we assembled a panel of experts and asked them to consider some essentials: Are there lots of fun things for kids to do? Can kids get up close to the animals? Are barriers placed low enough for a stroller-eye view? Are the signs easy to read? Selecting them was no easy decision, but all those chosen offer an unmatched opportunity for your little cubs to cozy up to Mother Nature at her finest. The following is a list of our favorite family-friendly zoos that you won't want to miss. (For the other top zoo picks, see the related links at left).
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
TUCSON, ARIZONA: The king of the creepy crawlies, Sonora Desert features Gila monsters, rattlesnakes and scorpions, not to mention one of the best free-flight hummingbird aviaries anywhere (call 520-883-1380 or click here).
DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA: An African safari through a savanna filled with elephants, rhinos, gazelles and lions; in addition to a chance to play paleontologist, dinosaurs that move, thrill rides, parades and stage shows! What more could a kid want (call 407-824-4321 or click here)?
HENRY DOORLY ZOO
OMAHA, NEBRASKA: Voted the number-one zoo in its region by our Midwest readers, this zoo boasts the "Lied Jungle," which, with its 50-foot-tall waterfall and some 90 animal species, is one of the best rainforest exhibits anywhere. This summer, be sure to check out the Siberian tigers at "Cat Complex": first-time mom Farah is showing off her two cubs, who were born in March (call 402-733-8401 or click here).
NORTH CAROLINA ZOOLOGICAL PARK
ASHEBORO, NORTH CAROLINA: In terms of sheer acreage, this is the largest walk-through zoo in the country. Its big, beautiful natural habitats make it a favorite of guests, zoo experts and--we suspect--resident animals alike (call 800-488-0444 or click here).
NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK
EATONVILLE, WASHINGTON: In this little-known but exceptional zoo, located near Seattle and Tacoma, visitors ride on trams through forests, wetlands and meadowlands filled with species native to the area (call 360-832-6117 or click here).
SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOO
WICHITA, KANSAS: The animals at this zoo seem extraordinarily friendly--many come right up to you, possibly because the director encourages his staff to get out and mingle with the animals. At the new "Pride of the Plains" exhibit, lions stay alert looking for fake meerkats that pop up randomly and deliver rawhide chews whenever a paw lands on top of them (call 316-942-2213 or click here).
Lisa Stiepock is a FAMILYFUN contributing editor and Gregory Lauzon is a FAMILYFUN staff writer.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
