Friday, March 26, 2021

Mission: Spring Adventure at the San Diego Zoo Offers Entertainment, Extended Hours


In the onslaught of constant COVID news, I almost missed this email from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, but it is kind of exciting. After being shut down for so many weeks in 2020 and almost entirely missing out on the entire Jungle Bells season, we're finally in a place where the San Diego Zoo can offer entertainment and extended hours for Mission: Spring Adventure, with extended park hours running from March 27th through April 11th. Check out all the info after the jump. 
Hop into the Season with Mission: Spring Adventure at the San Diego Zoo

Festivities take place daily March 27 through April 11;
weekend entertainment is scheduled April 17 through May 9, 2021. 

The San Diego Zoo is inviting the public to join a mission to explore wildlife and enjoy some safe, family fun during Mission: Spring Adventure. It’s the first seasonal celebration of the year that provides guests an opportunity to visit with their favorite animals, enjoy live music, encounter roaming entertainers, learn about conservation, and much more.

Daily during Mission: Spring Adventure, San Diego Zoo Rock Radio 201.8 will keep guests’ toes tapping as they enter the Zoo on Front Street, and the Boardwalk Beer Garden will be rockin’ as a live, acoustic pop/rock band plays hits from some of Australia’s top musical artists. Costumed characters, Dr. Harry and friends, will bring their own special spirit to the season on the Springtime Party Bus when they travel around the Zoo several times nightly. Additionally, the incomparable Dr. Zoolittle will send guests of all ages on fun and noteworthy wildlife mission adventures.

Don’t forget! An abundance of culinary delights will bring the fresh flavors of spring to the Zoo’s restaurants and food locations—and on weekends, the Zoo’s Mercado will host a spring plant sale.


WHERE: San Diego Zoo, located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park. 

WHEN: Mission: Spring Adventure at the San Diego Zoo runs March 27 through April 11, 2021. The San Diego Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on these dates. 

COST: Mission: Spring Adventure activities and entertainment are free with Zoo admission or membership. Special experiences, including wildlife tours, require advance registration and a separate fee. All guests ages 3 and up are required to have a reservation along with their ticket or membership for Zoo entry. In addition, health screenings are required for all guests prior to entering the Zoo.


Just to add my own commentary, it should be noted that for the time being, properly worn masks-- well fitted and worn over mouth and nose-- are still required in California and at all times on San Diego Zoo property unless actively eating or drinking, which as a consideration of others should be done stationary. (Darren's mask is a little too low in this photo, but I'll forgive him because nobody else was around on this drizzly afternoon.)

It is also worth noting that many of the San Diego Zoo's animals are on very regimented schedules and go to their "apartments" at the same time every day, regardless of Zoo hours or Daylight Saving Time. Unfortunately, this information isn't posted anywhere, but in general, I've found the mandrills are off exhibit by 4pm, other primates and apes by 5pm. The cats often chuff, roar, and growl around 5 or 6 and then disappear for the night. Many of the aviaries are locked about 20 minutes before closing, and on extended hours are closed well before dark, which means people with strollers should be especially mindful of their routes through the park. This is all just based on my own experiences, obviously the San Diego Zoo may switch things up for special events. Regardless, it's a good chance to get out of the house, get some spring air, check out all the beautiful plants and landscaping of the Zoo, and maybe peek a couple animals along the way. 

This photo was taken after the San Diego Zoo was closed and there were NO other people in sight. Masks went back on immediately after the selfie snap. I know my hair looks like Miss Frizzle these days, but whatever. #PandemicHairDontCare. 

Also worth noting, this is not a paid advertisement. SDDialedIn gets no compensation for this or any posts on this site. We pay for full memberships for my family, just like everyone else. 

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