Dressing for Comfort
Check the weather and dress accordingly. Most zoos are outside, with a few indoor exhibits and a gift shop. No matter what the forecast says, be prepared for changing temperatures as you enter and exit exhibits and different parts of the park.
Wear a waterproof jacket if it's going to rain. Don't let the rain stop you from enjoying your adventure! A lightweight, waterproof rain jacket or a hooded poncho will keep you dry. Add a hat with a brim to keep the rain out of your face, and pack an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet.
Wear light colors and loose clothing if it's going to be hot. Cotton and linen are breathable fabrics that will help keep you cool. Try a pair of khaki capri pants or bermuda shorts and a short-sleeved cotton t-shirt. Cargo shorts and pants will will serve double-duty because they have pockets you can use for snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Wear layers if it's going to be cold. Start with a base layer (leggings or long underwear and a long-sleeved thermal t-shirt) under your clothes with fabric made of a polyester blend. Don't forget a nice thick pair of socks. Layer your clothes over that; thick jeans and a wool blend sweater are great options. On top, wear a coat and a scarf.
Avoid tight, overly revealing, or offensive clothes. Remember that you'll be crouching, climbing, bending, and moving a lot to see the animals, so you'll want to avoid tight pants that could rip and short skirts, dresses, and shorts that could ride up. Since you'll be surrounded by families with young children, it's probably best to avoid anything see-through, overly revealing, or featuring offensive language. If you're going on a date or have plans before or after and find that dressing comfortably isn't as fashionable as you'd like, consider bringing a change of clothes and leaving it in the car.
Bring a change of clothes for the kiddos. Since children are a little more likely to get covered in mud or soaked during an interactive exhibit, bring a change of clothes and some wet wipes to clean them up with. Follow the same steps for them, too, especially sunscreen!
Choosing Accessories
Protect your head with a hat. In the heat, wear a wide-brimmed hat in a light color (think safari hat!) to protect your scalp and face from the sun. You can also wear a baseball cap, if that's more your style. If it's cold, wear a fleece or wool hat; it'll help keep you warm and also protect you from the sun, which can still burn your scalp!
Wear supportive closed-toe shoes. Some exhibits will require you to be in closed-toe shoes and some zoos recommend them for your safety and comfort. It's best to wear waterproof shoes with arch support and breathability, and to avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose so you don't get blisters. Your trusty sneakers are a great choice!
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Even if you don't think you'll need them, sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun in all kinds of weather. Up to 80% of the damaging UV rays from the sun penetrate through clouds.
Apply sunscreen to protect your skin. No matter the weather, apply sunscreen before and during your adventure. The sun is still out in full force whether you can see it or not, so take care to protect your skin and help your group to do the same. SPF 30 or higher is recommended for extended time outdoors, and a water and sweat-resistant formula will protect you in case of rain, sweat, or a particularly wet exhibit. Reapply every two hours.
Wear your camera around your neck. You'll definitely want to take pictures of the amazing things you're seeing, so bring a camera on a neck strap that you can wear rather than hold. That way, your hands will be free for other things and it'll also help prevent you from dropping it.
Wear a fanny pack or small backpack. Put your cell-phone, keys, wallet, snacks, water, sunscreen, or pretty much anything small you can think of inside and keep your hands free!
Avoiding Rookie Mistakes
Bring extras of everything. No matter what the weather forecast says, it could end up being wrong. Or you might get soaked or sullied by a rogue critter, lose your sunglasses, or forget the sunscreen. Bring a small bag with a change of clothes, sunscreen, and extra accessories, like sunglasses and hats. Then you'll also have a place to keep souvenirs! If you don't want to carry a bag, consider bringing one and leaving it in the car. You can always go grab it if needed.
Look at the zoo website for helpful tips. Start with the park map and FAQs. You'll learn about the areas that have shade or protection from the weather, how big the park is and how far you'll probably end up walking, and whether they have food available for purchase. Scan the list of prohibited items to ensure you don't bring in too large of a bag or cooler.
Avoid wearing most jewelry. There's a chance that you'll get up close and personal with a variety of animals, and long necklaces or dangling earrings might be prohibited during certain interactive exhibits for your safety. There's always a risk of losing valuable items, so it's best to avoid bringing them.
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