Santa Barbara Zoo

One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids is visit the fantastic Santa Barbara Zoo. The zoo, which covers more than 30 acres, is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its wide open spaces and lush gardens of palms and native plants give it the feel of a botanical garden, making it a pleasant place to stroll.

You'll find an impressive variety of animals here for such a small zoo. The lions, snow leopards, California condors, meerkats, and the excellent western lowland gorilla exhibit are among the highlights. Best of all, there's a fun lineup of interactive experiences for kids. Children can feed the animals in the barnyard and hand-feed the giraffes. Don't miss the new Australian Walkabout exhibit, which features kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.

Hop aboard the zoo train for a quick overview of the exhibits or to simply rest your feet. It circles the exhibits, providing views of Santa Barbara along the way. Santa Barbara Zoo also hosts a busy schedule of fun family events year-round, including Boo at the Zoo and Sleepover Safaris. Check the website for details.

Address: 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, California