Preschool Science Field Trip--To the Zoo!

Preschoolers love animals and there is nothing better than to see animals close up at a zoo! Taking a trip to your local zoo is fun, educational, and you may even get a little exercise along the way. Here are some tips to make sure your trip is successful.

Go to the zoo on off-peak times such as the winter months or during the week so you don’t run into crowds. These off-peak times are also good because there isn't as much competition for the zoo staff’s attention and thus you may have a chance to ask lots of questions.

Take along a few things to ensure your trip is worthwhile:

 

1) a camera

2) snacks and drinks

3) sunscreen

5) stroller, or be prepared to rent one if you preschooler becomes tired

6) hats, gloves, jackets depending on the weather

 

When you arrive at the zoo ask for a map and any educational materials available. Then decide with your preschooler where you will start your zoo adventure. For instance, if the zoo is large and you know you won’t get to everything in the allotted time, give your preschooler the choice, snakes or pandas? Make a plan for what you want to see and stick to it.

 

As you walk around and see each animal, try to answer the following questions with your preschooler:

 

1) what is this animal?

2) where does it live?

3) what does it like to eat?

 

There are many more questions you could ask, but this is probably enough for a preschooler. If your preschooler is particularly inquisitive, you can discuss habitat and life expectancy as well.

 

If you don’t have a zoo nearby, arrange to stop by a zoo on your next trip out of town. Build a day or a few hours into your trip, it will be worth it.