Like people? Like animals more? The zoo offers the perfect mix of people-watching and animal enjoyment all packed into one beautifully landscaped location. This weekend, dive into the Woodland Park Zoo and be prepared to enter the wonderful world of the animal kingdom in Seattle’s very own backyard.

Route 44, the zoo’s most direct route, picks up in the U-District on Northeast 45th St. and Roosevelt Way Northeast, right in front of Key Bank and across the street from American Apparel. Take the Ballard-bound bus to the Fremont Ave. North and 46th St. stop, across from the Shell gas station. The trip is a comfortable 30-minute ride. Take a right on Fremont and follow the signs to the zoo (about a five-minute walk from the bus stop). The signs will lead straight to the park’s south entrance.

Make sure to plan accordingly — the zoo has limited winter hours until the end of April. Current hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $10.50, which is $4.50 less than the summer rate. The front gate accepts all forms of payment.

Once inside the self-proclaimed urban oasis, check out some of the daily winter programs. Early programs include penguin feedings, piranha feedings and python feedings. Later programs include an elephant showcase, raptor exhibitions and anaconda feedings.

After catching a show or two, travel around the park’s extensive habitats. Stroll on through the African Savanna to see the authentic African village, giraffes, zebra, hippos, lions and Patas monkeys. Then wander through Tropical Asia to visit Elephant Forest, orangutans and tigers. Trek through Northern Trail to see a collection of native Washington species in their indigenous environment. Sneak a peak at the gorillas in Tropical Rainforest, and make way through Temperate Rainforest towards the always-entertaining petting zoo at the family farm.

“The TIGERS are my favorite!” said 8-year-old Alena Falkcony as she and her mother left the zoo.

“The artic wolves were cooler,” argued her older brother, Christopher.

Midway through the animal adventures, grab a bite to eat at one of the eight restaurants located in the Rain Forest Food Pavilion. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Food options range from burgers and fries to pizza, Asian specialties, Mexican food and hot dogs. Espresso and ice cream are also available at many locations.

To stray away from the traditional family trip to the zoo, try to add a bit of an angle to the visit. Bring along a camera and take silly group pictures with friends in front of the Macaque monkeys, or go for a more artistic approach and take professional-style photographs of the most intriguing animals. Further yet, grab a sketchbook or any other medium of choice and indulge in the scenic environment. Artistically challenged? Lace up those Nikes and take a jog around the elaborate maze of trails. The terrain will provide an excellent workout, and the surroundings will make it fun.

Whether clicking, painting, jogging or just having fun, after a refreshing day at the zoo head on over to the Woodland Park Rose Garden, located to the left of the south entrance. The two acres of roses holds 280 varieties and more than 5,000 plants. It also provides the perfect setting for a late afternoon snack before catching the bus back home.

To get back to the U-District, head back up Fremont Ave. North and catch the 44 bus back to UW Medical Center — it will go right through 45th St. and Roosevelt Way Northeast on the Ave.

Reach columnist Tina Abrams at features@thedaily.washington.edu.