Tips For A Successful Zoo Trip With Little Kids
Are you planning a visit to the zoo soon? If you are, keep reading for some helpful advice. The zoo is a great family outing and there is a lot to do out there for your family! Make sure that everyone enjoys themselves by being careful with what you do or say. Remember that animals can hear loud noises just as well as we can and we don’t want to be scaring away all of the animals, now do we? Before we go on, if you are in the Maryland area, there are two popular zoos to check out with your family; Maryland Zoo and the National zoo in DC.
Here are some tips to ensure safety and fun when visiting the zoo with your toddlers. These tips should make your next trip to the zoo a breeze!
Tips For A Successful Zoo Trip With Little Kids
Plan ahead
Make sure that you plan out the activities ahead of time! When it comes to kids, we need to plan out day trips before heading out. It’s an easy way to make sure that everyone in your family will have a great time, especially if they are kids. If you know that one or more of your kids is afraid of certain animals and it will truly bother them and ruin their experience, leave those animals out of sight from those kids. This will allow them to enjoy their visit as much as everyone else can. I remember taking my daughter to the zoo and she was so scared of the flamingos, we had to avoid that entire area because she kept crying if they were within her sight.
Stranger danger
Teach your kids about stranger danger! This is very important because we cannot always be there to keep an eye on our children. Teach them that to not talk to strangers or go off with anyone without their parents’ permission. Even better, make it a family rule!
Change of clothes
If you’re going to a zoo that has a water park, don’t forget a change of clothes for the kids! Sometimes the exhibits and animals are so interesting that we tend to lose track of time and before we know it, our little one is soaked from head to toe.
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Comfortable shoes
Make sure that your kids are wearing comfortable shoes! This is especially important if you plan on being out all day. There are quite a few walking trails at zoos so it’s important that everyone in your family is prepared. I always wear sneakers to the zoo just so I can also run with them, especially when you have kids and a stroller, they are so much more comfortable.
Wear Sunscreen
Do make sure to wear sunscreen! Also remember to put some on the kids while you are at it. All of that walking around can cause sunburns easily, even with sunglasses on. Make sure that everyone in your family is feeling safe and comfortable when you’re out sightseeing for the day. Also bug spray! So important, we went to the zoo once without bug spray and my daughter was not having it, bugs kept coming at us especially when we were waiting in line to get in.
Time your visit to the zoo properly
Typically visitors will arrive early in the morning and/or just before closing for an authentic experience, but on average crowds are smaller during the middle hours of the day. The best time of the day to visit the zoo, on any given day is mid-afternoon.
By visiting the zoo mid-afternoon, visitors will be able to experience a good amount of exhibits and see the animals most active during that time of day. For example, many species of birds and mammals are at their most active in the early afternoon. If you want to view most primates or big cats, it is best to visit the zoo in the afternoon.
Arrive around 3PM, give or take an hour, and you should be fine for seeing most of what the zoo has to offer. This way you won’t waste your whole day at the zoo waiting in line or trying to see everything before it closes.
Know the Zoo’s Hours
First, know the zoo’s hours. This will allow you to plan your time for each specific attraction and help ensure that you’ll be able to visit everything on your list before the gates close. If a particular exhibit is closed during certain seasons or times, call ahead or check online so you can plan accordingly.
Map out the Zoo
Consider bringing a map with you so that you can plot out your route and determine how much time it will take to visit each exhibit or attraction. You’ll also be able to estimate how much time is needed for food and restrooms as well as other necessities. And, of course, you may end up changing your plans, but it never hurts to be prepared. The great thing is zoos are easy to navigate so you technically cannot get lost in them.
Make a List
As with any day out, whether at the zoo or elsewhere, make a list of everything you want to see and decide in what order you’d like to go through the park. This will help if you have any time constraints since you can plot out your route in advance. This is usually helpful for us because we have certain animals we absolutely most see, so we plan to check them out first.
Check the Zoo’s Site for Special Events
Check the zoo’s website before you go to see if there is any additional information or activities available on that day. You may find special events like bug walks, training demonstrations, or lectures which will be held in addition to normal exhibits and attractions.
Pack Properly
Start by packing a list of your own so you know what to bring for everyone in your family as well as yourself. You’ll find that certain items will be obvious but don’t neglect planning ahead with the kids, including snacks and beverages as well as sun protection for those who will be outside all day.
Strollers
It may be helpful to bring a stroller since the zoo is typically large and many of the exhibits may require some walking. It also can help with keeping up with little ones who might get tired or restless at times. Most zoos also have strollers available for a fee although they are usually not the typical strollers for babies so I won’t recommend them unless you kids are at least 1 years old.
Check for Changes
Websites are not always updated immediately so check for changes or closures before heading out. The last thing you want to do is spend time at the zoo (or anywhere else) only to find that one of your favorite exhibits has been closed, especially if it means returning early on a day trip.
Bring Your Own Food
The zoo typically offers concession stands and food carts for visitors but consider bringing your own instead. This can help you save money and will offer more options for those with special diets and preferences. It also allows you to eat at your own pace and not be limited by animal exhibits which might keep others from wanting to stop along the way.
Establish a Meet Up Spot
To help ensure that everyone in your group is accounted for, establish a meeting spot before you enter the zoo. If someone gets lost, this will help with finding everyone quickly and easily so that they can enjoy their day along with you.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Depending on when you go, there are typically discounts available like annual passes or reduced rates for children depending on their age. This can help save on the cost of a day at the zoo which might make it more accessible to your family. You may also want to check with your local zoo or aquarium as there may be reciprocal benefits available depending on what they offer or if you have an annual pass for one.
Try Overlook Trail
If the zoo closes early, consider giving Overlook Trail a try since it is an elevated path which offers views of the entire zoo along with some additional animal exhibits which are typically closed during regular hours. This can be a nice chance to see extra animals for free after the zoo has closed to visitors.
Bring activities for the kids
Part of the reason kids are often bored at the zoo is because they don’t have anything to do! To avoid this, bring some things that will help them learn about animals in a fun way. For example, you could bring a pair of binoculars or an animal encyclopedia with you, so if they see something they’re interested in, they can learn more about it. If you have a portable tablet or laptop, bringing that is also a good idea!
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Bring treats and toys
If you’re at the zoo overnight or even just for more than one day, bring some of their favorite things to keep them entertained! Bring some stuffed animals, bubbles, or even just some crayons and paper so they can draw. Little things like this will help them stay happy throughout the day.
Take breaks often
Even if you’re only at the zoo for a little bit of time, make sure to take frequent breaks! Tell yourself that you’ll just go for 15 minutes, but come back in 10 if you need to. By coming back often, kids will enjoy the zoo that much more because it won’t be so overwhelming!
Have Fun!
No matter how you plan your day, make sure that you take time to enjoy it as well. You might not be able to see every animal on display but focusing on some of your favorites (or even something new) can help make the experience even more special. Take the time to talk about what you see, learn some new facts, and introduce your little ones to wildlife they may not get to encounter on a daily basis. This can be a great chance for everyone to spend some quality time together.
Things to take with you to the zoo
This is a question that all parents ask themselves before they head out to the local zoo with their child. As parents, you need to plan ahead and bring everything your child might need for the duration of your trip.
Here are a few helpful things to bring along to the zoo:
Water bottles and snacks
Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at any of the public water fountains that may be available, and maybe even some healthy snacks! Check the zoo’s food vendor options ahead of time if you’re looking for something more specific than just a quick snack. You’ll want to bring such things as granola bars, cereal bars, crackers and cheese, or other foods that will not spoil if they sit in the heat all day while you’re looking at animals.
Comfortable clothing
Although it may still be hot out, you want to make sure whatever you wear is comfortable and breathable. You’ll definitely get a lot of walking in throughout your time at the zoo.
Sun protection and bug spray
In addition to comfort, protect yourself from the sun by bringing hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and anything else that will shield you from the sun’s rays. Bug spray is also essential for a day at the zoo.
Camera
If you’re planning on taking any photos or video, be sure to bring your trusty camera along!
Wipes and paper towels
These will be helpful for cleaning or wiping things especially when trying to sit or eat.
Toys
Bring some little toys for your kids to play with especially when they get restless.
Miscellaneous
Any personal items that you may want to bring – Be sure to think about anything else that would make your trip even better! This could include the following: A sketchbook; a pencil case with colored pencils, etc, binoculars; books etc
There you have it, the ultimate guide to a having a great day at the zoo with your kids. Hopefully you find these tips helpful the next time you go. Also check out this post on planning a stress free day trip with kids.
