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Planning a Successful Zoo Day with Toddlers
Do you want to take your toddler to the zoo, but are worried about tantrums? Or perhaps you’re just not quite sure what to expect and want to feel prepared for your first family zoo day. Whatever the case, read on for some tips to ensure a successful and stress-free trip to the zoo!
Prepare in Advance
The key to planning anything is to get prepared in advance. Look for your zoo’s policies, maps, and exhibits. Check the upcoming weather forecast so that you can dress appropriately and bring ponchos (check out this stroller poncho cover: https://amzn.to/3HjcPjB), if necessary. Gather up any snacks and supplies that you may need to bring with you. In addition to preparing yourself, it’s a good idea to prepare the kids as well. In the days leading up to your zoo trip, talk to your child about the different animals they will see (or ask which ones they want to see). This is a great opportunity to do animal-themed crafts and read animal books to get them excited for the big day. Young children enjoy structure and knowing what to expect, so preparing them (as well as yourself) ahead of time can help create a smooth and stress-free day at the zoo.
The Best Time to Visit
Personally, I find the zoo to be most enjoyable and less stressful when it isn’t too busy. Crowds can block your child’s view of exhibits, make navigating more difficult, and create a noisier environment that can lead to toddlers becoming overstimulated. For a calmer experience, it is best to visit during a weekday and school/work hours (check to make sure it’s not a school holiday!). Additionally, I have found that going to the zoo on lightly rainy days can be surprisingly fun! Most families will stay indoors when it rains, which means barely anybody is at the zoo. Just be sure to pack some ponchos, and be prepared to pop into the indoor exhibits, if needed. Another option to consider is going during the off-peak winter season, although I’ve found that the zoo can still be fairly popular during the winter, and some exhibits may not be open.
Of course, it’s not always feasible to head over to the zoo on a rainy Tuesday. The absolute best time to visit the zoo is whenever you are able to go! However, keeping these tips in mind can lead to a better overall experience if you are able to utilize them.
Focus on One Area
Zoos are usually pretty big parks, and it’s understandable to want to see everything! However, toddlers tend to get tired and bored more quickly than adults. To avoid tantrums and cranky kids, I’d recommend only planning to visit one or two sections of the zoo in a day. Our local Columbus Zoo is organized by the continents that each animal inhabits; so we typically just focus on one “continent” for each visit. If the kids are still happy and engaged, then you can always check out additional animals after finishing up your planned section, too. This is one reason why I love having a zoo membership- there is less pressure to see everything all in one day, and I don’t feel like we’ve wasted any money if we don’t see all the animals.
Use a Stroller
Whether you bring your own stroller or wagon (I love my Pivot Xplore Wagon: https://amzn.to/3wGicV6) or rent one from the zoo, make sure you’ve got somewhere for your little one to sit during the day. Visiting the zoo usually means a lot of walking, and little legs get tired. I definitely recommend not skipping out on the stroller/wagon, because at some point you’ll probably want one. Smaller toddlers and babies can even take a nap in the stroller, which is essential to prevent crankiness later in the day. Plus, strollers and wagons provide extra storage space for your gear, snacks, and souvenirs.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
I mean, packing snacks is part of my everyday routine with toddlers. I ALWAYS have some sort of snack tucked away in my diaper bag, because hangry toddlers are not to be messed with! So, snacks are definitely a key part of preparing for the zoo. Most zoos do sell food, but it’s usually pretty pricey. I prefer to bring my own snacks because that way I know that it’s a healthy food that my kids already like, and it’s simply more wallet-friendly than buying food at the zoo. However, feel free to utilize those resources at your zoo, too.
Take Breaks
An important piece of your zoo plan should include breaks! Zoos usually have a few playgrounds, picnic areas, and food vendors. Taking some breaks to eat and play is going to help keep young children happy throughout the day. When kids start losing interest in the animals, try giving them some lunch or playground time before heading to the next exhibit.
For long trips where you really want to see as much as possible, you can also check your zoo’s re-entry policy. If your zoo allows you to exit and re-enter, then you may consider even leaving the zoo for an hour or so during the day. This time can be used to help calm down cranky children, grab lunch somewhere nearby, or even just give toddlers a nap in the car. Once everyone is happy and refreshed, you can head back to the zoo and finish observing all the animals.
Know When to Leave
With babies and toddlers, sometimes you just have to recognize when it’s time to head home. An overstimulated or overtired child is probably not going to be calmed down easily and is likely just done for the day. Watch for signs that your child is getting tired or overwhelmed so that you can start heading for the exit before dealing with a full-blown tantrum on the opposite side of the zoo (been there, done that). It’s never fun to end a zoo trip early, but an exhausted and overstimulated child isn’t having fun anymore, anyway.
Knowing when it’s time to leave ensures that you can end the day on a good note, which is how every zoo trip should end!
Conclusion
Going to the zoo with toddlers can be stressful, but a little extra planning goes a long way to ensure that everyone has a fun, stress-free day. By making a plan in advance, selecting the best day, sticking to one area, bringing the right supplies, taking breaks, and recognizing when it’s time to leave, you can enjoy a successful trip to the zoo.
