Almost all children enjoy a trip to the zoo. You can use zoos to encourage your child's interest in the natural world and to introduce children to the many fascinating forms of life. Find out some ways to help make the most of your trip here!

Fun and Games

Guessing games can help your child understand structure and function. "Why do you think the seal has flippers?" (The seal uses flippers to swim through the water.) "Why do you think the gibbons have such long and muscular arms?" (Their arms help them swing through the trees.) "Why does the armadillo have a head that looks like it's covered with armor, as well as a body that's covered with small, bony plates?" (The armor and the small, bony plates protect it from being attacked by predators.) "Why is the snake the same brown color as the ground on which it spends most of its time?" (As snakes evolved, the brown ones didn't get eaten as quickly.) As your children mature, they will understand more complex answers to these questions.

Categorize and Organize

Get ready for the zoo with the book My Visit to the Zoo

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About the Author
Nancy Price is the mother of three and the co-editor of GeoParent. She lives with her family in Arizona.