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Before visiting the zoo, go to the zoo website with
your kids to help create interest. Some zoos may feature
on-line activities or printables for kids.
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Learn about the history of the zoo, its mission, and
the direction it's heading.
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Check the calendar of events for the zoo.
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Print out zoo newsletters, if any.
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Print out pictures of the animals and have your kids
identify them at the zoo.
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Bring along drawing papers and encourage your kids
to draw the animals.
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Learn about the programs which the zoo offers.
Some zoos allow you to feed the animals at allocated times.
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Take your kids for an animal show. Animal
shows are always interesting and often include audience
participation games, keeper chats and animal demonstrations.
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Bring a camera along and capture shots of animal
movements.
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Allow your kids to make a scrapbook of the zoo trip.
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Pick up any worksheets the zoo may offer for kids,
or make some yourself.
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Learn about the zoo conservation projects.
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Visit the Kid's Zoo. Usually, the Kid's Zoo
will have many interactive activities, animals, storyboards, and
other opportunities for kids to be creative. Kids can
experience touching, creativity, play and fun-filled learning.
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Some zoos allow kids to be zoo-keepers for a day.
Inquire about it at the zoo prior to your visit.
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Join a zoo camp. Campers can enjoy the tours,
animal demonstrations, crafts and activities.
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Stay overnight at the zoo with the zoo's Snooze
Program. Zoo Snooze Programs usually include an up-close
animal encounter, a craft, a night tour of the zoo and games.
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Compare zoos. Every zoo is different.
Ask your kids to discover their differences and similarities.
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Observe zoo manners. Teach your kids what they
must not do at the zoo (e.g. no littering, no smoking, do not climb
over the fences, do not provoke the animals, etc.).
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Learn about the zoo's adoption programs.
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Write suggestions to the zoo on how to provide
better facilities and services.
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Teach your kids how to support the zoo by making a
donation. Some zoos have special programs which require
funding.
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