[flickr id=”7415474854″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]Yesterday we got to buck routine and head into the Indianapolis Zoo for a special treat.  We went to see the Flights of Fancy exhibit with a few bloggy friends & their kids.

For those in the know in Indy…the new Flights of Fancy exhibit replaced the old petting zoo.

I’m here to tell you that it’s miles above the old petting zoo.  Miles and miles.

First off, the area is sort of its own little oasis set onto about an acre of land on zoo property.  With a concession stand, tables (w/ umbrellas), a little playground, restrooms and – for the mothers – a Nursing Mom’s Nest (which has private feeding areas, changing stations & a chalkboard/books for the siblings).

While we waited for everyone to arrive, Jackie & I felt comfortable sitting at one of the tables while our children played about in the area. No matter whether they were staring into the aviaries, watching the flamingos, or scrambling through the tree-house play area they were never out of our sight line.

[flickr id=”7417292054″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”]The Flights of Fancy exhibit hosts three aviaries.  First is the Budgies.  With one of the tickets (you can purchase at the ticket window right inside the exhibit) you get a seed stick to feed the birds.  A tip we were given – go early in the day. When the birds little bellies aren’t full – they are all over the seeds then.  And they didn’t disappoint.  Hopping onto hands and heads.  I got buzzed more than a few times in there!  The budgies are adorable, colorful, and hungry little guys first thing.

[flickr id=”7417285584″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”] They also have an “Out of Africa” aviary.  There’s no feeding here, but lots of birds much closer than in any standard exhibit.  After that you get to the Lorikeets.  These guys feed on nectar – which you can also get for the cost of a ticket – I was fortunate enough to have someone hand me their leftovers so the kiddos could divulge the feeding of these exceedingly bright birds.

Over all, this area is totally my new favorite place in the zoo.  We could have spent all day there – but the kids demanded time in the splash park.  A demand we were also happy to acquiesce to.

[flickr id=”7417302996″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”right”] While the kids had their fun cooling off on the splash pad, the mom’s all made time to talk.  I got to know Jackie better – finding out we have led similar lives.  I got to know Katrina and Veronica too, and expanding your circle of friends is never a bad thing.

Lately the zoo has become our meeting place with other bloggers & I love it for that.  It’s a great central location that is kid-friendly and  relaxing even on the busiest days.  I also learned about some other zoo events I knew nothing about – that I plan to take full advantage of.

Bonus for me?  The girls & I got there early, right at opening.  Because of that for the first time we got to see the Tiger Forest for what it was meant to be – Tigers in your face.

I’m probably going back next week. Who wants to come with me?

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*Disclaimer: The zoo provided us w/ free seed sticks for our kids and free tickets to the 4-D adventure movie. My zoo membership & my opinions are all my own.