Reid Park Zoo, Tucson

Reid Park Zoo is a great place to visit in the summer. Animals are more available than at the Desert Museum. Yet I found the habitations roomy and clean. Many exotic birds such as the Maribu stork provide amusing viewing for kids and adults.

Large mammals familiar such as the elephant, rhino and polar bear and unfamiliar like the Andean anteater and the panther were in plain view. Special shows such as feeding the giraffe and training the wart hogs amazed the children.

I love the Sonora Desert Museum but don't overlook this charming zoo. Lots of shade, kids and ice cream along with easy viewing of animals and

birds.