Most major cities in the United States have a zoo, and many have an aquarium. Zoos provide children with the opportunity to see animals from all over the world typically including elephants, bears, zebras, giraffes and a variety of birds and fish. Zoo staff are often present to educate visitors about animal habitats, diet and life cycles. Some zoos also have exhibits that teach students about insects, plants and extinct species.
Many zoos also have a section devoted to animals that visitors can feed and pet. Children can walk up to cows, sheep and horses to pet, feed and sometimes brush them. Staff may also provide education about working farm animals and the services they provide.
Planetariums are theaters that teach visitors about astronomy. The night sky is presented upon a dome-shaped ceiling or projection screen which gives it a realistic appearance. Shows typically include oral presentations about what is being presented on the screen with accompanying music. Viewers can lean back and view the stars and learn about constellations, the formation of stars and our galaxy.
Children's museums are specifically designed to entertain and educate young people. They vary in content and types of exhibits but typically allow children to explore such topics as electricity, human anatomy, chemistry, physics, archaeology and biology. Children's museums also provide many interactive activities to help students learn about science and the world around them. Children may have the opportunity to walk through a "digestive system," see how electricity works, participate in a "dinosaur dig" or many other hands-on learning activities.
Tourist Information Directory lists public access caves across the country in almost every state. These caves provide children with an opportunity to see Native American artifacts, rock formations, guano mines, minerals, underground lakes and fossils. Each cave is unique and offers something different for children to explore. Tour guides take visiting groups underground to see the world below and provide education about the formation of caves, stalactites and stalagmites and the living things that call caves their home.