Yesterday, Barb Spagnuolo gave us lots of good advice on how to get out and enjoy wildlife with your kids.  But for some, natural wildlife areas may not provide the accessibility they need to have a wildlife experience. And, lets be honest, not everyone is into getting out on the trail to experience wildlife either.  However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have meaningful wildlife encounters with your children.  There are many great zoos across the globe that offer rich educational experiences as well as the chance to see live animals that you might not ever have the chance to see anywhere else.

Top 10 Zoos in the United States

These ten zoos have been consistently ranked as the top zoos in the United States in many publications and websites.  If you know of a great zoo that you’ve been to, please add it to our list and tell us why you like it.

1. San Diego Zoo (San Diego, CA)

This is hands down the best zoo I have ever been to.  The San Diego Zoo is considered to be the most progressive zoo in the United States.  They are consistently at the forefront of innovation in zoo keeping.  I love their approach open air and cageless exhibits.  The zoo is home to over 800 species and it’s one of the only places in the world where you can see giant pandas!

If you are visiting the San Diego area, I’d also highly recommend heading north on I-15 to visit the San Diego Wild Animal Park as well.  It’s operated by the San Diego Zoo and features huge open enclosures with herds of African and Asian animals.  it brings you unbelievably close to wild endangered animals in the most natural setting you’ll ever see them in.

Kids FREE days: Throughout the month of October, children ages 3-11 will receive free admission to the zoo and the wild animal park!

Link to San Diego Zoo Website

2. Bronx Zoo (New York, NY)

Sure I’m originally from New York and love my hometown zoo, but the Bronx Zoo is one of the top zoos in the United States.  It is owned and operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society so the focus of this zoo is about saving wildlife and wild places.  I actually volunteered at another WCS operated facility, the New York Aquarium, and can personally say that every person who works for this organization is dedicated to the mission of connecting people with wildlife through education and wildlife encounters.  The mission aside, the zoo itself is an incredible oasis of wildlife in an urban setting.  Make sure you don’t miss taking a ride on the Skyfari, a two-mile long cable car that zips above the zoo below.  The other really cool attraction at the zoo is the Butterfly Garden, a one-acre greenhouse with over 1,000 free flying butterflies.  The kids will ove it when a real butterfly lands on their shoulder!

Although it will be ending on October 27, take advantage on Toddler Time Tuesday’s at the zoo.  With the purchase of an adult limited admission ticket, each parent and up to two children receive free entry to the Children’s Zoo.

Link to Bronx Zoo Website

3. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (Omaha, NE)

You might not expect to find a world class zoo tucked away in the middle of Nebraska, but Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is characterized by a plethora of superlatives that make it one of the best zoos in the U.S.  It features the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, the world’s largest indoor rainforest, the world’s largest indoor desert, as well as the largest glazed geodesic dome in the world.  This zoo is all about B-I-G and that means be ready to do some walking.  A must is the Skyfari. Walk to the back of the zoo on the right side and then take the Skyfari back.  For just $2 it will make the end of your day easier and really fun too.  If you’re ever in Nebraska don’t miss this zoo, it is possibly the best zoo in the country that you’ve never heard of.

Link to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

4. Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, AZ)

The Phoenix Zoo is the largest, private, non-profit zoo in the U.S.  There are all the typical zoo animals here, plus the biggest desert tortoises you’ve ever seen.  They’re native to the area and thrive at the zoo.  It’s a great zoo for kids and has plenty for them to do.  First, don’t miss the Enchanted Forest, a play area a with a tree house, a tiny stream, logs,etc for kids to play on.  And be sure to stop by the Harmony Farm for close up encounters with farm animals (plus fun tractors and swings to play on).  I’d also recommend taking the train-ride (especially on those hot summer days); you’ll learn a lot on the ride and it will give your kiddos a nice break from walking 2.5 miles of trails throughout the zoo.  Also, make sure to bring along swimsuits for your kids because there is a small water play area for them to cool off in too.

Link to Phoenix Zoo Website

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Orlando, FL)

OK, maybe it’s technically a theme park, but Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a wildlife experience like no other.  What else would you expect from Disney?  At over 500 acres, it’s actually the largest of all of the Disney theme parks and it is dedicated entirely to animal conservation.  But don’t be fooled, it’s not all fun and games here.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning they have met and exceeded the standards in Education, Conservation and Research.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is divided into 7 areas: Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and Dinoland, U.S.A. (that’s right, you get to see animals that have been extinct for millions of years…well, alright, not live ones, but it’s cool anyway).  Don’t miss attractions here are the Tree of Life, a 14-story, 50-foot-wide tree surrounded by fun trails; the Kilimanjaro Safari, a ride through the African savannah in an open-sided safari vehicle featuring live giraffes, lions, antelope, rhinos, warthogs, and zebras roaming around in a huge open space enclosure; and the Conservation Station where you can meet and talk to animal handlers, see animals up close and learn about veterinary care, research and food preparation.  If your kids are into dinosaurs, don’t miss the Cretaceous Trail and definitely take them to the Boneyard where they can become paleontologists and excavate fossils.

Link to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Website

6. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (Cincinnati, OH)

The Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the U.S., having opened back in 1875 (the Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest, opened in 1874).  The zoo is probably most famous for it’s incredible endangered species breeding programs.  The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the few places outside of Florida where you can see manatees.  The zoo just sent it’s two manatees back to Florida to be released into the wild and expects to have new manatees for their Manatee Springs exhibit this coming spring.   In addition to the animals at the zoo, the botanical garden is absolutely beautiful.  The zoo and the garden are woven together seamlessly making for a very pleasant day.

Link to Cincinnati Zoo Website

7. Brookfield Zoo (Chicago, IL)

The Brookfield Zoo is known for being among the first zoos to use open enclosures to provide more natural habitats for the animals and bring them closer to zoo visitors.  They are also the first zoo to build a fully enclosed dolphin exhibit and rain forest.  Note: The Seven Seas dolphin exhibit is currently closed for renovations. The dolphins will return and Seven Seas will reopen for the summer of 2010, after renovations are complete.  Make sure to hit the Hamil Family Play Zoo if you have kids. There are places to paint their face like an animal; act like an animal, zoo keeper, or veterinarian; and make crafts. Plus there are two playgrounds, a splash garden, and a carousel.

Link to Brookfield Zoo Website

8. St. Louis Zoo (St. Louis, MO)

If you love birds, you’ll really love the St. Louis Zoo.  Lions and tigers and bears are fun, but the birdhouse here is spectacular.  And, they have what most agree is the best penguin and puffin exhibit anywhere.  And on hot summer days, the exhibit is always a great place to cool down…it’s kept at a nice frosty temperature for the penguins.

If the animals and birds don’t get you excited, the price will.  Admission to this zoo is always FREE.  But, it does come with some caveats.  First, parking for the zoo is $11 per vehicle, so take public transportation or ride a bike to avoid the parking fee.  It’s also good to know that not every attraction in the zoo is free.  There is a  per person charge for the following attractions: Children’s Zoo ($4), Conservation Carousel ($3), Zooline Railroad ($5), Motion Simulator ($3), and 3D Movie ($3).  Food is also pretty expensive, so bring your own lunch to keep costs down.

Link to St. Louis Zoo Website

9. Audubon Zoo (New Orleans, LA)

Although damaged during Hurricane Katrina, the Audubon Zoo is back and better than ever.  It is an absolutely beautiful zoo that has been called a work of art by some.  While the zoo has all of your typical animals, the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle exhibits offer you encounters you most likely won’t see anywhere else in the U.S.  The best way to get to the zoo is to take the St Charles Street Trolley Car through the Garden District to Audubon Park. Once you get to the park, catch the shuttle bus to take you the last mile or so through the park to the zoo. It will save you some time and some walking, and is fun for the kids too.

While not part of the zoo proper (but owned and operated by Audubon Nature Institute), make sure to visit the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium as well.  They’re both top rated attraction.  In fact, The Painted Hen and I worked at the aquarium for a stint and we can assure you that it is an amazing place to visit.

Link to Audubon Zoo Website

10. Columbus Zoo (Powell, OH)

The Columbus Zoo was made famous by Jack Hanna and his numerous appearances with great animals on late night talk shows.  But it’s not just about Jack!  The Columbus Zoo is a world class zoo featuring one of the largest reptile collections in the U.S. and the largest manatee exhibit outside of Florida.  It also features an exhibit called Asia Quest that showcases Himilayan species including sun bears, red pandas, and Siberian tigers.  Although it’s closed for the season now, you can also visit the zoo’s water park, Zoombezi Bay.  And, you can also get in 18 holes of golf at the Safari Golf Club, which is also owned by the zoo.  While there may be a touristy feel to the Columbus Zoo, it is still a first class zoo and well worth the visit to encounter some amazing wildlife close-up.

Link to Columbus Zoo Website