Phoenix Zoo & World Wildlife Aquarium

One of the top zoos for kids, the Phoenix Zoo boasts 2.5 miles of walking trails that wind through the grounds, allowing for easy viewing of the many distinct animals that reside there. Plus, you'll encounter several fun activities and attractions. As for the World Wildlife Aquarium, you can expect to see just about everything under the sea. Four buildings comprise the aquarium and each one offers a truly unique experience.

Phoenix Zoo Animals -

Diversity is at the heart of the more than 1,300 animals that make their home at the Phoenix Zoo. Chilean Flamingos, Mexican Gray Wolves, Palawan Peacock Pheasants, Galapagos Tortoises, Bornean Orangutan, Arabian Oryx, and White-Faced Sakis. Featuring 200 endangered species, the zoo takes part in many Species Survival Plans, which breed and maintain endangered animals while in captivity. For more information, visit www.phoenixzoo.org/learn/animals

Phoenix Zoo Activities & Attractions -

There is plenty to do at the Phoenix Zoo. Activities and attractions include Giraffe Encounter, camel rides, Stingray Bay, animal shows, Monkey Village, the Safari Train, Endangered Species Carousel, pedal boat rentals, and the petting zoo. In addition, Yakulla Caverns, Leapin' Lagoon, and Fisher Price Discover Farm offer non-stop playground fun for little ones. For more information, visit www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/daily_activities.aspx

World Wildlife Aquarium Species -

If it lives in water, you'll see it at World Wildlife Aquarium. Altogether, 150 new aquatic and semi-aquatic species have been added to the roster. Enjoy such special species as black tip reef sharks, stingrays (which you can touch and feed), seahorses, barracuda, jellyfish, and Nile and dwarf crocodiles. For more information, visit www.wildlifeworld.com

World Wildlife Aquarium Exhibits -

The aquarium features four separate buildings with four exceptional exhibits. The Diversity of Life in Water is where you'll find everything from upside-down jelly fish and pencil urchins to horseshoe crabs and peacock bass. The Wild and The Wonderful stars such cool creatures as poison dart frogs, black-footed penguins, knife fish, spiny lobsters, and giant Pacific octopus.

In the Predators building, visitors will be greeted by all sorts of unusual sea critters, including giant moray eels, ocelots, piranhas, and white albino alligators. The newest building will be opening up in mid-2011 and will feature marine turtles, a small-clawed otter habitat, and a 40,000-gallon Amazon River monsters display. For more information, visit www.wildlifeworld.com