Zoos

Small county zoo focused on animals of the Americas; low-cost family outing.

One of the largest metropolitan zoos in the US — 265 acres, Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail.

Free county zoo with 550+ animals across 85 acres — consistently top-rated (longer drive, ~2 hrs).

Compact, charming zoo inside Central Park — sea lions, penguins, snow leopards.

Interactive zoo near Philly with giraffe feeding and a treetop adventure course.

America's first zoo (1874) — 1,700+ animals and the "Zoo360" animal trail system.

Drive-through safari with 1,200+ animals across 350 acres, part of Six Flags Great Adventure.

"Biggest little zoo" — known for its reptile & serpentarium collection; small and family-friendly.

Baltimore's zoo in Druid Hill Park — African elephants, chimps, and a large penguin colony (~3 hr drive).

Popular Essex County zoo — big animal collection plus a train, paddle boats, and mini-golf. Closest to Edison.