Did you know that September is National Breakfast Month? Established to celebrate the importance of eating breakfast as a part of a healthy balanced diet and active lifestyle, there are many great ways to enjoy that first and often declared “most important meal of the day” throughout the Mid-Atlantic. For example, you may scrounge up a creative spin on a traditional breakfast staple using regional ingredients. Crab omelets anyone? I hear Scrapple gets mixed reviews even in Pennsylvania. I’d like to see Smith Island pancakes become a thing in Maryland, personally.
Or perhaps you’ll visit some great dine-in locations known for dishing out the works in breakfast specialties this month. The pickings certainly are plentiful! But if you’re looking for a wild way to experience breakfast, I recommend dining with one of the resident animals at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
That’s right, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind VIP experience in which you are treated to a lavish breakfast alongside some of your favorite Zoo friends. How do you do it? You simply sign up for one of several ongoing Breakfast with the Animals events offered on select weekend mornings between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is known for providing several ongoing event series throughout the year and during various seasons. These Breakfast with the Animals opportunities, though, are their most popular.
For these experiences, guests are treated to an al fresco breakfast experience provided in buffet style with plenty of palate-pleasing options. Depending on the theme for the specific occasion you sign up for, special animal residents will also be present throughout the meal. Attending zookeepers will also be onsite, of course, available for chats and to answer any and all questions you may have. Education stations are also set up along with additional activities, including unlimited photo opportunities. Guests also receive great takeaway gifts as part of this most memorable morning encounter.
The next upcoming Breakfast with the Animals event will be Breakfast with the Lions on Saturday, September 14. This will be followed by Breakfast with the Elephants on Sunday, September 15. On Sunday, September 22 there will be a special Breakfast by the Farmyard event featuring several resident barn buddies. Saturday, September 28 will feature Breakfast with the Penguins followed by a special Halloween edition of Breakfast with the Elephants: Pumpkin Smash on October 13. Then comes Breakfast with the Chimps: Halloween on Sunday, October 27. Concluding the “regularly occurring” series (not including holiday specials) for the 2024 year will be Breakfast with the Animal Ambassadors on Saturday, November 30. The site for each Breakfast with the Animals installment changes, as every event is held at the exhibit location of whichever featured creatures will be in attendance.
Again, Breakfast with the Animals is the Zoo’s most popular event series. Space is limited and fills up fast, so make your reservations well in advance. You may do so or read more about each upcoming offering by clicking on the link here.
Please note that the Zoo cannot accommodate special dietary restrictions for Breakfast with the Animals events. However, since the meal is provided via buffet spread, the options are profuse and plentiful. Plus, outside food is permitted for those with concerns. All supplies and catering orders are placed one week before the event. That’s another reason to reserve early and get your tickets on time.
In addition to these special VIP breakfasts, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides guests with other unique opportunities and animal experiences of great acclaim. Some of these include private animal training, interactive animal one-on-one specials, feeding presentations, and zookeeper-led programs. Learn more about private VIP experiences here.
There are also several in-zoo events they host seasonally throughout the year. Some are free and included with general park admission while others garner an additional, separate cost. Events range in age and offering, with some geared more toward adults, like Yoga at the Zoo, Octobearfest, and more.
Many are kid-oriented, like Toddler Mornings and Story Time and Nature Play, both of which are offered daily. Take note of the host of upcoming Halloween festivities taking place soon, including Trunk or Treat, the Zoo Zoom: Zoombie Run, and their widely popular Zoo Boo! Click here to read more about all future events at the Zoo.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is located at One Safari Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21217. For hours, admission, directions, and all other information visit the website at www.marylandzoo.org.