Tips for Visiting the Zoo with Kids

As a child, visiting the zoo was one of the summer's highlights. Now that my family has a whole new generation of wide-eyed youngsters scurrying about, it's my turn to do some of the snack-planning and stroller-coordinating. After one day at the Buffalo Zoo with three boys under three years old, I've come up with a few key points that will keep future visits headache-free:

1. Consider purchasing a zoo membership - Every zoo has all sorts of packages to suit a variety of family needs. For instance, my mom was wise to go with the grandparent deal. With a membership, you won't feel rushed and overwhelmed to see everything in one day, AND you'll be helping out a worthy organization.

2. Skip the crowds - Stick to weekdays and early mornings or the hours just before closing to avoid congested visits. Also, consider visiting during the off-season. As long as you dress appropriately, you can enjoy a visit during the winter months without all those aggressive moms carting around loads of crabby, sunburned tots. Front row seats to the Sea Lion exhibit? Awesome!

3. Bring lunch - Prices at the concession stands aren't pretty, so pack a cooler with goodies. I packed my nephews peanut butter and fluff sandwiches, goldfish crackers, and vitamin water to keep them going. There's no shortage of picnic tables and grassy areas to sit down and refuel.

4. Use zoo time as learning time - Most zoos have implemented a slew of hands-on activities, puzzles, and interactive games for tykes to learn a thing or two about the vast animal kingdom. Get involved and point out the different environments, eating habits, and characteristics of your child's favorite animal.

5. Build relationships with the animals - This is a key way to making any zoo outing more memorable. Like humans, animals have distinct personalities and behaviors. Learning their names and unique traits can create a bond that will make a visit to the zoo something your children will eagerly look forward to. Check out your zoo's official website with your kids, and read about the individual animals that are housed there.

6. Hit up the playground (or train or carousel!) - Face it, sometimes sleeping cats and hidden tree frogs can leave us feeling as lethargic as they are. Instead of dragging uninterested kids from one exhibit to the next, let your kids blow off some steam at the zoo playground. This may make them more inclined see other animals.

7. Don't forget the hand sanitizer - Not to be one of those lily-livered germaphobe types, but zoos are positively teeming with bacteria and other nasty goop. Most zoos will provide hand-washing stations near petting areas, so please instruct children to use them. A bottle of purell never hurt anyone, either.

If you can't make it this summer, check out your zoo's fall hours. You won't regret it 'cause something tells me it's all happening at the Zoo.