Twin Cities Events and Activities for Grade School Kids

Explore our local zoos

During the early literacy years, remember to read the zoo signs out loud to your emerging readers. Help them find the vocabulary to describe each animal that they see. Ask your child to observe the way each animal moves and try to copy the movement as you move on to the next exhibit. If it is not too crowded, have your kids run, jump, slither (maybe do this in a play area), crawl, pretend to fly or swim, creep, prance, gallop, etc. You can even sing the Sammy Song by Hap Palmer as you walk around the zoo, making up lyrics to match each animal you copy. For more ideas, you can print this Operation Curiosity & Wonder Journal from the Minnesota Zoo. The last few pages describe how a visit to the zoo supports learning standards for each grade.

Minnesota Zoo

This can be a splurge outing for families with kids so we recommend first scanning for any Minnesota Zoo discounts. Then, when you’ve committed, plan on spending the day so you can hit all the highlights for grade-school kids: two themed playgrounds, a splash pad (depending on when you visit), working farm (also seasonal), amazing animals and the new Treetop Trail.

Como Park Zoo

Visit this awesome spot for kids and families any-and-oftentimes. It’s FREE so there’s so hard feelings if you can only spare an hour. Grade-school kids will also enjoy the mild thrills that come with COMO TOWN AMUSEMENT PARK, adjacent to the zoo.