Animals are grouped by attributes as well as native region in the remarkable Brookfield Zoo, where you’re liable to see some creatures whose names you won’t even be able to pronounce, let alone find in other zoos. (Ever heard of an addax? Me neither.) The zoo’s layout is unusually open, allowing visitors to move at their own pace in an environment free from congestion, as well as giving the impression of a much more untamed location in the midst of a big city. Educational exhibits teach guests a thing or two about conservation and the frailty of our world, and such information shares the stage with bears, lions, sharks, dolphins, orangutans, and much more. For somewhat more pettable residents, take your family to the Children’s Zoo. When your feet need a rest from those meandering trails, there’s always a gift shop or small café nearby. It may not be as well known as Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, but Brookfield Zoo’s eclectic selection and family-friendly features make it essential for the animal-loving sightseer.