Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles

When you take your kids to the Los Angeles Zoo, you aren't just taking them to see wild animals in a family-friendly environment. You just might be introducing them to a lifelong love of the science and nature. After all, while they’re exploring this lush oasis in the middle of the city, kids will learn about the fascinating natural behaviors of these animals — and what it takes to care for them — through amazing up-close views and educational presentations and shows. Here's what else you might find at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens:

• The LAIR: Short for "Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles," this indoor exhibit has a name to match its creepy-crawly inhabitants. But it's no villainous hideout inside—it's a brightly lit habitat populated by local reptiles and rare critters from around the world.
• Rainforest of the Americas: Visitors start at the river's edge, meeting such residents as giant river otters, spotted sting rays and piranha. As they wind their way through the forest they will be greeted by tapirs, howler monkeys and toucans. The final discovery on this rainforest trek is the elusive jaguar.
• Botanical Gardens: With 800 species of plants, every corner of the zoo features botanical delights — from prehistoric cycads to cactus and succulents to roses to dense bamboo forests.