Willowbrook Wildlife Center acts as both an education center and wildlife rehabilitation service in the town of Glen Ellyn. Operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a 50-acre preserve that is home to about 80 native Illinois animals, including disabled owls, raccoons, foxes and more. For more information on its services, be sure to stop in or visit the Web address provided.
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nationally accredited zoo in the heart of the city. Though a small space, it offers the opportunity for guests to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Enjoy a show led by their knowledgable staff, or explore the site on your own for a fun filled afternoon.
Best and worst time to go to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The best time to visit is between November and May. This is when the most animal exhibits are available for guests. Plan a morning visit to avoid the severe afternoon Florida heat. The worst time to visit is June through November, when animals are removed from the zoo and exhibits are kept to a minimum.
Must see/do at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Primate Expedition Cruise is a relaxing way to make your way around the zoo. The catamaran floats near several islands where you can view monkeys, lemurs and apes interacting naturally. The South African Lion exhibit is popular when they're in town, and the Giraffe Herd exhibit is always great for photos during feeding time.
Admission to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
General admission tickets are around $20 for adults, $13 for children 12 and under. Discounts are offered for those who purchase their tickets online.
Parking at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Parking is free at the zoo, and a parking lot is provided on site. However, spaces fill up quickly, so it's recommended that you arrive early in the day. Additional parking is provided in the mall parking lot, which is located directly across the street from the zoo.
Public Transportation to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
There is no direct bus stop at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The Collier Area Transit (CAT) makes a stop, however, at Fleischmann Park, which is across the street from the zoo.
Food at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
A local market manages a small cafe at the zoo, where you can easily purchase salads, sandwiches and healthy snacks. They also offer triple-certified coffee (shade-grown, organic, fair trade). Prices for items range up to $20, but most are reasonable.
Insider tip for visitors to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
If you've moved to the area and have a local address on your driver's license, you can get free admission to the zoo for the whole family on the first Saturday of every month.
Author Bio: Renee' Novelle is an author and journalist residing in Southwest Florida.
The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is a 12-acre park and petting zoo designed to depict scenes from a family farm at the end of the 19th century. Visitors can see vegetable and flower gardens and nearly 200 farm animals and fowl, plus prairie dogs, longhorn steer, bobcats, bison and birds of prey. There are also several mini-playgrounds throughout the park.
Parking and Public Transportation to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
The farmstead is located just south of the Overland Park Soccer Complex. Enter the complex and travel south past the last soccer field to the Farmstead parking lot. Or, take Switzer south from 135th and turn west past those soccer fields to the entrance to the parking lot. Parking is free.
Admission to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Admission is free Monday through Thursday. Cost is $2 per person Friday through Sunday and holidays. Children younger than age 2 are free. Additional costs for pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, fishing, and a bottle of milk to feed baby goats are about $5 or less each. A combo pack for fishing, mining, a bottle of milk for the baby goats, pony and wagon rides is available around $12 at the entrance to the park. No pets.
Best and worst times to go to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Visit on weekdays for free admission. This is an outdoor venue, so check for good weather. Weekends during youth soccer season may make parking challenging. Cow milking demonstrations are held at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Dairy Barn. The schoolhouse and Native American encampment are usually closed for history tours Monday through Thursday mornings.
Must see/do at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Look for the bison in the east end of the park. Sift for "gold" in a mining trough under the windmill just west of the country schoolhouse. (Purchase a bag of sand and genuine gemstones at the site.) Feed and pet the goats and other animals throughout the park. Get a handful of animal feed from small red vending machines throughout the park for 25 cents. (Bring quarters.)
Food at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
No outside food is allowed inside the park, however visitors can picnic in the Community Park at 13700 Switzer Rd., north of the east parking lot. Inside the farmstead, food and snacks are available at the east entrance, Alex & Emily's Ice Cream Parlor, the Dairy Barn and General Store. Lunch specials, including drink, are under $6, sandwiches under $4, snacks, drinks and desserts in the $2 range.
Other places to visit near Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is nearby at 111th and Quivira Rd.
Insiders tip for visitors to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Check for recorded weather delays or cancellations at (913) 895-5020, Option 3.
Author's bio: Mary-Lane Kamberg is a professional writer and native Kansas Citian. She often took her own children to the farmstead and now takes her grandchildren there.
The Prospect Park Zoo is a 12 acre sanctuary for wild animals that is open 365 days a year. The zoo houses over 125 animal species from around the world and features a variety of special exhibits and regularly scheduled events for children and families. Visit the Prospect Park Zoo website for more information.
The Seattle Aquarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This iconic waterfront landmark is a must-see, particularly for families with children, although it's a great place to visit for anyone who wants to get a fascinating look at the area's spectacular underwater world. With its wide array of colorful marine creatures in award-winning exhibits and touch pools, guests of all ages and tastes are sure to find something to enjoy. One of the best ways to enhance your visit is to check out the host of sea life that can be found in the Pacific Northwest at the aquarium, and then head out on an adventure to see what you can find in the Puget Sound waters or in the tide pools along the state's breathtaking, rugged coastline.
Parking and public transportation
The aquarium is easy to get to by car or public transportation, located on Pier 50 on the downtown central waterfront. Inexpensive metered parking is available right across the street below the Alaskan Way viaduct. Metro Transit offers many bus routes that will bring you within a short walk of the aquarium, including Route 99, which stops directly in front of the building.
Best and worst time to go to the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is open every day of the year except Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m., with the last entry accepted at 5 p.m. and exhibits closing up at 6 p.m. The best time to get here is just after 2 p.m., when the crowds typically begin to thin out whether it's on the weekend or a weekday. Most visitors tend to arrive shortly after the aquarium opens, making it more difficult to get good views of the exhibits without having to bump elbows with others, particularly during the months of June, July and August.
Admission to the Seattle Aquarium
Admission to the aquarium ranges from about $15 to $22 depending on age with children three years old and under admitted free. Discounts are available for seniors, persons with disabilities and active military.
Must-Dos at Seattle Aquarium
Touching some of the fascinating creatures that live in the tide pools on the state's outer coast and the inland sea of the Puget Sound is a must. Visitors can feel the prickly spines of a sea urchin and discover the rough texture of a colorful starfish. The Underwater Dome provides the opportunity to be surrounded by fish and other creatures by heading down a short tunnel and stepping into a 360-degree tank filled with a variety of species, including sharks, sturgeon, vibrantly-colored rockfish, lingcod and more. The aquarium is also home to marine mammals, like playful sea otters and harbor seals that provide practically endless entertainment with their antics.
Other places to visit near Seattle Aquarium
With some of the city's best restaurants located just steps away from the aquarium, you might want to plan lunch or dinner around your visit to the aquarium. If you like fresh oysters, Elliott's Oyster House offers some of the freshest oysters around, while Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar serves up Seattle's famous bread bowl clam chowder as well as amazing fish 'n' chips. Argosy Cruises is located right next door to the aquarium, offering a variety of tours, including a narrated one-hour sightseeing tour that allows visitors to view many of Seattle's iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier from the glistening waters of Elliott Bay.
Insider tips for visitors to Seattle Aquarium
There are several indoor/outdoor open air areas of the aquarium that allow visitors to watch the seals and sea otters swim in the waters of the Puget Sound. If you're here on a nice day, walk out onto the dock and enjoy the fresh air, spectacular views and see these entertaining creatures in a less crowded environment.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
Brookgreen Gardens located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, a short drive south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a sculpture and botanical garden popular with residents and visitors alike. Stroll the property drinking in the ever changing seasonal blooms and view their art collection comprised of over 1,400 works of art from 350 sculptors ranging from the nineteenth century to the present. A wildlife zoo, nature trails, and low country excursions add to the experience.
Parking and Public Transportation to Brookgreen Gardens
The best way to reach Brookgreen Gardens is traveling by car. It is located just off U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet, SC, south of Myrtle Beach. Parking on-site is free with paid garden admission.
Best and worst and time to go to Brookgreen Gardens
While they're open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the best time to visit Brookgreen Gardens is in the morning, before the gardens get too crowded. During the spring and summer seasons, the gardens stay open later for events and special occasions. Check their website prior to visiting for more information.
Admission to Brookgreen Gardens
Children ages three and under are free when accompanied by an adult, while admission prices vary from $7-$15 for children ages four and up, seniors and adults. Admission price includes entrance for seven consecutive days and includes free on-site parking, admission to the gardens, Lowcountry Center and Trail, Native Wildlife Zoo, and Enchanted Storybook Forest. Additional excursions and classes are available for additional fees.
Must see/do at Brookgreen Gardens
Intermixed with the gardens, guests can view numerous sculptures on display, with notable works by American sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Brookgreen Gardens also hosts a wildlife zoo featuring alligators, bald eagles, owls, river otters and much more. Throughout the year, they also host a variety of live music events, historical seminars and classes.
Other places to visit near Brookgreen Gardens
Just across U.S. 17 is Huntington Beach State Park, a great place to spend the day exploring Atalaya Castle, home to Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, biking, camping, or combing the beach for seashells.
Insider tip for visitors to Brookgreen Gardens
During the holiday season, Brookgreen Gardens hosts Night of a Thousand Candles. This family friendly event is held in the evening and features the gardens alight with sparking lights and 5,500 hand-lit candles. A must see!
Author's bio: Rebecca S. Robertson has called Myrtle Beach home for the past seven years. She has written for a variety of local and national publications.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features many different types of aquatic creatures in engaging and interactive displays. The aquarium is best known for it's underwater tunnel allowing visitors to fully immerse in a spectacular array of marine life. The aquarium is suitable for visitors of all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Best and worst times to go to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The aquarium is open year round, but tends to be very crowded on weekends and holidays. To get better views of exhibits try to avoid these peak times and visit during the week.
Must see/do at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The Tunnel - This 340 foot underwater tunnel puts visitors in the middle of the habitat of a variety of creatures such as sharks, eels, and turtles.
Penguin Playhouse - This indoor and outdoor penguin habitat lets visitors watch penguins swim and play up close.
Touch A Ray Bay - This interactive display lets you touch real stingrays safely as they swim through their habitat.
Admission to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Children's tickets are under $20, while adult tickets are under $30.
Parking at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Parking is available on site with a large city-owned parking garage directly behind the aquarium that charges less than $10 per day. If this garage is full, there are many other public parking spaces nearby along the main strip in Gatlinburg.
Public Transportation to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Though East Tennessee is largely car-dependent, the city of Gatlinburg has trolley service throughout the town, so tourists can travel from attraction to attraction. Many tourists also walk between destinations, as there are many destinations packed on the main strip in Gatlinburg, and it is not a difficult walk.
Food at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The Feeding Frenzy Eatery is the aquarium's restaurant offering a variety park-type of meals, such as pizza and pretzels in the $5-$10 range. The aquarium is also located near many food options in the city of Gatlinburg including national chains like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Hard Rock Café, as well as local restaurants like Calhoun's, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and the Log Cabin Pancake House.
Insider tip for visitors to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Though they cost extra, the aquarium offers individualized experiences that are memorable and exciting, such as sleepovers in the underwater tunnel, penguin encounters allowing visitors to touch and interact with penguins, behind the scenes tours, and splash with stingrays, which allows visitors to get in the lagoon with the stingrays.
Author's bio: Peggy Carouthers has lived in the Knoxville area for more than 20 years. She is a freelance writer and has been published in "The Daily Times" and on the "Brazen Careerist" blog.
