From Play Areas to Natural Areas: The Role of Zoos in Getting Families Outdoors

ABSTRACT

Zoos have the potential to help families recreate in nearby natural areas, increasing the likelihood of children playing in nature. The Paws On Children's Exhibit at Brevard Zoo (Melbourne, FL) was designed to provide a fun, educational children's play environment and to increase familiarity with and encourage family visits to the local upland and estuarine ecosystems. In this article, the authors explore through observation and survey data how children's play at a zoo exhibit can influence parents’ knowledge, perceptions, and intention to visit nearby natural areas. Survey responses reveal that adults believe the exhibit allows children to play in a more educational and imaginative manner than typical play. Most adult respondents are very satisfied with their experience at the exhibit and report increased knowledge of and interest in visiting local natural areas with their family.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Andy Bortzner, Mary Bowman, Lara Colley, Annelena Delgado, Janice Easton, Alison Gordon, Sarah Hicks, Geetha Iyer, Heather Kovalak, Amy McKenna, Jamie McMaster, Julie Medina, Jody Palmer, David Schaller, Benjamin Steinberg, Rhoda Weinstein, and Keith Winsten for their invaluable contributions to this study. We also thank the reviewers who helped improve this manuscript. Funding was provided by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida and the Brevard Zoo, through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.