Home to more than 700 species, this zoo has one of the largest animal collections in the United States, and it’s considered one of the country’s top facilities for its conservation efforts and successful breeding programs (it produced the first white rhino in the U.S.). Kids will get a kick out of many of the critters; Lory Landing, featuring close encounters with lorikeets (small parrots), is especially popular. Parents will appreciate the fact that they won’t run into an expensive gift shop around every corner.