and Monkey Trails then move on. This way you can appreciate each “bioclimatic” engineering as a whole while still maximizing time.

#3 Relax. That’s right, relax. Remember you’re there to have fun and create a memory - not relive your fantasy of being a National Geographic wildlife photographer. While you will get some pictures, no picture is as precious as the classic one outside that says “World Famous San Diego Zoo”. That’s why we all wait our turn to get it. Your pictures will not turn out like the ones in the brochure I promise. Just buy a ten pack of postcards at the San Diego Zoo store and call it good. If you are going to take pics- make sure to include the most important monkeys - yours.

#4 Shop Early. Avoid the crowds and the midday crankies. Otherwise, you’ll be tempted to abandon your partner outside the store with the kids and attempt waiting in line with everyone else at four thirty in the afternoon. You could try that, just don’t be surprised if the kids are left with Jumani when you return.

#5 Spring for SKYFARI. It’s worth it. Kids remember the basket ride and it saves walking time. Quick tip: if the line of people is backed up to the little bridge that goes over the pond it’s about 10-12 minutes. On the other side try working your way back to front by seeing the zoo’s latest marvel - Elephant Odyssey. Having just opened in May, this unique prehistoric adventure is inspiring. The 7.5 acres and new 4,600 square foot swimming pool make it Palm Springs for elephants. Bonus features are the lions and leopards perusing about just feet away. It puts any elephant exhibit you’ve ever seen before to shame.

#6 Enjoy the small stuff. It’s easy with the amount of animals and impressive layout to neglect the little things. On our latest visit my twin six year olds were entranced by a set of new baby ducks making their way through the Lagoon Terrace pond. Remember with kids that it’s the experience together that counts. During busy times try diverting to places like the Owens Rainforest Aviary hidden amongst the Lost Forest. This expansive, tri-level, birdhouse is a lush indoor conservatory and a haven for birds and crowd weary parents.

#7 Assign jobs. Assign tasks for groups of kids to keep it fun and organized. Example: Have one be the "Endangered Species Reader" and another be the "Hiding Animal Spotter." Buddy up older and younger siblings and come up with a code for your family that signals you are leaving the area to move on like “Kearns family this way…..or Idaho is awesome… “. This prevents the alternative which is usually something like “I told you four times we were leaving the meerkats….LETS GO!!!!” Now you have scared the locals and the Pandas.

#8 Arrive early and/or come back at night. Neat things happen early in the morning since most animals are more active as they are being fed. Visit the primate exhibits like Gorilla Tropics and Absolutely Apes. During Summer Nighttime Zoo you’ll find live musicians, performers, and nocturnal animals like the Koalas showing signs of life.

#9 Dine In. While there are plenty of places to eat, my personal favorite is the Treehouse Cafe. Here on this outdoor dining terrace you can have a light lunch in the middle of the zoo, enjoy the view, and be centrally located to strategize for your next route.

#10 Visit the childrens zoo. It’s packed with pint size trails, whimsical photo-ops, and diminutive exhibits geared just for kids. See a real meerkat house, a petting paddock (with sanitizing hand wash stations), or sit and rest during a crazy science show. Moms - BE BRAVE - and walk through the Spineless Marvels insect house. You’ll see a working ant colony, a glass housed bee hive, and the largest cockroaches on the planet. Okay…feign courage and close your eyes. You’ll still be cool to your third grader just by venturing in.

Most importantly-leave with the kids wanting more. Since 1922 the World Famous San Diego Zoo has been enhancing lives of both animals and humans alike. Thanks to philanthropic contributions and the faithful visitors worldwide, it will be ready to host your monkeys year after year for a new experience. Jumani will be waiting to see you!