Discovery Cove for a 4 yr old?

[annabelle]

I was thinking about going to DC with our entire family (so no one feels left out)... but when I saw it was going to cost $189 even for our 4 yr old, I'm having second thoughts!

For that much, I could get her a NICE make-over at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and have money to spare. She would enjoy that more anyway.

Is it more ideal to wait until a child is at least elementary school age before taking them to DC? Our other children have snorkeled in Mexico - and would LOVE DC, especially the dolphins.

 

[lucky978]

annabelle,

We took our daughters this past February and they loved it, but they are 9. Honestly, I think 4 is too young. I would wait until she is at least 7. She will appreciate it more and get to do more things without being afraid.

Jacki

 

[DixieDolphin]

Yeah, for the dolphin swim one has to be at least 6 years old. Which, if you ask me, is still too young (it wasn't until recent years that dolphin swim programs started dropping under the 13 y/o range).

Honestly, a four year old probably won't get much enjoyment out of the whole experience. I'm actually rather surprised they even charge admission for a 4 y/o.

I'd wait and come back to it in a few years when everybody could do it and actually remember the experience, too! =) But definitely do it eventually, as it's an awesome park!

 

[annabelle]

That's what we've decided to do.
I was torn anyway since we're used to snorkeling south of Cancun, MX.
I didn't know if DC would be a let down... but I figured as a parent I liked the idea of DC being more of a 'controlled' environment (compared to the ocean)... plus we're not able to do Mexico with the kids this year, so I thought DC would be a good 'substitute'.

My 4 yr old has the ability to stick her head in the water (with a mask on), look around then come up for air. I know she would enjoy seeing fish, even though she would just be seeing them for brief seconds in between breaths.

My middle child (then 4) snorkeled in Mexico this way (w/a mask, minus the snorkel!).
She loved floating around and looking at all the fish.

I think we'll just wait to do DC when my youngest is about 7-8. That way, we can ALL do the dolphin swim together. We could do this in Mexico, but I don't want to endorse the dolphin programs down there. I would much rather spend that $$ with Sea World.

Only thing is, I'm scared to see what DC will cost in 3-4 years!!