Children are often curious about scaly, exotic reptiles. Snakes, tortoises, and lizards can fascinate children, who naturally want to touch and interact with them. However, safety must be a priority. Here are three ways to keep safety first when introducing your child to reptiles.
1. Supervision Is a Must
Introducing your child to various reptiles can be an educational experience and one of the most hands-on things to do in Oklahoma City, Spokane, Des Moines, Baton Rouge, and Rogers, AR, with kids. However, when interacting with reptiles of any kind, adult supervision should be first and foremost, as children should always be supported when interacting with reptiles.
Taking your children to a safe, supervised setting with reptiles, like an interactive aquarium, can be a great way to help them learn rules about animal interaction, such as:
- Always ask if it's okay to touch or pet them.
- Gently pet them without pulling, poking, or grabbing.
- Stay calm and quiet while interacting with them.
When teaching your children these rules, it's best to model these behaviors yourself so they can learn by example.
2. Wash Hands Regularly
When you or your child interact with snakes, tortoises, lizards, or other reptiles, ensure they wash their hands before and after holding or touching them. Handwashing is an important safety step because it helps your children avoid the spread of germs. While reptiles found in controlled settings like interactive aquariums and zoos are often disease-free, with their habitats cleaned regularly, teaching your children about the potential germs reptiles can carry never hurts. After all, you never know when your child may encounter a pet snake, lizard, or turtle at a friend's house, in school, or during a field trip.
3. Explore Reptiles in a Safe, Guided Setting
If you're looking for an educational and safe way to teach your kids about reptiles, visiting an interactive aquarium with reptiles is one of the most educational things to do in Spokane with kids who are interested in snakes, lizards, and tortoises. During an interactive reptilian experience, your child can pet or even hold reptiles while a knowledgeable staff member or two gives them fun facts and teaches them how to pet, touch, and hold their favorite scaly creatures.
However, just because a staff member is in attendance doesn't mean your child won't need your supervision as well. You know your kid best. If your child is on the younger side, they may need your help to guide their hand to pet the creature safely. If they are older, they can probably hold the animal safely with your parental supervision and helpful, trained staff members.
About Blue Zoo
There's always something to learn and explore at Blue Zoo! With several family-friendly activities, Blue Zoo is one of the best things to do in Spokane, Des Moines, Baton Rouge, Oklahoma City, and Rogers, AR. Enjoy pirate shows, mermaid storytime, and touch-and-feed experiences led by Blue Zoo's trained, knowledgeable, and entertaining staff. Blue Zoo's water tables, pirate ship, and variety of exhibits make this interactive aquarium a welcoming environment for kids of all ages who enjoy hands-on experiences and activities. Whether you're looking for something to do on a rainy weekend afternoon with the kids or are planning an educational field trip or birthday party, everyone will enjoy learning fun facts about reptiles, parakeets, and all the aquatic animals that call Blue Zoo home!
Your kids can learn about and interact with reptiles safely at https://bluezoo.us/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/4eLn7bo
