How to organise an animal storytelling afternoon

An animal storytelling afternoon works best when the reading programme and animal visits are planned as one schedule. Confirm the venue, animals and handlers first, then organise registrations, permissions and dietary information before preparing the space. On the day, create separate reading corners and calm animal enclosures, with a clear route between them. Keep animal contact supervised and allow the animals time to settle before visitors arrive.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Confirm date and location
2
Select read-aloud texts
2 people
3
Confirm animals and handlers
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Check permissions for children
2 people
8
Print the read-aloud program
9
Agree on animal welfare rules
3 people
10
Check the weather forecast
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Collect books and materials
2 people
13
Chill drinks
2 people
14
Prepare Animal Enclosures
3 people
15
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
16
Set up reading corners
3 people
17
Hang up decorations
2 people
18
Set up catering
3 people
19
Set up the registration table
2 people
20
Check safety and pedestrian routes
2 people
21
Let the animals settle in calmly
3 people

Event

22
Welcome visitors
3 people
23
Give welcome briefing
2 people
24
Supervise read-aloud sessions
4 people
25
Supervise animal contact
4 people
26
Serve drinks and snacks
3 people
27
Refill drinks
2 people
28
Lead the handwashing session
2 people
29
Read the closing story
2 people
30
Wave goodbye to visitors
2 people

Aftercare

31
Return animals safely
3 people
32
Remove food scraps and waste
2 people
33
Wash dishes
2 people
34
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
35
Clean the room
3 people
36
Clean animal supplies
3 people
37
Collect lost and found items
38
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 48
Blanketsqty 8
Cushionsqty 30
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Pitchersqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Microphone
Portable speaker

Animal supplies

Animal enclosuresqty 3
Carry cagesqty 3
Feed bowlsqty 6
Drinking bowlsqty 6
Animal barriersqty 6
Towelsqty 12
Brushesqty 3
Animal toysqty 6

Decorations

Animal booksqty 40
Animal postersqty 8
Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 4

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Disinfectant sprayqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the programme before sending invitations. Allow 20–30 minutes per read-aloud session and add at least 10 minutes between sessions so groups can move without crowding the animals.
Confirm animal handlers and welfare rules at least 2 weeks in advance. Agree who may touch each animal, how many children can enter an enclosure, and when an animal must have a quiet break.
Collect registrations, dietary requirements and child permissions in one place. Close registrations 2–3 days before the event so you can print the programme and prepare name badges and catering quantities.
Prepare the room in separate zones: reading corners, animal enclosures, refreshments and registration. Keep pedestrian routes clear and place barriers so children cannot approach an enclosure from behind.
Check the weather forecast the day before and again on the morning itself. Bring indoor alternatives for animal activities, and let each animal settle calmly in its enclosure before starting the welcome briefing.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan an animal storytelling afternoon?: Start planning 4–6 weeks ahead. Confirm the date, venue, animals and handlers first; invitations and registrations can follow once those details are fixed.
How long should an animal storytelling session last?: Plan 20–30 minutes for each read-aloud session, followed by a short transition or animal break. For younger children, shorter 15–20 minute sessions may work better.
How many children can visit an animal enclosure at once?: Use the handler’s limit rather than a fixed event-wide number. As a practical starting point, divide children into groups of 4–6 and keep one supervising adult with each group.
When should I prepare the animals and enclosures?: Set up enclosures before visitors arrive and give the animals at least 30 minutes to settle. Check drinking bowls, barriers and the route around the enclosure immediately before the welcome briefing.

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