Tips for Trip to the Zoo?

I'd say see the monkeys, zebras, giraffs. Do it all. What zoo is it? We want to go to the San Diego Zoo soon. I know we havent been there since me and my sister were kids. We were in the area on Friday and we saw the outside of it. I mean its not super close still like an hour. BUT closer than it was from our old house (2hrs back then). I love the zoo. Why? I love animals! I truly would say besides monkeys I have zero favorites but plenty of favorites just not more than I can name past the first. Have fun!

I would definitely recommend the penguins, no matter which zoo they always are a lot of fun to visit. They tend to be quite active at all times, so it's fun to see. The tigers, lions and other cats I would wait for till either the end of the day or directly in the morning. Those animals tend to go sleep or rest during the day, something which they do in the zoos as well, making them not too much fun for the little ones because when they think about a lion they want to see them move and such. You could also ask when feeding time is on the animals like that, some are publicly fed in zoos so that could always be fun to see. The meerkats are a lot of fun as well, they are usually quite active unless it's really hot although then still they tend to move around at least a bit. If there is a reptile house and underwater world I'd definitely visit it as well, for some reason a lot of kids like fish swimming around and over them especially if there are bigger fish and the same tends to go for snakes, definitely if the snakes have live food walking in their cages it's always a spectacle to see the snake strike.

Couple of ideas you may want to use or not. When you go in pick up one of the zoo maps so that you can get an idea of the layout and where you may want to visit first etc. Also, we usually pack a little picnic with us as the food that you buy there is usually very overpriced. You should also look at either taking your own stroller or renting one there as those little legs can get tired walking around all day...other than that just go and have fun...we love the zoo, it's a great family day out.

Petting Pens are a must go to, if there is one avaliable go to that and spend as much time possible there because they are so much fun ((coming from an 18 year old hehe)) also make sure if there is a feeding area, visit that for the love of pancakes its a great experience for young children to do it, i fed a monkey when i was 10 and i still remember it even today because it was a great experience! so yea get those in to make it a truely memorable day

I don't know the facilities provided by the zoo authorities at your place but one thing you should keep in mind is, if zoo you are visiting is quite big then you should have water and something to eat with you and with kids it is a complete no no to be without these two things. I have a bad bad experience of a zoo trip with my yunger brother.

Do you have any picture books about animals? It might be fun to flip through them together before your trip, and say things like "Maybe we will see this animal at the zoo!" Or how about buying your 4 year old a cheap disposable camera to take pictures with? Then when you get the film developed, you get to see it through their eyes! Any exhibits where they let you feed or pet the animals are usually a big hit!

As I don't know your local zoo I can't be very specific about things to do. I think taking photos of the animals is one of the things you can do in all kind of zoos. Here where I live, the local zoo is only three blocks from home, so it's quite easy for me to go there (nevertheless, I don't go there frequently). In the local zoo there is a planetarium (a building with a dome where the sky and the stars are reproduced).

think that it will be a picnic day. so bring with you all those things which you will need when you will be having a picnic. bring extra clothes. you will surely get soiled. bring some peanuts for the elephants. it is so much fun to feed them. think what other food items you may be able to feed other animals more. bird feed will be a good idea to have. this is because i love birds, do you think your kids will love them, too? have a happy day!

I don't know how big your zoo is but start out with your childs favorite animals. Then plan from there. That way if he gets tired or bored at least he got to see his favorite animal at the zoo. One of the things that I've done is take my camera (either regular or digital) and take pictures of all the animals that you see at the zoo. Then I got the pictures developed and my daughter and I put them all on scrapbooking paper (8.5 x 11) and put them in protective coverings in a 3 ring binder. I wrote all the names of the animals that we saw on the paper. Now she not only has memories of the animals that we saw that day but it also helped her identify each animal. Of course we did this when she was about 2 or 3. Make sure you pack snacks and something to drink, especially water if its gonna be hot. Good luck and have fun!!

My son is going to be 5 this year and I'm planning on taking him this summer to the zoo. I am already planning it. I know that I will need to take snacks and water and drinks for the day because I expect it to be warm. I am taking sun tan lotion so that he doesn't get a burn. and I am planning on taking lots of breaks for him to rest unless I take a stroller-which he seems way to big for now that he is almost 5 (still working on that one). Best of luck to you. Thank you for the post I am going to keeping checking on this one so that I can get more ideas!

hey thats g8.. i m sure ur 4 year old will be exited by now to go to the zoo.. but yes there are certain obvious things you should not forget before going to the zoo, specially when you are with young toddlers... 1) dont forget a bottle of water, milk etc. 2) if your kid still wears a dipper dnt forget that too. 3) make sure, the clothes your kidds are wearing, they are comfortable in it. 4) be careful with your children if you are wandering alone... i guess thats all.. that i can suggest.. though i dont have any kids and yet to be married.. but if i were in ur situation would think of these things...