Looking for something fun to do with family and friends? A day at the zoo never disappoints. For animal lovers, it’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with their favorite furry or finned friends, plus learn new and interesting facts about animals. 

Many zoos and aquariums also have important programs that support the research and conservation of vulnerable and endangered animal species. Just by visiting, you can support the work that they do. 

The best zoos and aquariums have a variety of animals, fantastic education and outreach programs, and enriching enclosures for the animals to live in. Many also rehabilitate animals and release them back into the wild, if possible. 

The Best Zoos for Research and Conservation

These zoos make great strides in animal welfare and conservation efforts.

1. North Carolina Zoo - This 2,600-acre park is the largest natural habitat zoo in the United States. They were also one of the founding partners to create the SMART software that allows rangers to better fight the illegal wildlife trade around the world. Located in Asheboro, North Carolina, this expansive park has a tram that connects its major sections that can take you to the various exhibits. Tickets cost between $11 and $15, depending on age and if you can get special pricing, such as senior or military discounts. Kids under the age of 2 are free.

2. Oakland Zoo - This zoo was part of the crucial efforts to bring the California condor back from the brink of extinction. Today, the species is considered critically endangered and the zoo helps provide care to injured or ill wild condors before releasing them. You need to make reservations for general admission in advance and ticket prices vary based on availability and peak crowds. There are discounts for Oakland residents, teachers, and military and Veterans. You may also be able to get a special deal if you are a member of another zoo that participates in the reciprocal program.
   
3. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - This alliance includes both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park. Both facilities pride themselves on natural enclosures for the animals to mimic their native habitats. They also work at conservation hubs around the world to track and provide expertise for specific species conservation efforts. Tickets are pricey but support a lot of hard work and research that happens. A visit to the zoo supports their research efforts but you can also get even more in depth by participating in adventure travel. Go around the globe with zoo-connected experts and scientists to learn more about wildlife conservation.

The Best Zoos for Outreach and Education

If you want to learn more about animals and their environment, check out one of these top zoos.

4. The Wilds - Located in Ohio, this is the largest wildlife safari park in the U.S at over 9,000 acres. It is home to summer camps, overnight stays, and numerous other educational opportunities. One of the unique experiences you can enjoy at The Wilds is a zipline that goes over some of the animal habitats. Because there is so much space, you’ll get to see animals in a very similar way to their natural environment. You can also stay overnight at the zoo or send your animal-loving kid to summer camp.
   
5. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo - You can visit the Lied jungle, take a journey through the African grasslands, travel through the desert dome, and even visit the aquarium all at one zoo.The Asian Highlands section takes visitors through India and the Himalayan Mountains, with animals like rhino, tigers, and red pandas. The Eugene T. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night exhibit lets visitors check out animals that would normally be asleep thanks to its displays. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo also has overnight stays that lets visitors see nocturnal animals with a new perspective. Special events like Kids’ Night Out, scout adventures, and Family Nature Club let everyone get involved in animal encounters. 

6. National Zoo - Located in Washington, D.C., this zoo is free of charge and part of the Smithsonian Institution. There are more than 400 species in the zoo, which has been around in the nation’s capital since 1889. Some of the animals that call the National Zoo home include Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, and sea lions. In 2025, Giant Pandas are returning to the zoo. You can go in and out of the zoo as many times as you want without worrying about charge because entrance is free.‍
7. Fort Worth Zoo - This is the oldest zoo in Texas and has been around since 1909. There are numerous educational programs, including the Texas Nature Traders. Participants in this zoo program get points for bringing in a natural artifact, such as rocks, shells, or other specimens, that they find and telling zoo staff what they’ve learned about the object. This zoo has two species of rhino, black and greater one-horned Asian rhinos, and is one of only a few zoos in the world to have such extensive habitats for rhinos. Other animals include Asian elephants, big cats, exotic birds, and many more. Overall, there are more than 500 species represented at the Fort Worth Zoo.

The best zoos let you enjoy seeing and learning about animal species while also ensuring that those same species are around for years to come. Conservation work is crucial to preserving the ecosystem, which is one of many things that zoos try to communicate to visitors. It doesn’t hurt that you can sometimes see endangered animals up close or see a panda enjoy a tasty bamboo lunch at the same time!