How to Plan a Zoo Trip with Kids

Co-authored by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.

Last Updated: December 13, 2021 References

Taking your kids to the zoo can be a fun and an educational experience, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re ill-prepared. Before setting off on your zoo safari, you’ll want to do a little research on best times to visit, make an itinerary, and involve your kids as much as possible in the decision-making process. Planning ahead ensures you can make the most of your time and money, while also providing a memorable trip for everyone.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making an Itinerary

1
Check the zoo website for a schedule of events. Checking the zoo's homepage before you pick a day for your trip will keep you updated on the daily schedules and any special events you could see if you visit on specific days. Make sure these are included in the price of admission or be prepared to pay extra.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
2
Find the best time to go to the zoo. Many animals will be most active in the morning right when the zoo opens and after feeding. Zoos will also receive new animals from time to time, so keep an eye out for new arrivals.
- Take into account the weather. Some animals, such as elephants, might be more active after the rain.
- Take into account the time of year. Animals from warmer climates may not be able to tolerate the cold weather, and are placed inside for the winter. ^{[2]
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- If you want to avoid large crowds don’t plan your trip on a major holiday. Instead plan to go on a weekday if you can. Try to see popular animals or exhibits early in the day, such as pandas, which almost always draw a line.
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3
Ask your kids to help you plan. Plan your trip around the animals that your kids want to see. Do some research on their favorite animals. It will make the experience more memorable and also educational.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
- Checking out a book about your child’s favorite animal can excite them about the zoo trip while also reinforcing the experience afterwards. ^{[4]
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- Respect your child’s sensitivities and avoid animals that they might be afraid of. For example, if your child doesn’t like snakes, be sure to stay away from the reptile house.
4
Create a list of sites you want to see. Based on your research and talking with your kids, list all the animals, exhibits, or events that you want to see, keeping in mind the timing of special events such as demonstrations, shows, or feedings.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
5
Map out your path through the zoo. Find a map of the zoo, either online, in a free zoo app, or from a kiosk once you get there. To avoid backtracking, plan the best route to take so you don’t miss any of the sites.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
6
Locate play zones. Most zoos have play zones for kids. Mark these on your map to let the kids blow off some steam.
7
Locate restaurants or picnic tables. Don’t forget to allot time for lunch. If you’re planning on buying lunch, find cafes or restaurants that your kids would enjoy. If you’re looking to save money, find a picnic area or even a bench to stop, rest, and eat a sack lunch.
8
Locate the petting zoo. If your children are hands-on, be sure to include a stop to the petting zoo on your route. Most zoos have a small area dedicated for this. Looking at animals all day that they can’t touch can be unbearable for some kids, so this can provide much needed some relief.
9
Find the best directions to the zoo. If it is a long trip, try listening to music or playing fun road trip games. Use the drive as a time to connect and get excited for your outing.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}
- If you have a smartphone, you could download some mobile apps games or fun math games for kids to keep them from getting bored.
- Play some music they enjoy or a few interesting books or keep them engaged with fun road trip games like “How Many Trucks Do You See?” You definitely don't want a bunch of grumpy kids on your hands before the outing has even begun.
- You can also try an alphabet game. For example, take turns naming animals that begin with each letter of the alphabet.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
  Parent Educator & Coach
  Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Bringing the Essentials

1
Bring baby essentials. If you plan to bring a baby, don't forget to bring plenty of diapers, baby food, pacifiers, and extra clothing.
2
Bring a stroller or wagon. If possible, bring a wagon or stroller if your kids are too young to walk long distances or if they tire easily. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to carry them!
3
Pack water. It’s important to carry plenty of water, especially in warmer months. Bring a water bottle you can refill once you're there. The zoo will probably sell bottled water, but this can quickly get expensive.
4
Pack sunscreen. Most of the zoo will be outside, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring extra to use once you’re there.
5
Bring an umbrella in case of rain. Check the weather before you go, and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. If you’re not wanting to carry around an umbrella all day, you can also pack plastic ponchos.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Saving Money

1
Get there early. To make the most of your ticket price, get to the zoo when it opens and plan to be there all day. Getting there early will also help you see the animals when they’re most active and beat the lines for the popular exhibits.
2
Pack a lunch. The zoo might have a cafe but it's probably too expensive and the queues too long so it's a good idea to pack a lunch from home and get the kids to help out.
- Don’t bring messy food. Chocolate is a definite no-no; fresh fruit, pretzels and sandwiches are your best bet since they are non-messy and will keep in a small cooler. Try to pack some snacks for mid-morning and early evening hunger pangs.
3
Search for money-saving deals. Many cities have a reciprocal agreement with the aquarium, other attractions, or even nearby hotels. If you are visiting a city and plan to see other major attractions check if there is a “city pass” or something similar. ^{[9]
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- Some zoos will even have particular days or months when kids get in free with a paying adult. ^{[10]
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4
Consider buying a zoo membership. If you plan to go to the zoo often, it might be worth buying a membership. These typically come out cheaper than buying individual tickets every time you go to the zoo. Zoo memberships also often have reciprocal deals with a city’s aquarium, so you could get access to both venues.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you make the zoo more fun for kids?

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Kathy Slattengren is a Parent Educator and Coach and the Founder of Priceless Parenting. With over two decades of experience, Kathy specializes in helping parents build strong, loving relationships with their children. She has helped thousands of parents around the world through Priceless Parenting's online classes, presentations, coaching, and books. Kathy holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Psychology from The University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Education and Instructional Design from The University of Washington. Kathy is a member of the National Parenting Education Network, the US Alliance to End the Hitting of Children, the International Society for Technology in Education, and a founding member of Parent Learning Link. Priceless Parenting has been featured on ABC News, Komo News, King 5 News, National PTA, Parent Map, and Inspire Me Today.

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.

Parent Educator & Coach

Expert Answer

Plan ahead for fun activities that your kids may enjoy. For instance, you might stop by your child's favorite animal exhibit, or stop to watch certain animals get fed.
Question

What should I pack when going to the zoo with kids?

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Kathy Slattengren is a Parent Educator and Coach and the Founder of Priceless Parenting. With over two decades of experience, Kathy specializes in helping parents build strong, loving relationships with their children. She has helped thousands of parents around the world through Priceless Parenting's online classes, presentations, coaching, and books. Kathy holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Psychology from The University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Education and Instructional Design from The University of Washington. Kathy is a member of the National Parenting Education Network, the US Alliance to End the Hitting of Children, the International Society for Technology in Education, and a founding member of Parent Learning Link. Priceless Parenting has been featured on ABC News, Komo News, King 5 News, National PTA, Parent Map, and Inspire Me Today.

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.

Parent Educator & Coach

Expert Answer

Be sure to pack water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen, along with anything else you anticipate needing.
Question

Should I bring a stroller to the zoo?

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.
Parent Educator & Coach
Kathy Slattengren is a Parent Educator and Coach and the Founder of Priceless Parenting. With over two decades of experience, Kathy specializes in helping parents build strong, loving relationships with their children. She has helped thousands of parents around the world through Priceless Parenting's online classes, presentations, coaching, and books. Kathy holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Psychology from The University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Education and Instructional Design from The University of Washington. Kathy is a member of the National Parenting Education Network, the US Alliance to End the Hitting of Children, the International Society for Technology in Education, and a founding member of Parent Learning Link. Priceless Parenting has been featured on ABC News, Komo News, King 5 News, National PTA, Parent Map, and Inspire Me Today.

Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.

Parent Educator & Coach

Expert Answer

If your child is young enough to still use a stroller, then absolutely. There's typically a lot of walking involved on a zoo trip, and your little one is very likely to get tuckered out.