If you’re planning a day at the zoo, this packing list has everything you need to make sure you enjoy your trip, with tips for what to pack, what to wear, and essentials for a zoo day with kids.
For more help packing, check out all of our packing lists.
Going to the local zoo when you’re on vacation can be such a fun experience.
If you’re far enough away from home, you may get to see animals you may not see otherwise. The last time I went to the Osaka Tennoji Zoo, there was an “American Squirrel” exhibit. Which, of course, we can see squirrels nearly every time we look out the window. But in Japan, that’s not the case.
And when I went to the Cougar Mountain Zoo in Washington, I. Saw. Wallabies. You guys, I got to feed a wallaby. The rest of the zoo was very cool too. It has reindeer. A lot of reindeer. Enough for Santa’s sleigh. So that was a very great time and something I’ve never experienced before or after.
If you add a zoo visit to your vacation itinerary, you might also get to have new experiences.
But, before you go, it’s a good idea to read through our list of what to pack for a day at the zoo to make sure you have everything you need (and don’t waste space in your bag for things you don’t need).
Got zoos on the brain now but can’t get to one? Check out our list of Virtual Zoo Tours.
What To Pack For A Day At The Zoo
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Tickets
Different zoos have different admission requirements. Some have digital tickets that you scan off your smartphone at the gate. Some have paper tickets you have to print at home and bring with you.
So, make sure you pack your phone or your printed tickets. You can forget everything else on this list and be fine, but you can’t get into the zoo without your ticket.
Pro tip: You can get discounted zoo tickets at Groupon.
Water bottles
Most of a zoo is wide open. And if there’s shade, it’s in spaces occupied by animals. And, depending on when you’re visiting, it’s (most likely) hot out. So, pack your water bottle so you don’t get dehydrated.
Water fountains are usually available, so you can refill your bottle rather than running to the concession stand to buy water every time you’re thirsty.
If you’re traveling with small children, give everyone their own water bottles. When I went to the zoo with my nephew, I shared my nice, cold water with him. And he shared his sore throat germs with me.
Pro tip: Don’t bring straws. SeaWorld banned them to avoid the possibility of straws being thrown into the tanks. The Mirage in Las Vegas banned plastic water bottle tops for the same reason. So check and see what type of bottles you can bring.
Sunscreen
Since zoos really lack shade, pack sunscreen. You’re going to be outside in the sun for the majority of the day, so you want to apply sunscreen before you leave, then reapply it during the day, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
Insect repellent
Depending on the type of habitats at the zoo, you may encounter swampy areas that breed mosquitos. Or you just might be visiting somewhere mosquitos live.
Either way, packing bug spray and using it during your zoo trip is a good idea.
Snacks
Be sure to check the zoo’s website to see if you’re able to bring food in. Some zoos will let you bring a full cooler and some won’t let you bring any of your own food inside.
But, what you can definitely do is fill a cooler with sandwiches (and ice packs) and leave it in your car. Then, at lunchtime, head out to the car and have a picnic lunch in the parking lot.
If you’re able to bring snacks in, pack things that are easy to open and eat, like granola bars, string cheese, or fruit that doesn’t need to be peeled. Anything that can be eaten and thrown away in the same seating is a lot easier than carrying around leftovers or a peel.
Hand Sanitizer/Wipes
Part of the fun of zoos is the petting zoo area. There, you can pet and feed your favorite animals. That’s fun, but also be kind of gross, especially if you have a goat licking crumbs off your hand.
Have hand sanitizer or wipes handy so you can clean your hands after touching or feeding the animals.
Portable phone charger
Our phones are impossible to live without, especially if you’re at a zoo. Some zoos will require mobile tickets, so you need your phones for entry. Some only have mobile park maps, so you need the phone for that.
Plus, you need it to take photos, stay in touch in case your group gets separated, and as a GPS to get home from the zoo.
So, make sure you pack a portable phone charger so you don’t have to stress over your phone’s battery.
Camera
There are so many really fun animals to see during your zoo day. And you have no idea when a polar bear is going to lick its face or a monkey is going to swing across a tree, giving you a great photo op. Having your camera handy is great.
We usually take our DSLR to the zoo so we can really capture the great shots, but your phone’s camera will get some really good ones too.
Cooling towel or mini fan
A cooling towel is a must on a day when you’re going to be outside at the zoo. We have a set of them and Pete always wears it around his head when he knows we’re going to be outside. It really helps to keep him cool.
If you don’t have a cooling towel, a mini fan works great too. Ours doubles as a phone charger, so it’s a great two-in-one. Just make sure that it’s charged before you go to the zoo. It’s no help if it’s dead.
Quarters
There’s a good chance that there will be machines around the zoo that are filled with food pellets for the animals. These are always coin operated, so you’ll need quarters to purchase food.
Pro tip: Some zoos will also sell food at the gift shop or at the zoo’s entrance instead, so have some extra cash handy when you’re entering to buy it.
What To Wear To The Zoo
Comfortable shoes
The zoo is a lot of walking for everyone. So, we suggest wearing your most comfortable shoes or sneakers because you’ll be on your feet all day.
Flip flops aren’t ideal because there can be lots of wet areas or cold areas, if your zoo has a tundra exhibit or penguin enclosure.
So, shoes without a grip or open toed shoes aren’t great in those spaces.
Light clothes & layers
Start with light colors. They’ll keep you cooler than dark colors will. Shorts are great if you’re going to the zoo on a summer day, but you might want to pack pants in the car in case you get cool in the evening.
The bigger zoos that I’ve been to have warm and cold habitats within them. That’s a great way to see a variety of animals, but it’s also a great way to feel cold if you don’t have long sleeves on or feel hot if you’re not wearing T-shirt.
Even without different habitats, layers work. It gets cooler as the sun goes down, so we suggest wearing a tank top or short sleeves for the warm daytime and then carrying a hoodie or zip up sweatshirt that you can put on later in the day.
Sunglasses
Most of the zoo exhibits are outside, so you’re spending so much time in the sunlight. Sunglasses can make it more comfortable during the day.
Plus, if you’re at an exhibit with a water feature, the glare off it will make it harder for you to see the animals if you’re not wearing sunglasses. And you don’t want to miss anything.
Rain gear (maybe)
If you’re going on a rainy day, you should wear rain jackets and boots. I would suggest those over rain ponchos because ponchos are disposable, and, like straws, might not be great for the animals if one happens to blow out of the garbage and into an animal’s habitat.
What To Bring To The Zoo With Kids
Stroller or wagon
Zoos are usually pretty big, which means lots of walking for your little kids. Yes, there is stopping at different areas to see animals, but it’s still tiresome.
So, to make the day more enjoyable for everyone, pack a stroller or wagon. That way, your kids can take a break from walking or your youngest kid can take a nap while your older kids enjoy the rest of the zoo.
Extra clothes
Some zoos have a splash pad area for kids, so pack an extra pair of clothes in case your child runs through the water and gets wet.
Most others have a playground area where kids may dig in the dirt. That’s a lot of fun until it’s time to pack everyone in the car and your child is about to trek a load of dirt inside.
Having an extra set of clothes to change them into for the ride home is great. Having a pair of pajamas just in case your child falls asleep on the way home is better because then you can just tuck them into bed as soon as you park.
A hat
You’re definitely going to put sunscreen on your children’s faces throughout the day, but you should also pack a hat for them to wear.
It’s just an extra level of protection and a way to keep the sun off their faces. Sure, the brim might get in the way of seeing the very top of the giraffe, but that’s better than sunburn.
Dollar store toys
Kids always want to stop in the gift shop for souvenirs no matter where they are. So, of course, the zoo is no different. But, gift shop toys are so expensive.
So, do yourself a favor and go to the dollar store before you go to the zoo for things like bubbles or stuffed animals. Pack those items in your bag and keep them hidden from your kids. When they ask to go into the gift shop, tell them you’ve already bought them something special from there and take out your pre-bought souvenirs.
Your kids won’t know the difference and your wallet will be much happier.
Day At The Zoo: Frequently Asked Questions
A small backpack is probably the easiest bag to pack for the zoo. You can stick everything in it and it’s easy for you to wear on your back, leaving your hands free for taking photos or feeding animals.
If you only have a few little things to carry, a waterproof phone pouch is large enough to carry your phone, ID, and some cash, plus a locker key if you’re at a zoo that uses lockers.
Personally, I don’t like packing in fanny packs because I just don’t feel like they’re comfortable, but the fanny pack actually became trendy again last year, so you could fit your small items in that too.
Check the zoo website for any special events, like a trainer talk, a feeding schedule, hours for special exhibits, and more. Most schedules are standard through the day or week, so they’ll be posted and you can plan around those.
Getting to the zoo earlier in the day means it’s a little cooler and there’s a better chance that the animals will be more alert and active. In the middle or end of the day, when it’s really hot out, the animals tend to get tired and don’t interact as much compared to when they feel comfortable (weather wise).
If you get to the zoo when it opens, and allow yourself to stay the whole day, you can go at your own pace and really enjoy the experience. If you show up later in the day, you might feel rushed and not enjoy it as much.
What do you pack for a day at the zoo? Let us know in the comments.