One of the top zoos in the United States, boasting some of the best African, kangaroo and chimp exhibits. A polar bear exhibit opens in 2010. In fact, this 202-acre park is home to more than 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo is closed Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1.

Admission: $11; ages 3-11, $8

Dickerson Park Zoo’s 55 acres are home to hundreds of animals, representing habitats in Africa, Tropical Asia, South America, Australia and Missouri. Favorites include Asian elephants, tigers, giraffes and river otters. Stand eye-to-eye with giraffes on an elevated feeding/viewing deck; crackers can be purchased to feed these magnificent animals. The Diversity of Life exhibits showcase reptiles and amphibians from around the world that share common types of habitats. Tickets: $8; ages 60+ and 3-12, $5.