Philadelphia Zoo, Penn.

With over 1,300 animals living on the 42-acre Victorian garden, the Philadelphia Zoo turns 150 years old in 2009 and is celebrating all year long with special events and exhibits. As America’s first zoo, it is one of the nation’s foremost conservation organizations, protecting and breeding endangered species. This year it will open the McNeil Avian Center, a $17 million “green” renovation of the original 1916 Bird House, now home to four walk-through habitats with more than 100 exotic birds. Visitors can also take a ride on the Channel 6 Zoo balloon, a hot air balloon that rises 400 feet above the zoo for amazing views of the animals and the Philadelphia skyline.

For more information: Philadelphia Zoo