How to spend a great day at the zoo

Zoos, aquariums and wildlife centers offer visitors the opportunity to view exotic animals without having to venture too far from home. Zoos are great places to enjoy a full day of seeing wildlife and enjoying an extraordinary environment. Children certainly marvel at the sights at zoos, but animals can be equally thrilling for adults.

Planning a zoo visit in advance can ensure visitors make the most of their trip, and these strategies can help elevate any zoo visit.

· Choose the right day. Zoos are less likely to be crowded on weekdays. If possible, take a day off from work or school to visit the zoo early in the week. Things may get busier as the weekend nears.

· Time it right. On warm days, a zoo can be uncomfortable during the peak heat of the afternoon. Arrive very early or later in the afternoon when the sun is not beating down; otherwise, think of going on an overcast or slightly misty day when attendance figures to be low and temperatures may be more manageable.

· Research nearby zoos. Conduct some online research to find a zoo featuring animals everyone wants to see. Some may specialize in certain habitats. For example, many people flock to Zoo Atlanta to see the Panamanian Golden Frog, which is rarely seen elsewhere in the world, if at all.

· Buy tickets in advance. Instead of wasting precious time waiting in line for tickets, buy them in advance and then sail through the entryway. You may even get a discount for buying early. Some zoos also offer memberships so allow to visit many times at a lower price than standard entry.

· Pack healthy snacks and drinks (if allowed). Zoo visits tend to be day-long affairs, so you'll want to stay hydrated and well fed. Lines can be long at zoo restaurants or snack carts, so having a few things on hand can make all the difference. Keep in mind some facilities do not allow outside food or beverages, so check policies prior to arriving.

· Utilize the lockers. If the zoo has lockers, stash extra items inside so you're not bogged down with stuff. This is especially helpful when traveling with young children.

· Plan the visit around the best attraction. Visit the exhibit you really want to see first. This way if time gets away from you or if everyone tires, you will not have missed it.

Zoo are entertaining places to spend a day. Some pre-visit planning can make such days even better.