ParksandGardens, Wichita

192 acres of wooded area that has great natural beauty and panoramic views of Tulsa and Sand Springs. There are rock formations for climbing, a swimming pool, trails, baseball complex, 2 large playgrounds, restrooms, picnic shelters, 18-hole disc golf course and a community center. http://www.visittulsa.com/listings/Chandler-Park/711/

The OKC Zoo, Oklahoma's largest and most popular cultural attraction, invites you to discover the wonders of wildlife and wild places. Enjoy world-class habitats including Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, Oklahoma Trails and Sanctuary Asia where you'd find the amazing animals of the Asian continent. The Zoo's collection includes the critically endangered Grevy's zebra; a herd of majestic giraffes; ostriches; Addra gazelle; Asian deer species, including the Pere David, which is extinct in the wild; and the newly discovered okapi, located in only one forest in the world - the Ituri in the Congo. Also don't forget to see some African carnivore, such as the African painted dog and cheetah. https://www.okczoo.org/

The Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the very heart of the metro known as downtown Oklahoma City. A children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, “splash fountains,” as well as paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place in which to find solitude with nature or seek community and the company of others. The Myriad Gardens provides an elegant backdrop for events both large and small, ranging from concerts at the Bandshell to intimate weddings in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. Additionally, the Myriad Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children. Classes range from story reading, making chocolate, wreath-making workshops to the annual Oklahoma Gardening School and more. http://oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/plan-your-visit/crystal-bridge-tropical-conservatory/

Whether you want to train like an Olympian or just have some fun, the Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. Located within walking distance of the Events, Attractions & Fun | Bricktown Entertainment District, it’s the official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for rowing and canoe/kayak and hosts numerous regattas throughout the year. https://www.visitokc.com/about-okc/okc-districts/boathouse-district/

More Zoo for you to explore with more than 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals. See penguins like never before at Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Watch king and gentoo penguins torpedo through the water in their 100,000 gallon cool pool and see the Humboldt penguins bask in the sun and get their flippers wet in the 25,000 gallon warm water pool. Dip your hands into a shallow pool and discover the unique texture of stingrays and bamboo sharks at Stingray Bay. Journey to the Polar Bear Passage and marvel at our polar bears' beauty and strength. Swing into the Orangutan Canopy and get nose to nose with these orange apes. Take a walk-about through a mob of kangaroos. Get a birds-eye view of zebras, giraffes and rhinos on the African Sky Safari. Visit animals from the tropical rainforest, the African Savanna, the Australian Outback, the Asian mountainside, the north and south pole and everywhere in between. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/kansas-city-zoo?cid=18602#sm.000184edndt4sfcyt9010c9rxvdb6

This quaint, Renaissance-style park includes a gazebo, fountain, play area and benches all surrounded by an ornate cast iron fence. It is tucked away in Lincoln's historic Near South neighborhood and transports visitors to the calm nostalgic times of days gone by. http://www.lincoln.org/visit/attractions?cat=parks&keyword=&search=Search

Travel through the 28-acre African Grasslands exhibit with the likes of elephant, white rhino, cheetah, sable antelope, bongo, ostrich and impala rising into view upon your every move. See eye-to-eye with reticulated giraffe from the all-new Giraffe Encounter. Feed and brush the African pygmy goats at the kraal. View the African lions from the peak of the exhibit, while they gaze into the distance over the entire exhibit. Immerse yourself in a desert environment at the Desert Dome, the world's largest indoor desert located under the world's largest glazed geodesic dome. See plant and animal life from three of the world's deserts: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Navigate the ocean floor as sharks and other marine life circle overhead in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the largest aquarium within a Zoo. Discover polar regions, temperate oceans, coral reefs and the Amazon, as well the wildlife that inhabit these areas, from Antarctic penguins, puffins, sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, Giant Pacific octopus, moray eels and colorful fish. And explore the natural rainforest environment as you walk through the Lied Jungle, North America's largest indoor rainforest. Cross a unique swing bridge, through wet caves and beyond swooping tree limbs to the sounds of crashing waterfalls, see gibbons and other primates swinging in the canopy and experience exotic plant life. http://www.omahazoo.com/

Lauritzen Gardens is a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. It provides memorable educational and aesthetic experiences for all. https://lauritzengardens.org/About/

Zero Gravity Dallas is the world's only "Thrill Amusement Park" featuring 5 different extreme thrill rides. We offer the Bungee Jump, the Nothin' But Net, Texas Blastoff, the Skycoaster and the Skyscraper. https://www.visitdallas.com/things-to-do/venue/view/6908/Zero-Gravity-Thrill-Amusement-Park.html?ttd=1

No golf skills required! Test your swing and challenge your friends! Topgolf is the ultimate entertainment venue with fun, point-scoring golf games for all ages and skill levels; perfect for a family gathering, birthday party, professional event or just a relaxing afternoon! https://www.visitdallas.com/things-to-do/venue/view/7098/TopGolf-Dallas.html?ttd=1

Just minutes from downtown on the shore of White Rock Lake, we feature 66 acres with 11 lush display gardens that offer seasonal color all year long. Home of Dallas Blooms Spring, the Southwest's largest outdoor floral festival, we provide a tranquil oasis where visitors are surrounded by the beauty of all four seasons. https://www.visitdallas.com/things-to-do/venue/view/6881/Dallas-Arboretum-and-Botanical-Garden.html?ttd=1

Texas Discovery Gardens is a 7.5 acre organic botanic garden featuring native and adapted plants. Inside, our two-story Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium transports you to a tropical rainforest, complete with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. https://txdg.org/

Smithsonian Magazine has named this Lubbock landmark one of the top five destinations to see evidence of first Americans. In fact, evidence of human life from 12,000 years ago has been uncovered at the Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark. http://www.visitlubbock.org/visit/attractions/#attractions

A National Historic Landmark founded in 1859 with 79 acres of scenic landscaping and historic structures. Don't miss the Climatron® tropical rain forest, the Japanese Garden and founder Henry Shaw's Victorian home. Seasonal narrated tram tours, restaurant, gift shop https://explorestlouis.com/partner/missouri-botanical-garden/?search_category=attractions

Whether it's baby animals, new exhibits, or old favourites, there's always something to be wild about at Denver Zoo! Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals and has championed over 600 conservation and research projects around the world. With more than 3,5000 animals showcasing 450 species, Denver Zoo is a must-see when in Colorado’s capital city. This outdoor world isn’t just about the wildlife, however. From rides on the carousel to 4D theater shows to Up-Close Animal Encounters, there is something inspiring for everyone. Each visit to the Zoo provides you with a different way to see animals engaging with the public — maybe today it’s a carcass feeding, tomorrow it could be watching a critter sniff out the scent enrichment around their habitat. You’ll be amazed to see how each species uses its natural behaviours to interact with mentally stimulating activities. Plus, the whole family will benefit from a gander at the animal demonstrations schedule, which happens throughout the day. Find out what it takes to take care of a herd of all-male Asian elephants or how sea lions rely on their adaptations to survive. https://www.colorado.com/aquariums-zoos/denver-zoo

Die hard roller coaster fans will find plenty to love at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park.New for 2017, the Star Flyer lifts riders 17 stories into the air and spins at 50 mph above the Denver skyline with spectacular views of the mountains. https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/denver-attractions/denver-amusement-parks/

The Memphis Zoo has been named as one of the best zoos in the country according to TripAdvisor, and for good reason! From the time you step inside the grand entrance, you know you’re in a very special place. The main entrance and courtyard pays honor in its design to the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt. The meandering streams, crisp waterfalls, native plants and tranquil gardens alone are a great reason to visit. With 19 unique exhibits and thousands of animal species, you can “travel around the world” within the perimeters of the zoo. Visit Teton Trek which brings the Yellowstone National Park to Midtown. The Great Lodge and replica of Old Faithful are surrounded by grizzly bears and wolves. (And yes, you can play in the geyser.) Catch a playful sea lion performance at Northwest Passage where you can also get nose-to-nose with polar bears, see totem poles (that actually received a Native American blessing), bald eagles, black bears, and the list goes on. Pay a visit to China where you can stand a few feet away from giant pandas, Le Le and Ya Ya. The Memphis Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States to provide this rare opportunity. http://www.memphistravel.com/article/go-wild-memphis-zoo

Tucked away on 26 acres of Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park, Zilker Botanical Garden is a lush sanctuary of koi ponds, live oaks, and prickly cactuses of all shapes and sizes. Composed of multiple themed gardens, this natural retreat offers something new around every corner. Witness the colourful blooms of the Mabel Davis Rose Garden and explore the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden, complete with a stone gate gifted by Austin’s Sister City (Oita, Japan), a teahouse, and numerous Japanese maples. https://www.austintexas.org/listings/zilker-botanical-garden/1754/

NLand is the only inland surfing destination in North America with waves for everyone from pros to groms. The NLand Training Center offers world-class coaching with an accelerated learning curve. Blue Prairie, a scratch kitchen, features locally-sourced, innovative dishes. The surf shop carries top-of-the-line apparel and equipment with specially-trained experts to give you informed opinions and advice. http://nlandsurfpark.com/

McKinney Falls is a 641-acre park features over 80 campsites, including developed (RV) and hike-in sites. Screened shelters, group shelters and a group dining hall are also available. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, bicycling, swimming, birding and wildlife observation. Onion Creek, which flows 1.7 miles through the park, offers both swimming and fishing opportunities. https://www.austintexas.org/listings/mckinney-falls-state-park/2895/

The John Denver Sanctuary is nestled in the heart of Aspen, next to the Rio Grande Park, adjacent to Theatre Aspen's summer performances. Its location, near the Roaring Fork River, makes this an ideal spot for quiet meditation or a family picnic. The Song Garden features many of the iconic singer's lyrics etched into native river boulders placed in a perfect circle to represent the circle of life as a score of music. At the circle's center, a single Colorado Blue Spruce was planted which symbolizes the spirit of John. It is an idyllic location and visitors will not wonder for long where "Rocky Mountain High" originated. The man-made wetlands and winding streams work as an innovative stormwater filter system, cleaning water before it drains into the Roaring Fork River. Within the Sanctuary, you will find one of the largest perennial flower gardens open to the public, which adds to the friendly atmosphere for its visitors from around the globe. These beautiful gardens start blooming during late May/ early June, which makes this the perfect location for small get-togethers or even weddings. https://www.aspenchamber.org/explore-aspen/trip-highlights/john-denver-sanctuary

Wildlife West Nature Park is a 122-acre wildlife refuge & an enhanced rescued wildlife zoo featuring over 20 species of native New Mexican animals. The zoo features cougars, wolves, bear, elk, deer, javelina, fox, raptors & more. http://wildlifewest.org/wwblog/

Minnesota's largest public garden on 1,000 acres, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is open year-round and offers seasonal tours of beautiful display gardens and plant collections. https://www.minneapolis.org/directory/minnesota-landscape-arboretum-parks/

Surrounding the Convention Center on the southern edge of downtown Minneapolis, the Loring Park District is a walkable residential neighborhood of historic institutions and cultural attractions. https://www.minneapolis.org/map-transportation/neighborhoods/loring-park/

Saint Paul’s last true island, Raspberry Island is a beautiful site visitors can enjoy day or night along the Riverwalk pathway. Raspberry Island is a little gem of tranquility that allows for escape outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring music in the park throughout the summer season at its stunning illuminated band shell, Raspberry Island is an unforgettable location for weddings, celebrations and musical performances. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/raspberry-island/

One of the last free zoos in the United States, Como is home to a wide array of animals (from monkeys to polar bears) and exotic plants and welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Located next to Como Town Amusement Park, the historic Cafesjian's Carousel, and in Como Park, the zoo and conservatory are great fun for visitors of all ages. http://www.comozooconservatory.org/

Located along the Rio Grande River near downtown Albuquerque, the ABQ BioPark consists of: The ABQ BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium and Tingley Beach. Welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors per year, we are the top tourist destination in the state of New Mexico. ABQ BioPark Zoo established in 1927 is home to more than 900 animals from around the world. Many of these animals have been part of successful conservation plans and captive breeding programs. Botanic Garden opened in 1996, and has grown to 32 acres of exhibits, and showcases plants from the American Southwest and around the world. The Botanic Garden’s BUGarium is one of the most elaborate exhibits dedicated to bugs and arthropods in the country. Since its opening in 1996 alongside the Botanic Garden, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium has showcased a kaleidoscope of colorful fish native to a variety of ecosystems found throughout the United States. The popular Shark Reef Café offers spectacular views into the 285,000-gallon oceanic tank, providing an unforgettable dining experience. Tingley Beach is the gateway to the Bosque. Three fishing ponds and a model boat pond offer a respite from the city. A mile-long walking trail loops around the ponds, and the nearby bike path provides access to the Rio Grande. Pedal boat rentals are available during the summer. https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark

Houston’s most photographed site, this dramatic 64-foot U-shaped fountain has water rushing down its inside and outside walls.Designed and created in 1985 by the internationally acclaimed architectural team of Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the Water Wall pumps 78,500 gallons of recycled water every three hours and 20 minutes. More than 180 live oaks shade the three-acre area that plays host to families and couples out for a stroll, picnic, or even a game of Frisbee. https://www.visithoustontexas.com/listings/water-wall/20713/

Discovery Green is a beautiful, vibrant 12-acre park in the heart of downtown Houston that opened to the public in April 2008. The park was envisioned by several committed Houston philanthropists, who saw the space as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an urban park that would redefine the landscape of downtown. In less than four years, the site that became Discovery Green was transformed from an undeveloped, concrete eyesore into a beautiful and vibrant destination adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center. https://www.discoverygreen.com/

Hermann Park has a bountiful assortment of entertainment: a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a beautiful rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit, and even a museum.Hermann Park, presented to the City of Houston by George Hermann in 1914, is Houston's most historically significant public green space. Over the years, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Hermann Park Golf Course, one of the first desegregated public golf courses in the United States, all have added to the Park's importance as a recreational destination.Hermann Park, located minutes from downtown Houston, is a cultural and recreational hub surrounded by the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, the Museum District, and various residential neighborhoods. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Main St. and Montrose Blvd. Upon arriving at Hermann Park the visitor is greeted by a statue of one of Houston's founders, General Sam Houston. He points in, towards the park, leading the park visitor in the direction of it's many amenities. https://www.visithoustontexas.com/listings/hermann-park/20202/

The Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. It has over 6,000 permanent residents (an animals) for whom the Zoo provide housing, meals, medical care, and even education! Each year over two million guests come to experience its incredible variety of animals and ecosystems as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. The Houston Zoo dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the well being of residents and guests. https://www.houstonzoo.org/

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari are a family theme park/water park combo located in Santa Claus, Indiana. The theme park celebrates Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July with top-ranked roller coasters, rides, live entertainment, games and attractions. The popular website TripAdvisor.com named Splashin’ Safari the #1 water park in the nation, home to the world’s two longest water coasters, numerous family raft slides, two wave pools, water slides and water activities for children. Holiday World offers guests free unlimited soft drinks, free parking, free inner tube usage, free sunscreen and free Wi-Fi. Together, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari were named the nation’s Top Value Park in a recent issue of Consumers Digest. https://www.gotolouisville.com/directory/holiday-world-splashin-safari/

From moonlight zip tours to aerial courses to couples adventures, Adventureworks offers a range of treetop fun. Adventureworks has two Nashville-area locations, including Nashville West (Kingston Springs) and The Fontanel. Both locations have canopy zip tours year-round. The Nashville West location also features an aerial adventure course, specialty monthly tours, and team-building courses. If you’re looking for high-flying activity, consider these upcoming experiences at Adventureworks. http://nashvilleguru.com/92771/adventureworks-nashville-zipline