Zoos are a great way to get the family out in the fresh air to have some fun, while enjoying an educational experience at the same time. Although the sizes of zoos vary, most have many kinds of activities to entertain their guests. There are zoos all over the world that offer a fun adventure for people of all ages.
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Florida
Located in Orlando, Florida, Disney's Animal Kingdom is a perfect example of a zoo that offers several other activities besides simply walking through and observing the animals. The park was opened in 1998 and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is divided into seven major sections that blend Disney attractions with different types of natural habitats.
While visiting the zoo, customers have the option of enjoying Broadway-style musicals, colorful parades, privately guided safaris, and several other types of entertainment opportunities.
Berlin Zoological Garden and Aquarium, Germany
Germany's oldest zoo, the Berlin Zoological Garden, opened in 1844. The aquarium was added in 1913. The zoo has some very impressive architecture designed by several well-known architects.
The Berlin Zoological Garden and Aquarium is host to around 1,500 different species, which tops many other zoos around the world. In addition to the large number of species and exhibits, the zoo offers playgrounds, restaurants, and coffee shops for customers to enjoy. There are also several things to see and do around the zoo including learning about the Zoo Tower that was built in World War II to defend Berlin from invaders.
According to Charles McCain, "The construction of these towers was ordered after the first (and very small) RAF Bomber Command raid on Berlin on the 25th and 26th of August, 1940."
Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, known as the National Zoo, is a 163-acre park located within Rock Creek National Park in Washington, D.C. The zoo is admission-free and hosts 400 different species. There are several different kinds of activities that customers can choose from, including watching the feeding of various types of animals as well as informative presentations about the animals.
The National Zoo has several types of educational programs for kids and families and offers classes to a wide range of people from preschool children to adults.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Indiana
Operated by the non-profit Fort Wayne Zoological Society, under a cooperative agreement with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreations Department, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo covers 38 acres and is host to 1,500 animals. It consistently ranks in the top ten zoos in the United States. Parents magazine ranked it among the top five zoos in America.
The zoo is divided up into four themed areas that represent different regions of the world. The zoo features many activities including a train ride, a dugout canoe ride, a safari jeep ride, and a petting zoo. There are also educational classes and events offered to children.
San Diego Zoo, California
The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It covers 100 acres and is home to more than 800 different species from around the world. The zoo is one of the first cage-free parks and utilizes moats instead of bars or fences. The idea is to make the exhibits into areas that are as natural as possible for the animals.
The zoo offers shows and animal presentations throughout the day to entertain its guests. Also, customers have the option of taking a special tour that allows them to get up closer to the animals and learn more about the zoo's conservation work. The San Diego Zoo also offers educational programs for people of all ages.
Moscow Zoo, Russia
Moscow's zoo is home to over 900 species, which totals more than 6,000 animals, and covers over 53 acres. The zoo was opened in 1864 and has grown over the years, with expansions in 1926, 1991, and 1997. Its main focus is on children's education and entertainment, making it a huge target for families visiting Russia.
A well-known highlight of the zoo is the big cats exhibit. The exhibit's main attraction is the Siberian tigers. With the large number of species hosted by the zoo, many people spend an entire day, if not a whole weekend, at the zoo.
Children get in for free, and adults are charged a small fee. Tours of the zoo are available, as well as several other kinds of educational activities. Most of the activities are geared towards the education of children.
Interested in reading more about family-freindly vacations to take this summer? Check out this blog post on Kid-friendly Vacations on a Budget!
