City zoos…your kids will remember

Zoos today are going beyond the classic petting zoo. Many zoos offer special programs for children, families, and adults to have hands-on encounters with a variety of animals. Kids will connect with and learn about animals, natural resources, habitats, and feeding practices in a way that can also teach them about conservation efforts. Travel 100 Group has listed a few that you should consider for this summer's family travel.

Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Area
A world class zoo in a park setting; there is a lot going on for kids at this interactive zoo! The Brookfield Zoo has the Hamil Family Play Zoo, where children and adults can interact and play with over 300 animals. Their zoo classes are also a great way for kids, families, teachers, and other community conservationists to get in tune with wildlife and nature. Brookfield has one of the largest indoor outdoor animal exhibits in the world allowing kids to feel as though they are really in the jungle with the animals.

The Bronx Zoo, New York
The Bronx Zoo is the flagship of the largest network of metropolitan zoos in the country. With award-winning, cutting-edge exhibits featuring over 4,000 animals, there is no other zoo in the world that offers the diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned expertise that assures an unforgettable experience. Whether you're nose-to-nose with Western lowland gorillas in their famous Congo Gorilla Forest, spotting snow leopards in their naturalistic Himalayan Highlands Habitat, or experiencing almost an acre of an indoor Asian rain forest, your kids will be within roaring distance of the world's most amazing wildlife.

Columbus Zoo, Ohio
Where the infamous Jack Hanna got his start, the Columbus Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species and sees over 1.8 million visitors annually. The animal exhibits are divided into regions of the world, with the zoo currently operating eight such regions. A real plus for dads is the zoo owns an 18-hole golf course, known as Safari Golf Club, can’t beat that!

Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
America's first zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing six continents. It's small and well landscaped enough to feel pleasantly intimate, and the naturalistic habitats allow you to get close enough to hear the animals breathe. If birds are the main attraction for you and your kids then this Zoo in particular will be an unforgettable experience. The new McNeil Avian Center hundreds of birds will be flying overhead as you walk through the habitat, it is a true interactive experience.