Top Ten Tips for Visiting the Zoo

1. Be the first in line. In the morning the animals are energetic and the crowds are light. Often, the zookeepers are in and around the animal exhibits for morning visits and are thrilled to answer questions.

2. Consider visiting on an odd weather day. Rain early in the day means the crowds will be nonexistent, but the animals will be playful. The first sunny day after a cold winter, or first cool day after a long summer will get the animals moving as well.

3. Ask questions! Zookeepers love to talk about their jobs and their animals. Not only will they share interesting animal facts, but you can also learn the animals’ names and their favorite pastimes.

4. Check with the ticket counter for a schedule of special events. Animal feedings, shows, and keeper talks are a great addition to your zoo visit. Often these little treats are not advertised, so checking early in day can ensure that you can enjoy these extras.

5. Find out about extra expenses. Animal feedings and rides can be a great part of your zoo visit, but can also mean additional cash. You may need to budget both your time and your money to plan a perfect day.

6. Bring wipes and hand sanitizer. Zoo days are a dirty business. Most zoos offer petting areas for close up animal encounters, after which you will need wipes. Imagine this, your child is checking out a beautiful tiger when it lifts its leg and relieves himself all over her front. I’ve seen it happen, and trust me, you’re gonna want some wipes.

7. Bring a world map. I have a laminated, notebook sized world map that I like to keep clipped on my stroller. My older kids use the map to find the countries of origin for each animal. For younger kids, I draw a star on our hometown. Together we find the animal’s home country and discuss if it is near or far from our hometown. I love these little impromptu educational moments.

8. Give your child a camera or a pair of binoculars. Kids love to take pictures. Taking pictures at the zoo makes them an active participant along with the animals. Even if binoculars are not necessary, they still add an element of fun that enhances the whole experience.

9. Let your kids navigate. My kids love the power of a map. Just holding it in their hands makes them feel like Magellan. Let your kids choose the animals that they are most interested in seeing and navigate a path to those locales. Another sneaky learning opportunity!

10. Find a way to make the zoo educational and fun. Zoos are a great place for something I like to call “sneaky school”. As we stroll, I toss out little facts or questions about each animal hoping that the kids will pick up on the information without really knowing that they are learning. My kids also enjoy keeping an animal journal, which gives them a super fun way to learn more about the animals they encounter during our visit.
~See other great Top Ten Lists at Oh, Amanda~