Oakland Zoo, Oakland, California

Nestled in the rolling hills of 525-acre Knowland Park, the Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. Making it a unique attraction, the zoo also has a number of rides. The zoo has several themed areas including a rain forest and African Village. The Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo was designed for kids to see animals close up. Here, kids can watch otters swim, see alligators from underneath the waterline and cross a wooden rope bridge to spot lemurs relaxing in the sun. For great views of the Oakland Zoo and the Bay Area skyline, hop on the Safari Sky Ride. More rides are located outside the zoo and do not require zoo admission. These rides include a roller coaster, carousel and train.