Philadelphia Zoo

Having opened way back in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is the first and oldest zoo in the country, but this 42-acre facility does a great job of hiding its years. With almost 2,000 animals residing here, there is plenty to keep you and your kids entertained for the entire day. Swing by the PECO Primate Reserve and check out the gorillas and the orangutans or come face to face with lions, tigers and jaguars at the Bank of America Big Cat Falls. Other top sites include the Tortoise Trail, the African Plains and Bear Country. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor concessions, but you're also welcome to bring your own picnic.

While this zoo receives high praise from some travelers, others feel that there is room for improvement. According to one TripAdvisor user, "You can see the animals at any angle. But you can't help but feel sorry for the animals being contained in a small area for our viewing pleasure. I don't think the animals have enough room to roam."

The Philadelphia Zoo is located in Fairmount Park just south of the Please Touch Museum. It is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for children, although prices can fluctuate with the seasons. For more information, check out the zoo's website.