Walking into the Santa Barbara Zoo, visitors must cross the mini-train tracks — an immediate indication that there is a ton of family fun inside. The train, which runs around the perimeter and costs about $2 per ride, is just the starting point of a fun, educational day in the beautiful Santa Barbara outdoors.

When most people think of the Santa Barbara Zoo, only one thing immediately pops to mind: the giraffe with the crooked neck. The crook in her neck developed as she grew, causes her no pain, and makes the giraffe pen one of the most visited sites at the zoo — this giraffe is certainly photo worthy. However, visitors will find much more than a curious giraffe to whet their appetites at this zoo. The truth is that the Santa Barbara Zoo has been delighting SB's families and visitors for almost 50 years.

Kids also get a big kick out of buying bags of food (about $1 per cup) and hand feeding the sheep in the barnyard. Those lucky enough can also sign up to feed the giraffes but schedules vary according to the needs of the animals so enthusiasts should check when they arrive. The pool exhibitions allow visitors to get up close and personal with graceful animals both above and below water. With over 500 species on hand, there is a lot to learn and explore.

While the zoo can be explored in a couple of hours, a visit could easily be stretched into a half or full day taking in the views of the ocean or the nearby bird sanctuary, lingering over tasty sandwiches and snacks, reading about all the animals, and learning about environmental safety and conservation. By using solar power, widely providing recycling, using reclaimed water, and more the zoo distinguishes itself as a great place to learn to protect the animals that we love to visit, as well as marvel over them.