Things You'll Need:
- Stroller or tether
- Snacks and drinks
- Camera
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Step 1
Nature books can help prepare your toddler for a visit to the zoo.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.
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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.
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Step 3
Sometimes calling an antelope a "deer" is OK.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.
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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.
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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.
