You had planned to take the kids or grandkids to one of the beaches along Indiana’s lakeshore, but the weather is a little cool for swimming.   Take them to Michigan City’s Washington Park Zoo instead.  The small 15-acre city zoo is just big enough to keep the kids–and yourself–entertained for a couple of hours.

The kids will love feeding the baby goats in the petting yard (bring some quarters with to purchase feed)…

…or hanging out with the monkeys for a while.

The only royalty you’ll find in the Rotary Castle are king snakes.

But lizards, frogs and other reptiles live here, too.

For a small fee the kids can ride the train.

See animals of stripes….

….and birds of all sizes and shapes, like the East African Crown Crane…

….and the American Bald Eagle.

Walk through the Australian Aviary where colorful parakeets fly free…

…and will even sit on your hand if you lure them with a feed stick.

Climb to the top of the 70 foot lookout tower.

The last flight of stairs is this neat spiral staircase.

Step out onto the balcony for a view of beautiful Lake Michigan and the beach that is still so enticing.  Perhaps you’ll hang out at the beach for a little while after all, since it’s a quick walk from the zoo.

Washington Park Zoo, open April through October, is located at 115 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana.  Check the web  site for exact hours and admission information.

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