St. Louis with kids: Visiting the free St. Louis Zoo

Voted the #1 free attraction in the United States in 2016, the St. Louis Zoo is a "must-see" for anyone visiting the area. With no admission costs, well-kept grounds, beautiful sculptures and water fixtures, and the large collection of animals, this is a great place for cost-conscious families to visit. Did we mention it's free? What you get for your free admission: The zoo is housed in … [Read more...]

Nebraska with kids: Henry Doorly Zoo

In 2014, the Travelers’ Choice Awards named the Henry Doorly Zoo, in Omaha, Nebraska, its #1 zoo. This park, with its wide walkways lined with evergreen and deciduous trees, is well worth an extended visit by families of all ages. Here's how to plan your day at Henry Doorly Zoo with kids: What to see at Henry Doorly Zoo with kids: Henry Doorly Zoo is a sprawling complex, and for the most … [Read more...]

Grand Rapids with kids: John Ball Zoo review

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi. Going to the zoo is a classic family outing in every part of the world. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s John Ball Zoo  is not large, but the unique opportunities it offers guarantees it a place in kids' memory. The first thing to watch for upon arrival is "Nessie," the water sculpture in the lake beside the … [Read more...]

Calgary with kids: Calgary Zoo review

The Calgary Zoo is one of the best we’ve toured (across the US and Canada). Why? It’s large, but not massive, clean, as interactive as possible, and well-laid out. As with all zoos, the best way to tour is to start early; most animals are most active during the morning hours. This zoo is set up with an ‘island’ and a main space, with a bridge across a tributary of the Bow River (which is on the … [Read more...]

The Minnesota Zoo

The following pit stop submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com. Located off 35E and Highway 77 in Apple Valley (just south of Minneapolis), the Minnesota Zoo is a destination in and of itself. The Zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and also boasts an IMAX theater. There are plenty of educational programs--just call ahead, or look online. There are strollers and wheelchairs … [Read more...]

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, Washington If you're looking for a zoo that's easy to access off the freeway but rivals the big names, stop at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Exhibits and sections include an Asian forest, marine discovery center, aquarium, polar exhibit, and red wolf sanctuary. The newly added Kid Zone is a great place to let kids run around and explore. From the … [Read more...]

Riverbanks’ ‘Boo at the Zoo’

500 Wildlife Parkway Columbia, SC Ready for a scare? (Or more likely, lots of laughs?) If you're in the Columbia area of South Carolina, you won't want to miss Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's Boo at the Zoo. Always a great pitstop for families, Riverbanks is throwing a party all next week! From the official website: The family-friendly Halloween event runs from 6 to 9pm each evening. Children … [Read more...]