7 Essential Zoos and Aquariums to Explore for a Wild Summer Adventure in the US

Posted on July 13, 2026

Group of children leaning over a fence feeding a giraffe at the zoo

The temperature's about to get hotter and the sun's about to get even brighter. We have already explored some of the best sea and land adventures this summer. And if you're done enjoying theme parks and island tours, one key summer goal is still missing. For every FunExplorer who loves animals, it's your time to shine because this summer's gonna be wild!

The US is home to the world's biggest zoos, aquariums, and conservation sanctuaries. But for this guide, we picked seven essential zoos, museums, and aquariums every wildlife and marine life lover should experience this summer. In case you haven't gotten your wild summer bucket list sorted yet, we got you!

  • Enjoy science and animal displays at the California Academy of Sciences.
  • Get up close and personal with rare wildlife and colorful gardens at Cincinatti Zoo and Botanical Garden.
  • Have fun with the majestic marine life at Discovery Cove in Orlando.
  • Discover amazing marine conservation efforts at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
  • Experience sprawling savannas and rare animal sanctuaries at Safari Park.
  • See thousands of endangered species and learn top conservation practices from the experts of San Diego Zoo.

Plus, you can treat yourself and the youngsters to big and wild adventures with the Jurassic attractions at Dinosaur World!

What Makes these Zoos and Aquariums Special?

While picking the best zoos and aquariums for this list was a bit of a challenge for us, our criteria really helped us. Here are the factors that we considered when choosing the best zoos and aquariums for your summer adventures. These are what make each destination very special.

Number of Species

These zoos and aquariums are home to thousands of different species of both land and water animals. More species means more protected wildlife and marine life through local and international conservation initiatives. The San Diego Zoo alone houses over 650 species of animals, making it one of the best zoos in the world.

Animal Care and Conservation Efforts

Zoos and aquariums have always raised mixed opinions among wildlife and marine life advocates. But the zoos and aquariums we chose are known for being more ethical and holistic. From cageless habitats to integrated rescue and conservation efforts, each visitor can learn so much from these top attractions.

Fun and Interactive Activities for All Ages

One thing's for sure: Enjoying zoos and aquariums knows no age limit. And when we selected these attractions, we also put regard on the element of fun and interactivity. Apart from their resident wildlife cuties and magnificent sea creatures, they also offer fun activities for all ages. Families will surely enjoy seasonal events and festivals, plus thrilling adventures while soaking in the wonders of each zoo and aquarium.

Enjoy Wild Summer at these Best Zoos, Aquariums, and More

Children and adults observing diverse animals and butterflies at an indoor zoo or nature exhibit.

  1. California Academy of Sciences

    If you think history museums are a bit one-dimensional in terms of experience, check out the California Academy of Sciences. It beats every other museum in the US because it has everything a visitor could want. In case you didn't know, this amazing place in San Francisco combines an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one spot. Basically, it's a museum that has something for both kids and adults.

    The Steinhart Aquarium stands out as a highlight, featuring more than 60,000 animals. Spot cute penguins, a variety of aquatic life, and Methuselah, a 93-year-old Australian lungfish. Don't miss the chance to meet Claude, the museum's cherished albino alligator at The Swamp. And let's not forget, the California Academy of Sciences also hosts fun sleepovers for kids and has a lively nightlife scene. Can we say they really have it all?

  2. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

    Images depict butterflies and hummingbirds, zoo visitors on a train ride, a hippopotamus, two resting dogs, a bird, and a monkey on a tree branch.

    Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a paradise for animal lovers. It features an amazing mix of fascinating wildlife and beautiful plant displays. It's home to all kinds of animals, like the famous hippo Fiona, playful red pandas, and the endangered snow leopard. Zoo lovers of all ages will certainly enjoy visiting this AZA-accredited destination.

    The gardens also showcase a colorful array of plants, creating a tranquil setting for leisurely walks. Visitors can enjoy fun activities like meeting animals, going on guided tours, and joining educational programs. Each visit is a memorable adventure full of discovery and excitement.

  3. Discovery Cove

    Group of children and adults enjoying a dolphin encounter, underwater view of marine life, and close-up of a cute monkey, birds, and a flamingo at Discovery Cove Orlando

    Discovery Cove in Florida is a top-tier adventure spot that offers visitors an extraordinary experience. It has a great range of sea creatures, like playful dolphins, calm sharks, sea turtles, and beautiful rays, letting guests get close to these animals. You can also watch sea otters playing, swim and snorkel with different sea animals, and feed rare birds like macaws, kookaburras, and curl-crested aracaris by hand.

    Visitors can relax in clear lagoons, explore lovely tropical areas, and snorkel in colorful coral reefs. With its exciting animal experiences and beautiful scenery, Discovery Cove is a must-visit for anyone wanting to make unforgettable ocean memories.

  4. Aquarium of the Pacific

    Close-up images of a seal, otter, jellyfish, clownfish, and penguins at the aquarium.

    The Aquarium of the Pacific is a popular spot that really captures the hearts of its visitors with its fun and informative exhibits. It displays a wide variety of marine life, including cute sea otters, playful harbor seals, fascinating jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish. The Aquarium of the Pacific is not just for seeing animals; it also has interactive activities like feeding stingrays and touching friendly creatures in the tide pools.

    Educational presentations and exciting demonstrations make the visit even better, helping everyone to grasp marine conservation deeper. With its stunning wildlife and engaging activities, it's clear why the Aquarium of the Pacific is a favorite spot for families and marine lovers.

  5. Safari Park

    A collage of wildlife and outdoor activities including giraffes on a safari, ziplining, a tiger in the jungle, cacti with pink flowers, elephants interacting, and children observing kangaroos

    Safari Park is another great place that shows how important natural habitats are. The massive, 1,800-acre sanctuary lets visitors have close experiences with animals without hurting them. Safari Park is known for its collection of rare and endangered species. The park also provides amazing safari experiences, especially with the newly opened Denny Sanford Elephant Valley.

    Prepare to be captivated by magnificent animals such as the Somali Wild Ass, Pink Pigeon, and the elusive Sumatran Tiger. For those seeking adventure, the Wildlife Safari and Flightline Safari are essential experiences! Similar to the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park is dedicated to conservation efforts, features friendly guides, and offers educational activities.

  6. San Diego Zoo

    A collage of animals and plants at the zoo including koalas, pandas, orchids, zebras, a turtle, and a capybara

    The San Diego Zoo is a fantastic destination for zoo enthusiasts, thanks to its size and diverse array of animals. The zoo highlights the value of conservation and ensures that the habitats feel natural for the animals. It is home to more than 12,000 animals representing around 650 species, many of which are rare or endangered. Additionally, it features a beautiful botanical garden filled with a wide variety of plants!

    The San Diego Zoo has many special and endangered animals you can't see anywhere else. Some interesting ones include the Lord Howe Island stick insect, Okapi, the California condor, and Grevy's zebra. You can also see bonobos, red pandas, cheetahs, dholes, and gharials there. The zoo doesn't have a full aquarium yet. But its Ocean and Coastline section has a great mix of sea animals, like California sea lions, harbor seals, and leopard sharks.

  7. Dinosaur World

    Children and adults enjoy interacting with dinosaurs and exploring exhibit exhibits at an outdoor dinosaur theme park.

    Now we're down to the bonus! While not exactly a zoo or aquarium, Dinosaur World offers a unique experience you won't forget! Summer is the best time to visit Dinosaur World, with sunny trails and attractions. Get ready to see life-sized dinosaurs, enjoy the Splash Pad, and check out the roarin' Jurassic Jungle.

    There's so much to keep everyone entertained this summer, from fossil digs and shady walking paths to awesome photo spots around every corner. Stop by for some year-round fun that's always going to be here!

Discover Wild Adventures and Wonderful Deals this Summer!

People riding on an open vehicle through a foggy landscape with trees and a distant body of water in the background.

We hope that this list can help you plan the best summer adventure at the country's top zoos and aquariums. Each spot offers an incredible opportunity to get closer to the animals and learn more about protecting them. With your visit, you can help promote the importance of animal welfare and conservation. And what's even better, you can explore these destinations with your discount tickets!

Catch the biggest discounts on tickets in every season, enjoy a wild summer, and make zoo visits a habit. FunEx offers a lot of wonderful deals hotter than summer, to help you complete your bucketlists. Plan your dream adventures for every season: get your discounted tickets now!