If you want to take your kids–or yourself–on a different kind of vacation, why not check out these animal attractions? They provide a fun, interesting avenue toward learning about different species, their habitats and their daily lives.

Safaris

Lion Country Safari
www.lioncountrysafari.com
Opened in West Palm Beach, Fla., in 1967, Lion Country Safari offers visitors a variety of ways for families to interact with more than 1,000 animals. For instance, they can get a first-hand glimpse at lions, a giraffe, African elephants and more as they drive through five miles of animal preserve. They also can take a closer look at Safari World, the walk-through area of the park showcasing bird, reptile and squirrel monkey exhibits. In addition, the park provides educational opportunities through its animal demonstration theater and a summer day camp.

Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari
www.animalsafari.com
Located approximately one hour southwest of Atlanta, this 500-acre park contains animals from every continent on the globe except Antarctica. Guests can drive through the park (via guided bus, rental van or own vehicle) and visit with such animals as giraffes, bison, North American elk and more. They also can visit monkeys, alligators, tropical birds and more in the park’s zoo-like environment, the Walk-About.

Lazy 5 Ranch
www.lazyfiveranch.com
A privately owned park in Mooresville, N.C., the Lazy 5 Ranch welcomes visitors to drive along its 3.5-mile safari road, where they will encounter and observe more than 750 animals from around the world. For those visitors wanting a more rustic experience, enjoy your tour from one of the park’s horse-drawn wagons. In addition to the safari adventure, the park also features a petting area, a blacksmith shop, a horse barn, a playground, picnic areas and a gift shop.

Wet and wild

Dolphin World
www.dolphinworld.org
For an amazing family vacation, head to one of Dolphin World’s Florida locations (Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Key Largo/Key West), and swim with the dolphins. Open to visitors ages 5 and up, Dolphin World welcomes guests to take part in its Florida Marine Mammal programs, available in one- to four-day packages. These interactive, educational activities will captivate the entire family!

SeaWorld Adventure Parks
www.seaworld.com
Located in Orlando, Fla., SeaWorld offers convenient access to an amazing display of wildlife thriving under the world’s rivers and oceans. Where else can you feed sea lions, get a first-hand look at sharks from underneath their habitat or enjoy the antics of Shamu, the world’s most famous killer whale?