This was my favorite place to go as a child, and close to home about an hour drive or so. :) They have numerous species to choose from, my favorite of all time would be a tie between the Monkey house & seeing all the mammals (favorite, the large sea turtles). This would be a quick trip for anyone that visits Maryland. They also have amazing exhibits to view. Once in awhile we would do this as a field trip for school, other times I just bugged my family until they took me! They have events for students and teachers, along with a new deal of Aquadopt An Animal, which I think would be great for little kids!