How To Make a Zoo Trip Even More Educational for your Preschooler

A trip to the zoo is an enjoyable way to spend the day with your child. If you have a preschool aged child, a visit to the zoo is a great way to open your child’s eyes to an entirely new world. Elephants, tigers and lions will literally come to life before your child and it’s a great way to cultivate his interest in animals and nature.

When going to the zoo, maximize the experience with a few preparations. This way, the trip to the zoo will not only be enjoyable but educational as well.

    * Read books before you go. Build up a trip to the zoo by reading books about different animals he’s likely to see at the zoo. You can also get stories that feature animals as main characters. Baby Einstein books on animals are great because it uses real animals in their pictures along with small tidbits of trivia regarding each animal. When you get home from the zoo, pass by the library and borrow more books on animals to further reinforce what your child has seen and learned. Strike while the interest is high!
    * Watch nature and wild life shows. Watch National Geographic specials. Indulge your child in Dora the Explorer and Go! Diego! or even Wonderpets. These shows feature animals prominently in their storylines so it’s a great way to generate interest and educate your child about different trivia and things on animals.
    * Take the tour. Take advantage of the free guided tour at the zoo. This way, you have a knowledgeable resource person who you can ask questions and give you a short spiel on each animal you visit. Some tours even let you touch the animals. If your child shows an interest about a certain animal, let him ask the tour guide questions.
    * Schedule your trip. Visit the zoo website to find out if there are any animal shows on the day of your visit. Some animals are taken out during specific hours and may be allowed to roam free. Other times, zoo visitors can even watch the animals get fed. Keep in mind that some nocturnal animals may be asleep during midday, such as lions, so you may want to visit when it’s most likely that these animals are awake.
    * Read the information plaques. Read the information printed in front of each cage or section. Point out to the child any specific markings that distinguish a particular animal from another. For example, point out the large furry mane of the lion, or show the interesting spots on the cheetah.


Show enthusiasm when you go to the zoo so your child can be excited about the trip as well. Take advantage of days when the entrance is free. Arrange the trip with another child of the same age so your child can have more fun going around the zoo. If you plan the trip properly, your preschooler is sure to have fun while learning about the different animals. Let his visit to the zoo be a magical experience for him!
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