Feline--er, feeling bored? Maybe you need to talk a walk on the wild side! Get yourself to one of Maryland's zoos and aquariums. There are plenty of places to spend time with animals from all over the world right here in the Old Line State; which ones of these have you visited before?
1. National Aquarium, Baltimore
We all know and love this one for a reason -- it's a Maryland icon! The aquarium isn't just stunning because of the number of fish, birds, bats, aquatic mammals, and invertebrates. It's also a piece of architecture that can instantly be picked out on the Baltimore skyline! Daring fish fans can even sleep over with sharks at the aquarium.
Right in the middle of Baltimore City, there's an oasis in Druid Hill Park, one that's filled with all kinds of creatures. You can take a brush to a goat, feed a giraffe, ride a train or a carousel, or see penguins swim underwater -- you can hardly do it all in one day.
One of the wildest things about this zoo is that it's free to enter (and to park)! Yes, you can stop by an amazing zoo, free of charge, on your way to Ocean City. This one boasts critters like the Andean bear, American bison, bald eagle, and ball python!
4. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, Thurmont
Want to get up close and personal with all kinds of critters? Want to be eye-to-eye with a zebra or an ostrich? The Catoctin Zoo offers safari tours, allowing you to have an incredible experience with all kinds of animals. Even if you skip the safari, you'll still see creatures big and small as you roam the grounds.
5. Plumpton Park Zoo, Rising Sun
What makes this zoo special is that many of the animals are rescued from homes that could no longer care for them. Head to Rising Sun, and you'll see everything from donkeys to gibbons and plenty of parrots and owls, too. They even do a special Halloween event called Zombies at the Zoo -- if you're brave enough.
