Stay Curious With Kim! Head to the Zoo!

Head to the Zoo!

So many of us have had an experience visiting a zoo or animal park. Simply just observing all the animals is so much fun! 

A visit to one of these places can also be SUPER educational! For example, you can learn about an animal’s diet and their natural habitat. 

During your next visit to the zoo or animal park, consider making it more interesting and educational by having your child focus on animal habitats and their diets!

Before you go!

Read a book about animal habitats! I have included some titles of great books on the list below. Your local library may also have additional books on this topic. 

As you are reading to your child, have a discussion about how the habitats and diets of a variety of animals are different. After that, tell your child that you will be taking them to a visit to the zoo/animal park! Visit the destination’s website with your child to review what kind of animals they have there, look at the map to plan out what you will see and take note of any special presentations or events that will be happening throughout your visit. 

During your visit!

Ask your child to observe the different habitats and diets of the animals. Have a conversation about the characteristics of each animal’s habitat. Ask them about the diet of each animal and how their diets relate to the environment of the habitat. For example, monkeys’ habitats in a zoo would include vines, trees and murals that mimic forests and their diet includes fruits and vegetables which can also be found in a forest/tropical rainforest region. If you happen to see any zoo staff during your visit, don’t hesitate to ask them questions!

After the trip!

Have a conversation about what your child observed and have them draw a picture of their favorite animal in their habitat. As an option, your child could create a model of a habitat for their favorite animal using a shoe box and a collection of items from outside as well as craft paper, glue and other craft materials. 

Below is a list of some Children’s books about animal habitats:

Look Inside Animal Homes by Emily Bone

What’s Your Habitat? by Sarah Leidhold

Animal Homes by Shira Evans

Whose House is That? by Stan Tekiela

Animal Habitats! by Judy Press

We always love to see what kids create! Please share your favorite photos, drawings, models and more of animal habitats with us!

Zoos and Animal Parks in our Local Community