The zoo is the perfect place for children to see and potentially interact with wildlife. Whether your family is filled with animal lovers or you just need a good excuse to get out and about, here are some of the country’s best zoos for your next family adventure:
The Philadelphia Zoo is considered the first true zoo in the country. One of the most popular attractions is the Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trails, where tigers, monkeys and other exotic animals walk overhead in tunnels, making you feel part of the exhibits. The zoo features around 1,300 animals of more than 300 different species. Other attractions to keep an eye out for are the paddleboat lake, children’s petting zoo and WildWorks — a ropes course with bridges and obstacles.
The world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is home to more than 3,500 animals across 800 species. The zoo is most popular for its open-air, cage-free exhibits, recreating natural habitats. Make sure to visit the kangaroos and koalas in the Outback, the Elephant Odyssey, the penguins at Conrads Prebys Africa Rocks and the Polar Bear Plunge in the Northern Frontier.
The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo and features more than 4,000 animals across 650 species. Don’t miss out on The Nature Trek, a kid-friendly path with bridges, playgrounds and tunnels to explore, along with a bird’s eye view of some of the animals. Visit the Children’s Zoo to get up close with the animals. Make sure to stop by JungleWorld, World of Reptiles and Congo Gorilla Forest.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
The second-oldest zoo is home to 1,900 animals across more than 500 species and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Make sure to visit Fiona the hippopotamus, the first hippo born in the zoo in 75 years. Fiona went viral for being born premature and gained the love of viewers from all over the world. Some other must-see animals are the largest komodo dragon, the fastest cheetah in captivity and the longest-living American alligator.
Read This Next
Barcelona for Families on a Budget
Destinations / Europe
Sep 24, 2026#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Africa
Sep 28, 2026Elewana Collection Expands Family Safaris Across Kenya, Tanzania
Safaris are popular family travel experiences for many reasons, from immersive wildlife encounters to educational moments to unforgettable memories. Elewana Collection recently expanded its family safari offerings. These programs span several properties in Kenya and Tanzania, each tailored to reflect the natural and cultural wonders of each location.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 28, 2026Add Variety to Your European Vacation with Side Trips
Most trips to Europe center around the larger cities, partly because they contain the most popular attractions and partly because they are the landing point for most trans-Atlantic flights. But even if your family plans to spend most of their time visiting the highlights of Paris, Rome or London, consider exploring nearby towns on a daytrip or an overnight break from the city crowds.
Destinations / North America
Sep 25, 2026Celebrate the Holidays with Winterfest from Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
We don’t want to rush fall, especially since it just started, but we want to put Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on the family traveler’s radar. Starting Friday, Nov. 27, Delaware River Winterfest will turn Philadelphia's waterfront destination into a winter wonderland. Family travelers can expect ice skating, warm cabins, firepits, festive food and drink options, and other holiday fun.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Asia
Sep 25, 2026Japan: The Next Big Thing in Leaf Peeping
If you’re like me, you grew up with the knowledge that autumn comes with beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow and purple as the leaves on the trees prepare for the coming winter. And you probably, like me, know there are some really great places around the country to see those colors in all their glory. But America isn’t the only country where nature puts on this annual show. Japan enjoys plenty of the changing colors of the season as well, and it just might be the next “it” place for leaf peeping.
ShareThis