Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

A short drive south from the live music and honky-tonks that draw visitors to Broadway in downtown Nashville, travelers can visit an expansive zoo that is home to over 325 different animal species. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is the ninth-largest zoo in the United States by land area — covering 188 acres — and more than 3,000 animals reside there, from zebras and gibbons  to Komodo dragons and ring-tailed lemurs. 

A walk of the zoo covers about 3 miles, and visitors even have the chance to see some of the creatures up close. During the daily Chilean Flamingo Parade, these bright pink birds go on a short morning walk through the front of the zoo. There’s also Kangaroo Kickabout, where guests can see kangaroos and gently pet any that cross their path. 

Two sit-down restaurants, several quick-bite eateries, food carts, a merry-go-round and a zip line round out the family fun. You can also plan a visit around events like the annual Zzzoofari Slumber Party (May 24 through 25 and Aug. 30 through 31 this year), where visitors can camp out on Festival Field and enjoy the zoo at night. 3777 Nolensville Pk., Nashville, Tennessee 37211, 615/833-1534, nashvillezoo.org