Making a Zoo Visit With Toddlers

There’s a reason that “Old MacDonald” is the most beloved song of the toddler years: Little kids love animals. But your little one’s unlikely to cross paths with too many different species besides dogs and cats (and the occasional gerbil) in his everyday life. Your best bet for animal education is to go on a family outing to a zoo near you. Here’s what to know to make a day with kids at the zoo a roaring success.

When to Go on a Zoo Visit

The youngest toddlers can be stimulated and engaged on a visit to the zoo, even if they just look and listen from afar (or from the comfort of your arms). Older kids at the zoo can delve more deeply into the fascinating elements of animal life, like what they eat or where they live, as they listen to a (brief) trainer talk or watch (or even participate in) a feeding. Even though the fun and learning quotients are high, it’s still best to keep your zoo trip to about two hours, which is the max that munchkins can manage without getting tired or cranky. One more word to the wise: If possible, take kids to the zoo when the crowds are smaller (during the week, during the day).

Before the Visit to the Zoo

Read (and sing) all about it. Your animal lover will enjoy his zoo visit even more if he knows a bit about what and who he’ll encounter. Look at books highlighting the creatures that live at the zoo (pop-ups or books that make sounds are particularly fun with this subject matter). Watch a tot-friendly video about animals, and of course, sing songs about animals and the noises they make: “Pop Goes the Weasel” and “Down by the Bay” (“did you ever see a llama wearing pajamas?”) are two tried-and-true winners. If you've ever taken your tot to a children's circus, remind him of the animals he saw there — he might be able to spot them again!
Dress for success. Comfy walking shoes are a must for your tot (and for you). And since zoos have both indoor and outdoor areas (not to mention a chilly reptile house and that hot and humid aviary), dress in layers and take along a jacket and sun hat so you’re both comfortable no matter the micro-climate.
Pack healthy snacks. Aside from animals, zoos are full of ice-cream carts and cotton-candy stands, which can sabotage your visit with a battle over treats or, if you give in, a sugar-spiked crash and burn. Bypass the junk food and boost your kid’s energy by bringing healthy treats from home. (If you do allow a special treat on your kid's day out, buy it as you go to soften the blow of leaving.)
Bring (or rent) a stroller. Even the hardiest walker can get tuckered out by all the terrain you’ll cover walking around the zoo.

During Your Zoo Visit

Stick (mostly) to the petting zoo. It’s tempting to take your tot to see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), but these creatures hang in sprawling landscapes, making them tougher for toddlers to spot. The petting zoo is a much better place to take toddlers because little ones can see animals up close and even interact with them. If your sweetie’s heart is set on seeing safari animals, head over during scheduled feeding times or trainer talks to guarantee a good view.
Don’t feed the animals people food. Animals eat animal crackers, right? That makes sense to your toddler, who may be anxious to share his stash. Be sure to explain (and enforce) that these creatures eat only special animal food. If he’s gung ho about feeding, buy some feed from the vending machines at the petting zoo and let the nibbling begin. Just be sure to whip out your hand sanitizer or head to a sink soon after the feeding frenzy.
Use your senses. Encourage your child to activate all his senses (well, except taste). As he cuddles the lamb, ask how his coat feels (fuzzy? scratchy?). How does the llama smell? (Stinky is a popular response.) What about those monkeys? Are they quiet or loud? And how about that toucan’s beak? Those are called stripes. These simple questions really engage kids at the zoo and help your child learn while he’s having fun.
Walk the walk, talk the talk. Kids love to imitate, so a trip to the zoo is the perfect time to practice their mimicry skills. Challenge your child to trumpet like an elephant or walk like an ape. Then once you’re home, do your best animal imitations and see if he can name that beast.