Adults and children alike will enjoy visiting the San Diego Zoo. Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is home to hundreds of plants and animals from different parts of the world, including birds, fish, elephants, lions, and bears. The zoo offers seven different special experiences — including a safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, about 45 minutes away — where you can see the animals in action and learn more about them from wildlife specialists. Depending on the experience you book, you may also get to interact with the animals and have a guided tour of particular areas of the zoo.
"The San Diego Zoo is almost unparalleled in terms of size and variety. For those who can't fly to a safari destination but still want their kids to grow up loving animals, it's a nice, stroller-friendly option that can occupy a whole day," says Kristin Addis, founder of Parenthood Adventures and Be My Travel Muse.