Ten Wild and Crazy Destinations for 2009

If you want to experience more than the usual vacation to Disney World, Hawaii or the Outer Banks, check out these ten offbeat and sometimes extreme escapes for 2009. Whether it's Zorbing, skijoring or just plain geocaching the new year has a lot to offer travelers looking for something different. Some of these destinations and activities may be a bit expensive or physically taxing. However, you need to remember, with a new year you have new opportunities for fitness, fun and what the heck, take the rest of your 401k before someone else does, and live a little.

1. Zorbing

Strap into a Zorb and start rolling head over heels. Recently depicted in a Toyota commercial, these large hamster balls roll effortlessly over the countryside. Developed in Auckland, New Zeland these giant air filed balls have also been seen on the Amazing race as contestants take a Zorb ride to fulfill a task. According to the developers, no one has ever been hurt in a Zorb or even threw up inside one. For an extra thrill throw in a bucket of water for the ride, just remember to remove the bucket. Locations include, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Rotorua, New Zealand and throughout Europe.

2. Skijoring

Join the rich and famous in St. Moritz, Switzerland for the 103rd running of horses on white turf (read frozen lake). Included with the horse racing is skijoring. Competitors on skis are pulled around the track by thoroughbreds, in close proximity and at high speed. Races for 2009 are 8, 15, and 22 February 2009, but hurry, last year over 10,000 spectators attended this event. If you want to do more than observe the sport try Leadville, Colorado or four other states in the U.S. where competitions are held each year. This winter sport has evolved where participants navigate through a course of jumps and gates. Some places have replaced the horse with a large dog or snowmobile. Bundle up and have fun! By the way the sport originated centuries ago when travelers in Scandinavia attached reins to reindeer for a wild ride.

3. Geocaching

Here's a fun family activity, especially if you like high tech treasure hunts. Just replace the old pirate map where X marks the spot for a GPS (global positioning system). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and head out to find "caches" of trinkets, candy and other items that the sponsor or others have hidden. Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) and is growing in popularity. The official geocaching hunt site has over half a million participants with worldwide adventures and a community of adventurers. The game is a great way to explore new areas. At the Evergreen Lodge they offer two courses to help you explore the park. Following the coordinates you will be pointed to waterfalls, park vistas

4. Fly a MiG

The Mig-29 or newer MiG-31 Foxhound are ready for you to take control over the skies of Russia at over 1500 miles per hour. Jet flight only starts at $12,590, transportation and hotel accommodations in Russia are extra. While expensive where else can you fly this fast? Try Cape Town South Africa for a ride over 60,000 feet above the city in the English Electric Lightning jet. These prices include a multi day package around 18 grand.

5. Outer Space Anyone?

You have probably read about it and seen it on TV, now it's time to sign up for the ride of your life. If you thought flying a MiG over 1500 miles an hour was a rush try outer space with Virgin Galactic. Billionaire adventurer Sir Richard Branson, continues to fund Burt Rutan's technology that resulted in the first privately funded craft to reach outer space in 2004. With only a $20,000 dollar down payment, you can reserve a spot for your $200,000 adventure. There is no set date for the first commercial flight but testing continues and people are lining up to fly the first Spaceline in history. There is currently a plan for three days of preparation to enjoy the experience.

6. Meet the Emperors

Don't be put off with the few cruise ships that have had problems around the Antarctic, that can happen anywhere. Now is your chance to explore the most remote destination in the world and also a chance to meet up with the Emperor Penguin Colony. Several companies have various cruises and travel itineraries with various levels of participation. This is a chance to see glaciers and icebergs in their natural setting. Check out Luxury Tours for travel dates.

7. Bike Peru

Sacredrides, recognized by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the best adventure travel companies on earth, offers mountain biking in the Andes and near Inca ruins. Cox and Kings also offers a variety of custom and signature tours around the world. If you're a bike enthusiast how could you pass on the opportunity to take one of the best bike trips in Peru? The tour is a combination of defined paths and narrow trails that pass through the Sacred Valley's agricultural fields, architectural sites and villages. Don't worry about curses or bandits from ancient Incas, that only happens in the movies. On this trip you'll have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors and to enjoy a day of excitement on the down-hills while stopping to enjoy the various ruins.

8. Covert Ops Adventure

An all inclusive weekend getaway, but don't plan on sipping margaritas by a pool. This three day intensive training by former military special operations personnel will have you learning evasive driving, shooting techniques, hostage retrieval (this is great if your child is late getting home, just plan a mission to "snatch" her from the party.) This Three-day programs begins on a Friday through Sunday, in Tuscon, Arizona: meals and ammunition included. The cost for this program is $3,795.

9. Skywalk to the Edge

In the United States, take a skywalk on the glass bridge at Grand Canyon West You'll be standing over a 1200 meter drop to the bottom of the canyon as you walk on the transparent bridge floor. The pricing structure is a bit complicated with an ala-carte style menu. Ticket price about 35 dollars per person then $20 per vehicle, $12 for a locker, and $40 for a photograph on the Skywalk. Interestingly photos and binoculars are not permitted on the skywalk, this may be to sell more photos. Going to the edge in Melbourne, Australia is less expensive but not as high, only 300 meters. Travel 88 stories in 40 seconds to Skydeck 88 and walk/crawl to "The Edge"- a glass cube that projects 3 meters out from the building suspended almost 300 meters above the ground! Tickets are only $12.00, a real bargain compared to some of the other adventures. There are other edge type experiences, like the new.

10. Ride the Singapore Flyer

This isn't your grandparent's Ferris wheel at the local amusement park or traveling circus. The Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel. At an equivalent 42 stories this 165m tall ride is not for those with vertigo. It is however, a great place to see the city and on a clear day you can see Malaysia and Indonesia. The ride has 28 gondolas that hold up to 28 people each. Get ready for great experience over the city by the bay.

You have read my picks for exciting travel next year tell us where you are headed in the New Year.

Giants and Dwarfs at Pennsylvania Farm Show

One of the largest farm shows in the United States is held in mid-January at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The huge indoor facility is large by almost any measure. It has two arenas where simultaneous rodeo competitions or livestock demonstrations are held, food halls, new farm equipment displays and much more. There are a number of connecting exhibit halls with over 6000 animals and birds and about 250 commercial exhibits. The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a tradition that began in 1917 and has free admission. The only charge, other than parking and what you purchase, is for the Circuit Rodeo Finals the last few days of the show.

On display in the farm animal competition area were the winners of the best rabbits, roosters, cows and chickens. This is where I first saw the Flemish Giant rabbit. This is a breed that grows up to 21 inches in length and weighs 15-18 pounds. There have been documented Flemish Giants up to 26 pounds. The Giant Chinchilla is another breed of large rabbit on display at the show. These rabbits are so huge they could frighten most small dogs. Adjacent to the giant rabbits were the dwarf rabbits, while smaller than the average garden variety rabbit, they weren't abnormally small.

Aside from the commercial exhibits, animal displays and competitions, the farm fair is known for its food courts. There is fresh trout from Pennsylvania streams, pulled pork, fried cheese, the famous Farm Show baked potatoes, potato donuts, fries, and of course kettle corn and cotton candy. Even if you are not a farmer or agriculture student, this is a fun place to visit. There were exhibits from the Pennsylvania Bee Keepers Association that had a room full of different types of honey, hard wood displays, celebrity cooking demonstrations and life size butter sculptures of a soldier a cow and three children.

Many of the associations that exhibit at the Farm Show use the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for research, scholarships and continuing education. Representatives from the different organizations include; the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association, PA Mushroom Growers Cooperative, PA Maple Syrup Producers Council, PA Livestock Association, PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association, and many more.

One of the overriding themes of the show is education. For kids, the organizers have a creative and fun way to learn and discover more about horses, swine, poultry, dogs, nuts and more. Sign up to be a Farm Show Detective and investigate where milk comes from, how chickens hatch, and how bees help vegetables to grow. Kids (or adults) will follow a map to the eighteen learning stations throughout the show. One of the cool awards (or cold awards) is a year of free ice cream from Turkey Hill.

Christmas and New Year at Longwood Gardens

A fantasy wonderland of colorful fountains and more than a half million Christmas lights are burning each night through January 11th at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. You can also see world class ice skating performances and tour the indoor gardens with 11,000 different types of plants in all colors, sizes and shapes.

This year Longwood Gardens started a timed ticket entry that has improved the visit significantly, less crowds and more opportunity to see the holiday exhibits. There was no waiting when we went on a Saturday evening and the efficient parking attendants had us into a parking space, near the entrance, in a matter of minutes. The time between Christmas and New Year is the perfect opportunity for a family outing.

Stroll the 1000 acre estate and enjoy the outdoor decorations and open air fountains. Throughout the evening the dancing fountains are set to holiday music and changing colors ever hour. Performances are held each hour until an hour before closing.

World class skating performances are held at the Skating Under the Stars outdoor theater. At the Saturday performance Alexey Beletsky, 4 time silver medalist representing the Ukraine and Israel, performed ice dancing with Melissa Bulanhagui, the 8th ranked US skater, along with Blake Rosenthal, U.S. national medalist and international junior medalist. Under foggy skies, the skaters entertained the large crowd with solo and combined ice dancing for the twenty minute performance.

Throughout the park are hot chocolate and soft pretzel stands to warm you up on a cold evening. There are also two dining areas open for snacks and meals. If you are up for a full family buffet check out the special dates for the Yuletide Buffet.

Getting There: Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is a great day trip from places in New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Northern Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC. Approximate distances from these areas:

Philadelphia, PA 30 miles
Wilmington, DE 12 miles
Valley Forge, PA 28 miles
Lancaster, PA 43 miles
Baltimore, MD 75 miles
Washington, DC 110 miles
New York, NY 130 miles

Individual Ticket Costs
Adults: $16
Seniors (ages 62+): $14
Students (ages 5-22): $6
Children ages 4 and under: Free

Fountains, Flowers and Flights of Fancy at Longwood Gardens

Outside the trees are dropping their vibrant fall colors while inside exotic flowers and plants burst with more colors than a springtime rainbow. The place is Longwood Gardens, just west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where exotic plants from throughout the world are on display year round.

If you like flowers and fountains this is the place to see over eleven thousand different plant species and more fountains than any other garden in the United States. Throughout the year, there are different themes to highlight the spectacular plants and special attractions. Going on now through November 23 is "Autumn's Colors".

Also through November is the Chrysanthemum Festival with more than 20,000 Chrysanthemums in bloom. The indoor and outdoor gardens are bursting with color and extraordinary shapes. The entire 1,050 acre estate has areas of interest for visitors of all ages. Take a walk in the topiary gardens and imagine the whimsical creatures and shapes that made gardens like these a staple for the rich and famous around the world. There are areas of discovery for children and adults in the Indoor Children's Garden, or at the Idea Garden where you can watch the trains as they travel through miniature Longwood landmarks made from natural elements.

In addition to the changing flower displays, there are special entertainment and cultural events. "Fall Fantasy of Glass" is running simultaneously with the current theme and highlights the artwork of glass artists Michael Cohn and Molly Stone, of Cohn-Stone Studios in Richmond, California. Their colorful and whimsical pumpkin and gourd creations are a visual treat. These are excellent artists who have exhibited throughout the world and are featured in a number of museums, corporate and private collections.

We made the day trip in early November with some out of town visitors. I wasn't sure how impressed I would be of a glass squash but I have to admit the colorful blown glass are truly a work of art and enjoyable to see. The artistry of the glass pumpkins fit perfectly with the natural beauty of the flowering plants surrounding the exhibit area. I was impressed with the hospitality and friendliness of all the staff and employees that we encountered. We were approached by one staff member, who upon seeing my 83 year old mother in law, let us know where we could get a wheel chair at different locations throughout the park if we needed one.

The architecture of the conservatory, ballroom and mansions on the grounds are also worth the time to visit. The entire property has a wonderful history, dating back to 1700 when William Penn issued a grant of land to the Peirce family. It wasn't until the early 1900's, when Pierre S. DuPont, of the Delaware DuPont family, purchased the estate that the gardens began to take shape.

While we were there, we noticed a number of workers busy getting ready for the annual Christmas spectacular with over 500,000 outdoor lights that will be burning throughout the gardens. During December, the floral displays, decorated trees, ice skating under the trees and the dancing fountains make Longwood gardens a wonderful outing. There are two dining areas open for a snack, meal or hot drink. Christmas at Longwood runs from November 27 through January 11, 2009. If you can't make it before Christmas it is still a great place to take family, and visitors, after the holidays.

Keep in mind there is a new ticketing process for Christmas admissions. When we visited during Christmas last year it was crowded to the point that once in line you were propelled through the gardens. This year Longwood is going to a timed ticket entrance policy that will reduce the crowds and wait time as the more popular exhibits. To reserve a place go online to their ticket page at https://tickets.longwoodgardens.org/

For the serious artist and photographer you can take your easel or tripod but only before noon and you have to stop by the main desk to get a registration tag.

Getting There. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is a great day trip from places in New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Northern Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC. Approximate distances from these areas:

Philadelphia, PA - 30
Wilmington, DE - 12
Valley Forge, PA - 28
Lancaster, PA - 43
Baltimore, MD - 75
Washington, DC - 110
New York, NY - 130

Individual Ticket Costs
Adults: $16
Seniors (ages 62+): $14
Students (ages 5-22): $6
Children ages 4 and under: Free

All Aboard a Magical Ride at the National Aquarium

With pocket watch in one hand and oil lantern in the other, the mid-twentieth century train conductor greets us with a drawn out baritone "alllll aboard." Not the usual greeting one would expect at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where people from around the world come to view the more than 16,000 animals, fish, birds and marine life that represent over 660 species.

This particular visit to the aquarium was unlike any other visit to see the many aquatic themed exhibits. This night was a magical night filled with the multi sensory film experience of the "Polar Express." This classic animated film is a fifteen-minute 4-D experience that will take you on a train ride in the aquarium's Immersion Theater. I have seen the full length "Polar Express" in 3-D IMAX that is quite a show, but nothing like this 15 minute, eye popping, in your face version.

I've been to several 3-D movies with varying reviews of quality and I wasn't sure that even with the 4th dimension this would be much different. While I anticipated a few scenes that would make the audience duck as something flew out of the screen, I had no way of knowing what was in store. I was blown away with the fourth dimension. From the opening scene, when the boy is awakened by the arrival of the Polar Express outside his bedroom, I was hooked. Not only was the sound realistic but the seat and entire theater seemed to rumble as if a train had just rolled in. You feel the wind of a passing train on your face and whoosh of the escaping steam cloud from the brakes on your legs. As the steel wheels grind to a stop, the snow that is gently falling in the film is also falling in the theater.

One of best features of this experience takes place in the dining car as dancing waiters break into song and acrobatics as they pass out hot chocolate to the wide-eyed passengers. As the drinks are poured on screen, you can smell the hot chocolate. There are more special effects in the movie and in the previews of coming attractions. While the "Polar Express" may not be what you would typically expect at the aquarium it is fast becoming a holiday tradition to get in the holiday spirit and a chance for audiences to experience the amazing 4-D Immersion Theater. This is a must see film for the family, whether you have kids or not. The "Polar Express 4-D" runs through January 4, 2009.

Remember this theater experience is only one facet of the hundreds of exhibits at the aquarium. Visitors can trek through the Australian outback in the Animal Planet Australian - Wild Extremes exhibit, experience the tropical rainforest, explore the undersea world of aquatic life and see a live dolphin show. This is an excellent adventure for the whole family.

Getting There:
Located at the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland

Hours of Operation Mon-Thur: 9am-5pm Fri: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 9am-5pm Throughout the year, visitors may tour the Aquarium for up to 1 and 1/2 hours after the ticket center closes.

Holiday Closures - Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Admission Rates: From $13 to $29 Total Experience Package includes Aquarium admission, 4-D Theater and the Dolphin Show! Purchase tickets online to ensure entry at your desired time.

Wallowa Lake and the City of Joseph

A trip to Northeast Oregon is an opportunity to witness where one of history's tragic stories begins. This is where the Nez Perce Indians spent their last free days, before going to a reservation. Today, among the mountains, streams and valleys of Wallowa County, residents and visitors alike enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the area where the Nez Perce Indians spent their summers hunting and fishing.

One hundred and thirty one years ago, Chief Joseph the Younger and his followers were forced out of the valley by the U.S. government for not honoring a treaty imposed upon them. Today, the mountains and area around Wallowa Lake is often referred to as the "Little Switzerland of America." The nickname comes from the tall, snow-capped mountains that surround Wallowa Lake on three sides. The picturesque vistas are reminiscent of the larger pristine mountains in Europe. This land is as wild and beautiful as it once was, with miles of forests, fresh mountain streams, lakes and abundant wildlife. As "civilization" moved into the area over the last century there have been several homes, businesses and attractions built near the lake. My journey through this land begins in the small artistic town of Joseph located a couple of miles from the lake.

Originally named Lake City in the 1800's the town changed its name to Joseph in honor of Chief Joseph, father of Young Joseph, of the Nez Perce Indians. The French called the Shahaptian Indians of the Pacific Northwest Nez Perce, meaning "pierced nose", after they saw a few Indians with nose medallions. Such piercing was uncommon with the Shahaptian and was more applicable to tribes further south. A misnomer that has remained. The Nez Perce still call themselves by that name today. The Nez Perce lived around what is now Northeast Oregon, Idaho and Washington.

Today Joseph is still a small town with just over one thousand residents. This small town however, is big on art and reminded me of the art centers of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Park City, Utah. Joseph is primarily one main street lined with galleries, studios and bronze foundries separated by real estate offices and gift shops. Throughout the town are excellent bronze sculptures from some of the top artists in the country. Valley Bronze was the first foundry in town and was instrumental in leading the town to financial success after the collapse of the timber industry in the 1980's. Since then more foundries have opened in the town and more artists call this home. The success of the bronze foundries is evident in the $2.4 million dollar order, a few years ago, from the U.S. Government for the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

On almost every street corner is a life size or larger bronze sculpture. One of my favorite sculptures, "Attitude Adjustment", by Austin Barton depicts a cowboy and bucking bronco. The ten-foot high statue captures the cowboy and horse at the peak of movement. The balancing of the sculpture adds to this work of art as it appears to be top heavy and may topple at any moment. There are reportedly twelve of these magnificent bronzes, of this size, but I have only located three. One in Pendleton, Oregon at Hamley & Co., one in Joseph, Oregon and one at the Booth Western Art Museum in Georgia.

Other interesting sculptures include the huge soaring eagle entitled "Spirit of Joseph" by Steve Parks, "Tracking the Intruders" by J. Shirly Bothum and a very refreshing sculpture of a woman holding her hat as if in a strong breeze entitled "Garden Walk" by Ramon Parmenter. Not to be overshadowed by the statuary there are several galleries that specialize in art and jewelry. One artist that impressed me with his original wildlife paintings was Mark Kortnik, of Aspen Grove Gallery.

On my visit, I found the area to be a great getaway from the stresses of daily life in the 21st century. With the exception of the buildings the area is much as it would have been when the Indians roamed the forests and mountains. Today these same forests and mountains offer abundant hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities. At the lake there is boating, canoeing, fishing and, for the stout of heart, swimming. My daughters coaxed me into the clear cold lake, which was very refreshing, after I inched my way in. The lake is at the end of the road, literally. Once you travel in you have to turn around and go out the same way.
Isolated with cabins and campgrounds the area has the feel of a summer camp. Wildlife is abundant with mule deer seen throughout the early mornings and evenings, eagles, turkeys, and buffalo. There are a few gift shops, a lodge and a couple of places to eat during the spring and summer months. There are a number of places to sign up for trail riding, mountain biking and even hang gliding from Mt. Howard.

A local tramway takes passengers, four at a time, from the base terminal, located near the lake, to the 8,150 foot summit of Mt. Howard. From there you can take one of the well groomed trails to several scenic overlooks. The tramway is open from May through September, depending on the weather. Be sure to work up an appetite on the 2 miles of trails, so you can enjoy the Summit Grill and Alpine Patio for lunch.

For the kids the area boasts quite a population of friendly black tailed prairie dogs that will climb on your lap looking for trail mix. We took advantage of the wonderful trails and hiked a few miles into the wilderness over streams and up the side of a mountain to an overlook of Wallowa Lake. There was also a waterfall on the Lostine River that was ice cold and a real treat after the moderate hike. On another day we joined the trail ride and wound our way through several trails and along streams. The horses were used to novice riders and made their way expertly on narrow trails.

When you enter or leave the Wallowa Lake area, you pass by the Indian cemetery where Old Chief Joseph is buried. Be sure to stop and take the time to visit his gravesite to pay tribute to the man who trusted the government to take care of him and his tribe. His son, Chief Joseph the Younger, became famous for his principled resistance to the removal of his people from this land. He is renowned as a humanitarian and peacemaker. His story, and that of his people, is detailed in Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee", and "I Will Fight No More Forever - Chief Joseph And The Nez Perce War" by Merrill D. Beal.

Getting there - If you are flying, you can land in Boise, Idaho, about 4 hours by car on the interstate and OR Hwy 82. Other airport options include Pasco, WA, Spokane, WA, and Lewiston, ID. From Portland, Oregon it is about a six-hour drive through the Columbia River Gorge, high desert and plains. We took the longer route, through Portland, and saw a number of wonderful sites along the Oregon Trail.

An African Safari in Baltimore

With the economy in turmoil, now is a good time to get out and enjoy a cost saving adventure. All you need is a little creativity and a trip to your local zoo. You will undoubtedly learn more about our world and the many rare and exotic creatures that live here. I took a day trip to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with my kids and found that it’s a great way to connect with nature, your family and even yourself. Most large cities have a zoo and if you haven’t visited one lately there is plenty to see and a variety of activities to educate and entertain.
The Maryland Zoo’s African Journey is the largest exhibit area on the 160 acre zoo, dedicated to the animals and birds of the African continent. A few of the many exhibits include leopards, cheetahs, warthogs, giraffes, elephants, lions, chimpanzees, vultures and West African cranes.

A new feature in the African Journey is the giraffe feeding plaza where you can feed the giraffe’s everyday between 10:30 and 3 pm. We ventured past the rhinos, vultures and camels to Further into the African Journey is an expanded area for the African elephants. On March 19, 2008, Felix, a 24 year old elephant gave birth to the first ever baby elephant at the zoo. Sampson, the 290-pound newborn, was named by vote.

The Maryland Wilderness is featured in the Children's Zoo and represents the animals, birds and reptiles of the state. Included in the exhibit are domesticated animals like goats and sheep and typical farm animals. This part of the zoo has a lot of interaction to keep young kids interested in discovering more about animal and their habitat. They have plexiglass enclosures to watch river otter’s underwater, a cave to see bats and snakes and even an ecological tree built with stairs that you walk up inside. At the top of the tree is an optional slide, a favorite with the kids.

One of the first exhibit areas in the zoo, after taking the tram from the entrance, is the Polar Bear Watch. From here you can see the largest predators in the world, Alaska and Magnet, and their newest addition, Anoki. This year the zoo added Anoki to the exhibit in hopes of breeding with Magnet. Anoki is on loan from the New Mexico Biological Park in Albuquerque. A unique aspect of this exhibit is an actual Tundra Buggy that is air conditioned and overlooks the water and bear habitat.

Not only is a trip to the zoo a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends it is an opportunity to learn about and discuss how we take care of animals and our surroundings. The zoo is a good day trip that can be educational in many ways. Who knows what you may see the animals doing that will spark questions from your kids, leaving you stuttering, or checking

Wikipedia from your iphone. On my last visit, my daughter asked me who was faster, a cheetah or a leopard. I now know it is the cheetah, running at up to 70 miles per hour for long distances compared to about 40 miles per hour in short bursts for the leopard.

Many people stay away from zoos because they don’t like to see the beautiful animals caged or restricted from running, swimming or flying free. Zoos have been around at least 3500 years and so have the debates on whether zoos are sanctuaries for the protection of the species, educational centers, or circus sideshows, where animals are held captive against their will. There is enough evidence to support all of these arguments and that is where visiting a zoo can help you to connect and reflect on your own feelings.

Day Trip Specifics:
The zoo is open everyday ten months a year, from March through December, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hours are 10 am to 4 pm and costs $11 for adults and $9 for children, weekends slightly higher. Parking is free and souveniers abound.
Special note for those who join the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, or are members of participating zoos, there is most likely a Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP) that lets you can gain free admission to other zoos in the association. For example Friends of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. can get free admission to the Maryland Zoo and vice versa. Check your membership for details.