The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers families close encounters with animals from around the world, including penguins, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, crocodiles and more. Kids can feed the giraffes, help groom the goats, take part in the zoo scavenger hunt, learn how to train animals and more. Special seasonal events take place year-round, as well, including ZooBOOO! in October and Breakfast with Santa & Friends (penguins!) in December.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, March through December, and Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m to 4 p.m. in January and February. Admission is $18 for adults and kids 12 to 64; $15 for seniors 65 and older; and $13 for children 2 to 11; kids under 2 are free.
