Oakland Zoo at Knowland Park

Oakland Zoo at Knowland Park, off I-580 at 9777 Golf Links Rd., offers picnic facilities, playgrounds, amusement rides, a train and more than 400 exotic and native animals in naturalistic habitats. An aerial tram affords a bird's-eye view of the area. A children's zoo lets kids visit a bug house as well as see sheep, goats, snakes, turtles, fruit bats and lemurs.

Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.