We had time for one more short activity before heading home the next day so we decided to take the kids to the Tautphaus Zoo. Although I am not a fan of zoos at all (I liken them to animal prisons), most of the animals here were on the smaller side and didn’t look too unhappy. (Ever see swaying elephants and pacing tigers—you just know they are going out of their minds. Wouldn’t you if you were confined to a 20x 20-foot space for the rest of your life?) We wandered around and I could just tell that the kids really dug checking out all the critters. One of the zookeepers let the kids handle a snake which was a real thrill. There is also a small petting zoo and feeding the goats brought on a fit of giggles. My son Isaac who was about 7 on this trip was just squealing and giggling in the sweetest little high pitched voice and it was too cute for words as the goats were nibbling the food out of his little hand. I look up at him now, a few inches taller than me, at 16 with his deep voice and I still see that little giggling kid feeding the goats. Oh those moments are so precious and you have to remember them always. Traveling gives us lots of opportunities to do that and I am forever grateful for the many chances I've had to grow and learn with my children and enjoy those simple moments of pure joy.
Back at the zoo...we saw some white peacocks which I'd never seen before heading to the play area where the kids got to bounce around on toys and just run around being kids. Small in scale, Tautphaus Zoo is just right if you are traveling with younger kids.
