How to Take Your Toddler to the Zoo

By FrogDoc

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Stroller or tether
Snacks and drinks
Camera

Step 1:
Read an animal book in the days proceeding your trip to the zoo. By doing this, you ensure your child has at least seen pictures of some of the animals that would be there and knows some of the sounds that these animals make. Bringing a camera and taking pictures of the animals you view is another great way to teach your toddler about types of animals.
Step 2:
Begin the day as early as possible. Bring a stroller for your child to sit in when they are tired. It will also give you a place to put your bags, snacks and camera. A tether is useful, as a toddler can walk and be independent but cannot easily run off or be snatched up.
Step 3:
Keep things simple. When going to each of the animal exhibits, do not get too complicated in the descriptions of the animals. If a toddler sees a bear, chances are he thinks or says bear regardless type. So, whether you see a brown bear, a sun bear or a polar bear, it might suffice to call them all bears. This goes for many animals that look similar such as snakes, butterflies, monkeys and antelopes. Toddlers also have fun imitating animal sounds.
Step 4:
Pay attention to the mood of your toddler. Make sure to give her plenty of snacks (and instruct her not to feed the animals), and water or juice to hydrate her. Only spend a few hours at the zoo, as toddlers' attention spans are limited. Be aware of nap time, and be sure to let her rest if necessary (and possible). Be willing to cut your trip short if your toddler becomes uncooperative.
Step 5:
Lengthen visits as your toddler gets older. Subsequent trips to the zoo can become longer and you can give them more information about the animals in the zoo. Children can begin to distinguish among different types of animals such as bears or frogs and you can teach them about habitats and where in the world the various animals are found.

Tips & Warnings

Many zoos offer season passes, or have free admission on certain days or at specific times.
It is not necessary to see all the animals in a single trip. You can spread your zoo trip out over several weekends, and create a checklist of animals you and your toddler have observed.
Keep an eye on your toddler in the crowds and around the animals at the zoo.

Photo/Video Credit

Tina Lehman

More Puppy Pages

How to Teach Children About Animals

Instructions Step 1: Start with lessons of compassion towards animals. Let the child know that animals are living things too and should not be treated cruelly. Step 2: Purchase a small pet. A small animal, such as a pet hamster, can help you teach your...

Instructions Step 1: Support captive breeding programs in the United States and around the world. With low birth rates and reproduction issues, breeding in captivity is an important aspect of panda survival. Visit zoos that have captive pandas. Step 2...

Instructions Step 1: Pay only for admission at the Maryland Zoo. While visiting the zoo, you can park your vehicle in their lot free of charge. Step 2: Speak to one of the zookeepers. They are available at select times to answer any questions that you...

How to Teach Children to be Kind to Animals

Instructions Step 1: Demonstrate kindness towards animals through your own actions. Always show your child that animals deserve respect. Pet and hold animals correctly and never speak of harming animals. Step 2: Show your child the correct way to pet and...

Instructions Step 1: Know that if you are an animal lover, there are different ways you can adopt animals. Some involve caring for an animal yourself or simply donating money to a charity. You can contact many different organizations who specialize in...