Zoos seem to be popular with kids of all ages.  The first zoo I remember visiting was in Mayville, North Dakota; we went there on a school field trip.  It wasn’t very big, as I remember, and I don’t think it’s even there any more, but it was worthy of a visit by busloads of kids from 60 miles away.  When I was in high school, classmates would come back from visits to the Twin Cities with tales of visiting the newly opened Minnesota Zoo.

My kids have been to a lot more zoos in their short lives than I visited in my entire pre-mom life.  And while in some ways it seems that zoos are all the same, my kids are always eager to visit a new one, or revisit a favorite.

Zoos are good for learning about wildlife, for spending time outdoors, and for enjoying time together.  Some are small spaces and in others you can walk for miles.  Some are quiet and some rival amusement parks with their activities and attractions.  Some have a hefty entrance fee while others are free.

These are some of the zoos we’ve visited, and the things about them we liked the best:

Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota

Our kids love the bird show during summer visits, and visiting the Wells Fargo Family Farm.  Be sure to go in the barn and watch the milking demonstration–you’ll learn a lot about where your milk comes from.  Kids will enjoy playing in the “grain elevator” at the entrance to the farm.  The monorail and aquarium shows are also popular.

Como Zoo, St. Paul, Minnesota

It’s free! (A small donation is requested, but not required.)  This zoo is smaller in scale and excellent for young children who can’t take an entire day of walking.  The conservatory is worth a walk-through to see the beautiful flowers, and don’t miss the special kids’ room near the conservatory entrance.  My kids love to watch the polar bears, and if the antique carousel is running a ride is a must-do before we leave.  Kids will also enjoy the Como Town amusement park if parents are willing to spend the money on rides.

Columbus Zoo, Columbus, Ohio

We visited the Columbus Zoo on New Year’s Day and were in for a treat with the Zoo Lights program, where the zoo is lit up and a lights-and-music show is presented on the pond.  The carousel here was also popular with the kids, as was the model train display and hot chocolate for the special festivities.

Dakota Zoo, Bismarck, North Dakota

You may not think of zoos when you think of North Dakota, but this one’s a delight (as are many other things in the Bismarck-Mandan area).  I loved how peaceful it was, with many shaded paths.  The kids loved the tram ride and playground inside the zoo.  The park surrounding the zoo has plenty of space for family fun as well.

Roosevelt Zoo, Minot, North Dakota

Don’t let the small size fool you; our kids also enjoyed this one, which affords good views of many animals.  In the summertime, a train ride around the adjacent Roosevelt Park will delight young railroad fans.

Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison, Wisconsin

Another free zoo that’s just the right size.  As usual, the carousel and play areas were popular with our kids.

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

I’ll admit that we did a pretty quick run-through of this zoo when we visited on a cold January day, but we spent more time indoors at the attached Delbridge Museum of natural history.

You may have noticed that I don’t talk much about the animals in the zoos because, well, there are animals at every zoo.  The more zoos you visit, the more animals you’ll see.  If you want an excellent zoo guide that describes quality zoos and tells you where to find particular zoos, check out America’s Best Zoos.

Do you have a favorite zoo?  Which one is it, and why do you like it?

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