'After countless zoo trips with two kids under five, I finally found a trick that works.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Taronga Zoo

When it comes to family outings, the zoo has always been a go-to for our little crew. Scrolling through my camera roll, I found a photo from our first visit — my eldest was just five months old.

Since then, we've been back countless times and even explored zoos around the world.

For too long, we treated our zoo visits like a major event — something we planned months in advance, factoring in ticket costs, weather and the stamina required for an all-day adventure.

But it turns out we were doing it all wrong. And the moment we figured out how to actually do the zoo right, everything changed.

Here are my seven fail-safe tips for making every visit enjoyable.

Annual memberships are a game-changer.

Becoming a Zoo Friend at Taronga Zoo is the ultimate trick for families, especially during the school holidays when you're looking for an affordable, low-pressure outing with lots of fun activities. 

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The pricing is super reasonable, letting you enjoy everything the zoo has to offer without stressing about the cost each time you visit. With three membership options — including one for grandparents — there's something for everyone.

But the real beauty of an annual membership is that it lets you pace yourself. You don't have to rush to see every animal in one day to "get your money's worth".

Aside from unlimited entry to both Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo for a whole year, the membership also comes with some seriously awesome perks.

We've officially entered the kids' birthday party era, so I'm always on the lookout for low-effort, high-impact ideas. Turns out, members get 20 per cent off Taronga's Wild Ropes Experience — aka the perfect birthday party option.

And if you've got a milestone birthday or anniversary coming up, an overnight stay at the Wildlife Retreat, Roar and Snore or the Zoofari Lodge in Dubbo would be iconic — and way more affordable with the member discount.

If you're always on the hunt for a zoo nearby like us when you travel interstate, the membership also includes entry to partner zoos such as Zoos Victoria, Zoos South Australia and Perth Zoo, so you can enjoy the experience in different locations as well.

Explore at your own speed.

Instead of trying to tackle everything in a day, we now let the kids take the lead. 

Our first stop? The giraffes. Then over to the tortoises where we caught part of a feeding session — something we'd usually have raced past to get to the lions and tigers.

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We spent extra time at the meerkat enclosure (because let's be honest, watching them scurry around never gets old) and even made a quick stop at the gift shop where, thanks to our member discount, saying yes to a small souvenir didn't feel like a big added expense.

And the best part? When the kids started to get tired, we simply headed home knowing we could come back whenever we wanted.

Rest and refuel.

The Farm Playground is our go-to pit stop. It's a spacious, shaded area with a big playground (think bridges, climbing, slides), plus a water feature that kids can't resist. 

My kids absolutely love playing in the water and I love the fact that it gives me a moment to sit down, sip my coffee and watch them splash around. Our recent visit was especially hot, so it was socks and shoes off and straight into the water.

And for a change of scenery, we take a picnic rug and relax on the Concert Lawns, where we can enjoy a snack with a view of the Harbour Bridge.

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Pack snacks (but leave room for treats).

Yes, the kids will get hungry — but that doesn't mean you have to skip the on-site treats.

With a membership, you get 10 per cent off food and retail outlets throughout the zoo. This came in handy when it was time for a slushy (for my daughter) and an ice cream (for me). Those small discounts really do add up when you're visiting multiple times throughout the year.

Make sure you pack your water bottles too. There are refillable water bottle stations throughout the zoo so we top them up as we go.

Make the most of the shows.

Nothing beats the shows and keeper talks. They're engaging and a great way for the kids to learn about their favourite animals — they get completely hooked every time.

Members get the benefit of reserved seating for the shows too, which means no scrambling for a good spot or lining up early. If you've ever wrangled a restless toddler, you know this perk alone makes the membership worth every cent.

For our most recent visit, we had front-row seats to the Seals for the Wild Presentation and it was a huge hit. The shows are a great way to break up the walking and keep the kids entertained.

Members get to enjoy exclusive events, such as behind-the-scenes experiences, which offer the chance to get up close with the animals and gain a deeper appreciation for the zoo's conservation efforts. They also receive pre-sale access to tickets for major events like the Twilight Concerts and New Year's Eve, plus a handy calendar to help plan visits around these experiences.

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Rest your feet and take the train.

Did you know there's a fun little Wildlife Express Train that runs through Taronga Zoo? 

It's a great way to get around, especially when the little ones start complaining about tired legs. And members get free access too.

The kids go crazy for the unlimited rides, spotting animals from different vantage points and I especially love not having to hear the "I'm tired!" complaints. 

Be flexible with your expectations.

When it comes to zoo visits with young kids, flexibility is key. 

Some days, the animals will be out putting on a show. Other times, they may be napping or hiding in the shade. This week we hit the jackpot with some very energetic tigers running around and jumping on top of the safari car.

Weekday mornings or late afternoons are magic if you can swing it, especially during school holidays. We're already planning our next visit around one of the members-only early morning openings where you get to see the animals at their most active before the crowds arrive.

Managing expectations and remembering that a zoo trip is about the experience, not checking off every animal, has made our visits so much more enjoyable.

Our membership has transformed how we approach family outings — instead of cramming everything into one exhausting and expensive day, we now enjoy shorter, more frequent visits based on whatever excites the kids that day. It's taken the pressure off and made the zoo one of our favourite year-round activities.

Check out the Taronga Zoo Friends Annual Membership on their website.

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Why settle for just one visit when you can get MORE? More animals, more adventure, more member perks, more savings, more exclusive access, more bucketlist experiences—all year long. Sign up today and get more with a Taronga Zoo Friends Annual Membership