Looking for a wild family adventure? Set your sights on the Houston Zoo. Recently flagged as America's third 'must-visit' zoo by a survey, this animal sanctuary boasts an impressive array of wildlife with a menagerie numbering over six thousand, spread across more than six hundred species. The survey, courtesy of AirportParkingReservations.com, pitted 28 American zoos against each other, scoring them on pricing, the diversity of animal life, and shining TripAdvisor reviews. Houston's pride and joy nudged out famed parks like San Diego, coming in behind only St. Louis and Omaha zoos.

It seems that visitors on TripAdvisor can't get enough of Houston Zoo, as reported by FOX 26 Houston, which has garnered more than 3500 reviews with a score of four or more stars. And if being popular online wasn't enough, Houston has clinched the highest Linkfluence Likability score among its peers. The survey has ranked Houston in the top five, interestingly, pushing it just a bit higher than the iconic San Diego Zoo and Columbus.

Of course, it's more than popularity at play. The Houston Zoo has made waves as it welcomed unique new additions to its animal kingdom. The hatching of a Malagasy sacred ibis chick turned heads this past fall—the first on American soil—and four capybara pups added to the zoo's charm in November. The story comes from none other than the Houston Chronicle, highlighting that the zoo's impressive lineup of creatures is a major draw for visitors near and far.

Planning a visit? You should be. With ticket prices averaging $26 for adults and nearly $22 for a child ticket, the Houston Zoo makes for an affordable excursion into the wonders of wildlife. And for those looking for an even better deal, free daytime admission is up for grabs on the first Tuesday of every month—just remember, as per the zoo's website, to snag your reservation online to ensure you snag a spot.