Looking for a great activity for your two year toddler?
The Zoo is a great place that can be visited often, as it’s probably too big to do all in one day. A mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits mean that you can visit year round.
The zoo offers many activities that are toddler friendly and they will love seeing the animals and learning new words.
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Why Zoos Are Great For Toddlers
Gets Them Outside
Visiting the indoor Giraffe House during winter
Experts recommend that toddlers have at least 3 hours of outside time everyday.
Zoos usually rely on a lot of outdoor exhibits, which is perfect for the warmer months.
BUT, don’t underestimate the zoo in winter. The mix of outdoor and indoor exhibits will allow you to have some outside time, with the ability to warm up inside.
Research and see if your zoo has a “kid zone” – you may be pleasantly surprised to see a splash pad, sandbox or playground available.
Introduces Them to Wildlife, Conservation and Environmental Issues
Two year olds may be a little young to start learning about human environmental impact and loss of animal habitats, but exposing them to different animals early will help them make connections later.
Zoos will also help them connect what animals are, by seeing them in real life versus in a book.
Animal books are a great place to start with toddlers though!
I highly recommend First 100 Animals for toddlers. The picture book is the perfect introduction to a vast array of animals – some they will see on a farm, some at a zoo and some at a petting zoo.
Related: Great Places to Go With a 2 Year Old
Petting Zoos – Great Places to Go with A 2-Year Old
Expands Their Vocabulary
Not only will they learn the animals names, but if you take your time to describe the animal’s physical features you can expose them to a vast array of words.
Words your toddler may learn at the zoo:
Before You Go to the Zoo with your Toddler
In addition to reading books focused on animals, sing animal songs to prepare.
Two year olds love songs and singing. Learn these fun animal songs and sing them on your way to the zoo.
“Let’s Go To The Zoo”
Things to Pack for the Zoo for Your Two Year Old:
- Comfortable Shoes
- Snacks
- Change of clothes (we had a puddle vs toddler incident once)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Stroller
2 Year Old Related Posts:
25+ Awesome Activities To Do With Your Toddler This Summer
Tips for the Zoo
1. Check out a map ahead of time and plan your route. Pick the 5 animals that are “must see” and work your way through to ensure you see them.
2. Check out the show schedule – You may want to take a break and sit and watch a zoo keepers show. See if any fight within your route and timing.
3. Bring in your own food and drink to eat healthier and save some money. There should be designated picnic areas or seating you can use.
4. Don’t feel pressured to see everything. Going through the zoo slowly will help your toddler retain the information they are seeing.
5. Don’t keep your toddler in their stroller or wagon the whole time – let them run up to the glass or fence so they get up close and personal with some of the animals.
When You Go Home
Keep the love of the zoo and animals alive by playing with some zoo animal toys.
Melissa & Doug Safari Sidekicks Classic Play Sets
10 miniature safari animals featuring toddler favorites: lions, giraffes and elephants.
Fisher-Price Little People Share & Care Safari
This 2-feet tall Animal themed toy features 6 animals, 2 slides, 5 activations and 6 different habitats. This toy will keep your toddler busy long after their zoo trip.
LEGO DUPLO My First Animal Brick Box
This toddler Duplo set features four animals your toddler can put together that then all attach into a train (another toddler favorite).
Conclusion – The Zoo, A fun Place to go with a 2 year old
Now that your toddler is walking and talking they will love a day at the zoo. The new sights and sounds and people watching will keep them engaged and will tire them out for their afternoon nap. Have a great time at the zoo!
Related:
Have A Conversation With Your Toddler To Boost Their IQ
The zoo is so much fun to take the kids to! Thanks for writing this! this gave me some awesome ideas next time I can get my kiddos to a widlife zoo.
I can’t wait to take the babes to the zoo for the first time!
Thanks for sharing. This reminds me that I need to get my 3-year-old back to the zoo! I can definitely use some of these ideas for my next trip.
I agree that the zoo is a great outing for toddlers and an amazing way to build a connection to animals very early!
My little man is 18mnths and we haven’t been yet, these tips are awesome and I can’t wait to take him.
I went to the zoo recently with family, but my baby is almost 3 months old and slept the entire time. I can’t wait for it to be a more exciting place for him! Haha! Great advice!
A few more months and fish tanks will be really fun for them! I’d say at about a year is when you can start with the zoo, I have another post on places to take your one year old (for when the time comes!) https://mominthesix.com/places-to-go-with-a-1-year-old/
We love going to the zoo. You have so many great tips on planning for the trip and what to bring. I had no idea it was recommended toddlers be outside for so long each day. Great information!
3 hours does seem like a lot, but the zoo would make that time fly by!
Zoo is a great place for a curious mind. I remember takin gmy toddler years back to Singapore zoo and she was completely mesmerised
I have been wanting to take my kids to the zoo! Thanks for all the great tips. The library gives free zoo tickets so I really need to take advantage of that!