How to Make the Most of a Zoo Field Trip
A zoo field trip can be a wonderful learning experience for your young children. The key is to plan a trip that works learning into the day. Whether that means practicing basic skills or making time to see shows, you can have a list of to-dos on how to make the most of a zoo field trip with your little learners!
Aside from planning a day trip to the zoo with your kids, there are more things you can do to spend your science learning with them! Here are some ideas to consider for more fun Animal Activities for Kids!
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.
How to Make the Most of a Zoo Field Trip
Visiting the zoo is already fun in itself, however, you have to make sure your little ones get the most out of it as they can. I have listed some ideas on how you can level up their zoo field trip experience. Be certain to have an exciting but educational time on this trip!
1. Go on a Zoo Field Trip on a Weekday
If you want the zoo field trip to go smoothly, and have the chance to work learning into the day, I suggest you go on a weekday. During the weekends, the zoo will be filled with families and it can be stressful. Not only do you not get enough time to enjoy each exhibit, but it can be impossible to get a child to stop and focus when so much is happening around you.
2. Practice Basic Skills
Throughout the visit, practice basic math and reading skills. Ask how many monkeys are in the monkey cage or ask what the signs say. Limit the questions to one per exhibit so your child doesn’t catch on that you’re trying to turn this into a learning experience.
3. Teach Fun Facts
Another great thing to do at some of the exhibits is to teach a fun fact. For example, you can teach her that lions are from Africa. At the end of the day, on the way home, ask her questions to see how much she remembers.
4. Make Time for Shows
The shows are a wonderful way to learn during a zoo field trip. Check the schedule before heading to the zoo so that you know where to be at what time. It might be a show where they feed the seals and talk about neat facts or a demonstration at the lion habitat. If you don’t have time to see all the shows, go to the ones that interest your child the most. Children are more likely to learn when they are interested.
5. Ask Questions
Last, but not least, look for zookeepers that will answer your child’s questions. Just try to limit the number of questions so that you’re not taking up too much time for the personnel. If you like, you can ask your son the questions he wants to ask before you go so that he learns the most important things on his list.
Recommended Zoo Animal Books
Before or after going to the zoo, your little explorer will surely be enthusiastic to learn more about the zoo and all the animals that live in it. These books will not only give them learnings about that but most importantly will encourage reading at an early age.
The View at the ZooThe Secret ZooTHE GIRAFFE THAT LOVED PEANUTS – A funny and cute childrens book about baby giraffes making friends at the zoo.: Kids story book about zoo animals and snacks!Life at the ZooIf I Lived At The ZooThe Animals at the Zoo: An Illustrated Rhyming Picture Book About Animals for Kids Age 2-5 (Let’s Explore)
Recommended Zoo Animals Activity Kits
Pretend plays are the best! Your kids will surely have lots of fun time with family and friends as they pretend to own and manage their own zoos at home with this enjoyable zoo pretend play pack. The toys and costumes in the recommended toys section below are perfect to go hand in hand with this activity as well!
Easy Origami Animal Zoo Kits for Kids
This easy origami activity is perfect for small kids! They will not only be familiarized with the animals they’ll encounter at the zoo, but it will also develop fine motor skills and critical thinking.
Recommended Zoo Toys for Kids
Your young adventurer will surely love these zoo animal toys! From animal figurines to playing a zoo safari keeper dressing up for their pretend play, they will surely love these recommended toys.
BBnote Safari Animals Figures Toys with Name Tags,12 PCS Realistic Jumbo Wild Zoo Animals FigurinesSafari Animals Figurines Toys with Activity Play Mat & Trees, Realistic Plastic Jungle Wild Zoo Animals Figures PlaysetWooden Zoo Animal Blocks Stacking and Balancing Toy, Toddler Wood Animal Figures Blocks Imaginative PlayMIKNEKE Montessori Animal Figures with Flash Cards, Realistic Animal Figurines ToysGeyoga 24 Pieces Kids SafariDress up Explorer Outdoor OutfitZhanmai 6 Set Safari Animal Mask and Capes for Kids Wild Animal Costumes
A trip to the zoo can be a wonderful learning experience. Not only can children learn more about the animals they love, but it’s a great way to practice basic math and reading skills as well. Just don’t forget to have fun and let your young ones enjoy the experience and remember it for the rest of their lives!
More Zoo Animals Activities
Books About The Zoo for Preschoolers
Zoo Animal Crafts for Preschoolers
Zoo Activities for Elementary Students
Bear Preschool Counting Worksheets by Homeschool Preschool
Zoo Counting Clip Cards (1-10) by STEAMsational
A lot of zoos have Docents or specific volunteers to answer questions. The zoo I worked at had Just Ask carts with artifacts for people to touch & talk about.