Oakland Zoo552

The Oakland Zoo, located inside Knowland park, is fairly small in size, which can be an advantage when you're with very young children. Home to more than 300 animals and a Children's Petting Zoo, the zoo is designed to recreate conditions that the animals might actually live in so you won't see any cages.

The most interesting area may be where the always entertaining monkeys, apes, and chimps hang out, just inside the zoo. But the Children's Zoo introduces you to river otters, bobcats, pythons, iguanas, and alligators, and you can pet and feed sheep and goats. Little kids might also be interested in riding around the zoo on a miniature train called the CP Huntington. There's a carousel, and a sky ride, too. The rides are open daily, from 11am-4pm, and cost an additional $1 to $2.

Parties: Zoo Birthday Party Packages at the Safari Cafe are available. Call the Zoo's Group Services for more information at 510.632.9525, ex 181 or email paula@oaklandzoo.org.

Membership: Family membership is $80/year and up. Benefits include free admission into the Park and Zoo year-round, plus free admission into over 125 zoos nationwide, newsletters, special invitations, Gift Shop discounts, and more.