From alligators to llamas to tigers and even dinosaurs, there are animals at every turn, both outdoors and in.

Watch in amazement as giant alligators feed, wrestle and swim at Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo. Visitors can view alligators in their natural habitat, in addition to a variety of animals the park’s fully stocked petting zoo where visitors can walk among tame and cuddly miniature horses, kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, deer, goats, llamas, camel, capybara (the largest rodent in the world), and even Scottish cows. Not only can you get up close and personal with the animals, but you can even help feed them. (www.gatorsandfriends.com)

Chimp Haven is a national chimpanzee sanctuary whose mission is to provide lifetime care for chimpanzees that have been retired from medical research, the entertainment industry or are no longer wanted as pets. Each year the facility hosts Chimp Haven Discovery Days – a free event to give visitors a glimpse into what goes on at Chimp Haven. On discovery days, guests can take advantage of supreme views of the chimpanzees from the trails that line their natural habitat. (www.chimphaven.org)

Yogie and Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary is a unique, exotic home for rescued cougars, leopards, lions, tigers and other interesting big cats – and it’s the only one of its kind in the state. The mission of the Frierson sanctuary is to provide a stress-free, safe environment for the animals to live in while educating the public about the wondrous creatures. (www.yogieandfriends.org)

Located in Haughton, Hidden Oak Farms offers a family-friendly atmosphere giving young and old fun-seekers alike a chance to get up-close and personal with a variety of animals including camels, zebras, kangaroos, pot-belly pigs, peacocks, alpacas, miniature horses and donkeys. Spend the afternoon learning about and interacting with these interesting animals and afterwards, play on the Rainbow Play System, build sandcastles in the sand lot or take a ride on the Moo Moo Choo Choo. (www.hiddenoakfarms.net)