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Learning at the Zoo
Ideas for Teaching Kids about Science with Animals
Updated 04/04/17
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A trip to the zoo can be more than just afun day trip for families; it’s full of learning opportunities as well. Aside from giving your child a chance to see animals she may never encounter on her own, the zoo provides opportunities to learn about different animal species, theirhabitatsand behavior. The learning can begin even before you leave the house. Here are some ideas to get you started.
All About Animals (Ages 2-5)
Yourpreschoolermay only be familiar with house pets and cartoon monsters, so now is the time to introduce her to the new and exotic animals she'll see in the zoo.
A few days before your trip, sit down with your child and start reading about animals from A to Z, using books such as Jerry Pallota’sThe Furry Animal Alphabet Bookand R. M. Smith’sAn A to Z Walk in the Park: Animal Alphabet Book.
Make an alphabetical checklist of all the animals you think you might see at the zoo. On the day of your zoo visit, bring the checklist with you and have a zoo animal scavenger hunt. Once you’ve found and checked off the animals, you can talk to your child about the animals he saw. Did they look the same in real life as they did in the books?
All About Animal Babies (Ages 5-8)
At this age, children are very interested in the concept of family and the roles children and adults play in families. You can build on this interest by extending it to the animal families she will see at the zoo. Kids are also fascinated bywhat the babies of other species are called. Again, you can begin teaching at home by reading a book such as Barbara Knox’sAnimal Babies ABC: An Alphabet Book of Animal Offspring.
When you get to the zoo, look for animals exhibited in groups: primates such as monkeys and baboons or herds of antelope or deer. Observe the ways that animal parents take care of their babies. As you visit each exhibit ask your child if she remembers what the baby animal is called. At the end of the trip you can compare notes.
Ask her what things the animals did to take care of their babies. (You may see animal parents carrying their offspring, feeding them, or watching over them.)
All About Animal Habitats (Ages 9-12)
Older children are ready to understand that different animals needdifferent kinds of environments in which to live. Start the conversation about environments at home, talking about the differences between the way your child’s room is set up now and how it was set up when he was much younger. A conversation about how his needs varied at different ages leads easily into a conversation about how different animals need particular habitats to be comfortable, happy and healthy.
To really get your child thinking about habitats, it may be useful to make a casual comment wondering about how the zoo manages make sure animals from all over the world can be safe, healthy and have what they need to survive.
Once you get to the zoo, your lesson plan is already set up for you, as each animal is maintained in an environment as much like their natural habitat as possible. Lead your child's thinking with questions such as, “I wonder why it’s so humid in the reptile room?” or “Look at all the shaded area the lions have,” and you and your child will be able to discuss why each habitat is set up the way it is and how the animals benefit from it.
With a little preparation, the zoo can be a satisfying outing, with a good walkoutdoors, plenty to see, and a little bit of learning along the way.
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Day Eight
Going to the zoo is a fun time for all ages, but especially children. If this is their first time, you can see their eyes open in amazement as they look upon a polar bear or lion for the first time. In addition, going to the zoo with your children is a learning experience. Coming face to face with these incredible creatures is something they will talk about for a long time.
Moreover, zoos today not only allow for a fun time, but an educational one as well. In fact, more schools today are taking kids on day trips to the zoo to teach them about different animals, as well as why conservation is so important.
Making a day trip to the zoo is fun – but can easily turn into a nightmare if you do not plan well. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep everyone’s excitement high and crying to a minimum.
Plan Ahead
Take some time and check your local zoo website for daily schedules and special events. This way you can pick a day which might have some special features you can see which are already included in your admission! By checking out the zoo website before the day of the trip, you can choose which exhibits you would like to visit and avoid wasting time upon arrival deciding where to go. You can print maps ahead of time and create an agenda.
You may also want to see if they have special admission for certain days of the week or before a certain hour. Special passes might be had through sites likeGrouponorLiving Social, or a multi-pass for a combination zoo/aquarium pass might save you money. Google your local zoo and also the word “discount” and see what comes up.
Be Prepared
Visiting the zoo in the summer can bring about issues with temperature. Summer temperatures can be unbearable, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared depending on what part of the country you live in. Here are some things to keep in mind when heading out during hot days:
Dress children appropriately.Little bodies tend to get hot quickly, and if they are miserable everyone else will be too. Bring an extra change of clothes, sunglasses, and hats. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Bring lots of cold, iced-down water.Most zoos will not sell drinks with straws for fear of them being dropped and ending up in the animals’ mouths, so parents should remember this and refrain from bringing anything with straws. Water in squeeze bottles or sippy cups is a better choice.
If bringing a baby, pack the diaper bag wisely.A day at the zoo can last a long time, so parents should make sure to pack plenty of diapers, bottles, pacifiers, extra clothes, and food. Strollers or wagons are always a good idea.
Pack Just Right
The idea is to pack just what is needed, not extra items, so the day is spent enjoying the animals and not lugging around overstuffed bags. If you have a wagon, we find that using it rather than a stroller is better – easier to carry things and easy to get little ones in and out too.
Bring Lunch from Home:
Most zoos have cafes, but the prices can be expensive and the lines can be long.It can easily cost over $50 for lunch for a family of four. Way over my budget! Instead, pack a lunch from home having everyone help out.
Get suggestions from each member of the family.
Fresh fruit is a great choice and easy to eat.Don’t bring along items that will melt – like chocolate. Choose sandwiches, fruits, pretzels, and raisins. Try to pack things that will keep in a small cooler.
Snacks are a good idea too for mid-morning stops and after lunch.Children tend to eat small “meals” throughout the day, and those pretzel stands can become tempting.
Game It
Although small children generally love to see new animals, older kids may complain about seeing the same thing over and over again. To keep older kids interested, parents can spend a few days before the trip encouraging them to learn about the animals they will be seeing. Print out information sheets about various animals to take along, or a list of questions for kids to answer while walking through the zoo. The child with the most correct answers can pick a place to go for ice cream after the zoo or pick out a special souvenir at the gift shop. Besides making the day more interesting for older kids, this activity will also help them learn more!
I also love thisprintable scavenger huntfromI Can Teach My Childwhich can keep kids entertained!
Know Your Child’s Limit
We each have children that can handle different levels of stimulation and excitement. Try to remember to plan some downtime during the zoo visit. Find a shady spot to rest and relax in the afternoon. If you have older kids who like to explore, give them the chance to view an area of the zoo as a group or with another adult, while younger ones take a break. Making sure you do not over-extend yourself and your children will keep the day running smoothly.
It always pays to plan ahead. By planning accordingly, thinking of ways to make the most of the day, and taking advantage of zoo resources, parents can make trips to the zoo memorable family events.
When was the last time your family had a zoo visit?
Many families enjoy planning day trips in the summer. They’re a great way to have a little fun, but still be able to come home at the end of the day and relax. One great destination that kids and adults always enjoy is the zoo. Besides having a terrific time, your kids will learn about animals and their habitats.
The Plan
Before you go, plan your day well! Unless you want to pay the high price of refreshments, bring along plenty of beverages and snacks. Many zoos offer picnic areas where you can leave your cooler so that it’s ready to go when lunchtime rolls around.
If you have young children who will not be able to walk the entire time but are too old for a stroller, bring a wagon, or rent one from the zoo. In addition, a wagon is the perfect way to cart around water bottles and snacks.
You’ll also want to talk to your children about their expectations. What do they think they’ll see there? What animals are they most excited about? Make note of their excitement and plan your day accordingly. Some other tips for your day at the zoo are:
Check out the zoo’s Website, or give them a call, and find out if they offer a free admission day. Many zoos’ have one day per week when local residents are admitted without charge. Take advantage of this, as admission costs for a family of four can be pricey, especially in the summer months.
If the Website has a map of the zoo, pay close attention to it. Plan your day before the day starts. Are they are any special exhibits or play areas for children? What about a petting zoo? Kids love to get up close with animals, so try to plan your route to encompass both viewing and participating.
The Essentials
In addition to snacks and beverages, bring sunscreen, hats, and depending on the age of your children, a change of clothes. If your kids are old enough to snap pictures, buy them each a disposable camera so they can photograph their day, their way.
Make sure the kids know the rules before you go. Explain to them that zoos are busy places and kids can get lost easily, so they should never run off. Teach them to respect the animals they will be viewing.
At the Zoo
Kids tire out fast, especially in the sun and heat. Plan for rest times at play areas or wildlife shows where the entire family can sit for awhile. You, and your kids, will last that much longer!
A trip to the zoo can be a lot of fun and a great learning experience for your entire family. By planning some of it ahead of time, and bringing essentials with you, you’ll not only save money – but also your stress level!
