Kansas City Zoo

Guests come out for the innovative exhibits, including a lively gang of chimpanzees and four African elephants that sometimes model their painting skills for summer visitors. The zoo, one of the nation’s top-rated, wins raves for its African animals and kangaroos. Even if you’re not into animal shows, it’s worth catching "Soar! a Symphony in Flight," an interactive, free-flight bird show designed by one of the world’s top animal trainers, Steve Martin. (Not the comedian, although the show does have laughs.) Check the schedule for other animal-keeper chats and shows. And try to leave time to explore surrounding Swope Park, the city's largest.