Field trip to the Zoo

At the beginning of the month, we took the kids to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory with my parents.  For a little something extra, we turned our family trip into a field trip.  We challenged the children to a little bit of learning and I think it made the trip more fun for everyone.

First, I made each of the kiddoes their own scavenger hunt for our trip to the zoo.  Goblin had to find animals with different physical features (feathers, fins, etc.); Hulk had to find animals that lived in different types of homes (in the water, in a nest, etc.); and Athena had to find animals based on their classifications (mammals, amphibians, etc.).  They all had a good challenge that was right on par with their learning level, and we had so much fun figuring out where to find animals that would fit their lists.  Once they found an animal that fit their question, they would draw a picture of it and/or write its name.

Next, we used maps to navigate around the zoo.  Each of the kiddoes got their own maps (one for the zoo and one for the gardens) and was able to keep track of where we were and figure out how to find areas that we needed to reach (the restroom is always a good one to quiz kiddoes on, since they inevitably need to go many more times than the adults.)

Finally, each of the kiddoes had to choose one animal to use as their nonfiction project for the month.  While at the zoo, they had to find the animal, and write down anything they could learn about it from the exhibit: what they look like, what they eat, where they live, etc.  Over the next few weeks, they've also looked up information about their animals online and found books about their animals at the library.  I can't wait to see how these projects turn out when they're all done, because the kiddoes have all learned a ton (and so have I)!

Goblin chose giraffes.  Hulk chose the poison dart frog (which we found in the new rainforest exhibit.)  Athena initially chose tamarin, but changed her mind to sea lions.

We had a wonderful visit to the zoo.  The kiddoes (and the grown-ups as well) learned a lot and had a lot of fun searching for animals.  Next time, I'll have to make up a scavenger hunt (or something similar) for the gardens as well; this time they had the map to follow but no extra activities, and they were definitely not having as much fun through those areas (except when they were able to goof around on stone bridges).

It goes to show, though, that with a little bit of planning, any simple trip (even to a place you've been many times before) can be a lot more engaging and can turn out to be a real adventure for everyone.

--Little Miss Crazy