Summertime in San Diego, there’s nothing like it! The kids are off school, the weather is perfect for long days at the beach, and the Padres are trying their best. With all our city has to offer, the possibilities for creating the perfect summer day are limitless. When you’re looking for a day of adventure, what better place to be than the San Diego Zoo? Bring your lunch and stay for the day—just don’t feed the animals!
Everyone knows a family trip to the zoo can be expensive. From tickets and souvenirs, to parking and food, the king of the jungle will become the king of your wallet! You can enjoy all the amenities of the zoo without as much financial strain by simply prepping your own lunch. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to cut costs and prepare a lunch that all the animals will be begging for.
Stick to a Plan
Before you head out for the day and pay $9.50 for a chicken strip basket, take a look inside your refrigerator and see what foods you can pack. The old saying goes, BYOL—that’s bring your own lunch. Packing your own lunch not only saves time, money, and energy, but is also a healthier alternative.
Think Outside the Lunchbox
You’re encouraged to bring your favorite foods, but give your lunch a little twist. Instead of sandwiches, bring a tortilla wrap. They save room in your cooler and hold up better throughout a long day at the zoo. They’re also less likely to get soggy or squished in your bag on the way to the elephant exhibit. Try using turkey, ham, or even hummus, and add the produce later to prevent additional moisture. After hours of walking in the sun and standing eye to eye with zebras and giraffes, you’re going to need an afternoon pick-me-up. Pack plenty of duplicate items for mid-day snacks along the way.
Snack Savior
Healthy snacks are essential, but it doesn’t hurt to add some special treats into the mix. You need to keep the kids’ content, but you don’t want them on a sugar rush, bouncing off the walls like monkeys! Prepping bags of grapes, apples, baby carrots and celery sticks are great for a quick snack that won’t leave a sticky mess. Along with beef jerky, cheese sticks, granola bars, and cookies, you’ll have the perfect snacks to last the day.
Hydrate & Sanitize
Keep drinks simple and sugar-free. Walking around the zoo on a hot summer day, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Sodas and juices taste great, but don’t mix well with summer temperatures. Be sure to pack plenty of water as you’re sure to get thirsty. That’s not the only liquid you should be packing—don’t forget a little bottle of sanitizer to keep the germs away! Your food might be clean but the tables and animals sure aren’t.
Prep Ahead of Time and Pack in Bulk
Doing your prep work the night before saves time and stress. Pre-cut all your fruits and veggies into small slices the night before and have all snacks bagged up and ready to go. Packing family style is the secret to prepping lunches quickly. Grab utensils, paper plates and straws, and anything you might need in bulk to make for a simple and disposable place setting. You can even get the cooler packed and placed in your French Door Refrigerator beforehand, to save time, and ensure all your foods are properly chilled before you head out for a long day at the zoo.
Remember, a trip to the zoo is all about enjoying the San Diego weather and the astounding beauty of natures most spectacular creatures. At Aztec Appliance, we want to help your family prepare the ideal lunch for a day at the zoo—whether it’s finding a new fridge to store all your lunchtime necessities, or extra maintenance on an older one to keep your food fresh. Visit us today or give us a call to find the right appliances and expert advice to make your trip to the zoo a roar!