Akron Zoological Park in Akron, Ohio

Akron Zoological Park, located in Akron, Ohio, is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and education. Founded in 1953 as a children's zoo, it is now world accredited, joining an elite group of only 10 percent of zoos across the country.

The nearly 50-acre park features more than 700 animals from around the world, a train to provide convenient transportation through the grounds, as well as a granary to feed the animals. With so much to do and see, the majority of the more than 150,000 annual visitors stay between 2-4 hours.

The zoo offers many learning opportunities for children of all ages, with animal education as a top priority. Many interactive programs, exhibits and activities teach children about conservation, animal behavior and the diets of animals in the zoo. The zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan; a program dedicated to preserving endangered species through conservation and breeding efforts. Throughout the park, guests will discover a wealth of information provided in age-appropriate themes.

The Jellyfish Exhibit allows visitors to take a close look at a variety of the creatures in 10 aquariums. Moon jellies, which are baby jellyfish, Pacific and Japanese sea nettles, crystal and comb jellies, blue blubbers and upside-down jellyfish, are among the types featured. A Jelly lab located in the exhibit lets visitors find out what makes the aquariums flow. A touch tank also is available as an interactive component of the adventure that children enjoy. Sea urchins, crabs and starfish are housed in the touch tank. Visitors can watch the jellies move about, as if they are dancing, and then dance like the jellies, while being watched on television. Also, guests can play the pipe organ and create original sounds of the sea, enjoy time on the underwater climbing wall and get artistic at the art tables.

Komodo Kingdom introduces visitors to the rare and powerful Komodo dragon, as well as Chinese alligators, Galapagos tortoises and other reptiles, in a natural, lush landscape. A cafy, interactive exhibit hall and education classrooms round off the area. Opened in 2005, the exhibit is open to the public and has been a recipient of LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. The exhibit was opened in 2005 to the public at the zoo. Komodo Kingdom exhibit has received the prestigious LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Akron Zoological Park offers private tours that enable guests to explore the facilities in which the animals live. Visitors can experience a day in the life of a zookeeper, and find out what it takes to care for the park's animals and keep them safe. Zookeepers will explain how to clean exhibits, prepare nutritious food for and feed the plethora of species on site. Guests are strongly encouraged to ask questions about the animals and their care. For private tours, advanced reservations are required.

The Akron Zoological Park provides visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. The many animal exhibits and educational programs captivate guests 361 days a year. The perfect outing for families with children, and people of all ages, visitors are certain to leave with a new nugget or two of knowledge.