Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Description:

• This 80-acre zoo just south of downtown has it all, from giraffes, elephants and alligators to meerkats, rainbow-colored lorikeets, and African wild hogs. In the naturalistic habitats, you'll see river otters, bison, elk, black bear, gray wolves, bald eagles, and cougars, as well as other smaller animals. In the park's aviary, you can walk among many of the state's songbirds, and at the Cumberland River exhibit expect to see fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Kids can ride wood-carved cougars and other critters on the zoo's colorful new carousel. Allow 2 to 3 hours. Tip: To beat the crowds, try visiting the zoo during off-peak times of the day. Best bets are any weekday around 1pm, or Sunday morning at 9am.

• © Frommer's 2013