When it comes to fun, unique, and family-friendly things to do in Austin, the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is a perfect destination for kids and adults alike in the city.

Located in Southwest Austin, the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is a private, nonprofit zoo playing home to more than 300 animals across over 100 different species in a dazzling, natural environment.  Hundreds of thousands from around the world visit the Austin zoo each year to see a variety of animals ranging from lions to peacocks.

The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is divided into animal species areas including big cats, monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, birds, domestic animals, and other mammals.

Check out the big cats for a glimpse of some of the animal kingdom's most ferocious, beautiful creatures including lions, tigers, jaguars, panthers, leopards, cheetahs and cougars.  Or, walk on down to the birds area to see a variety of exotic birds like peacocks who roam freely around the zoo, emus, African grays, blue and gold macaws, an umbrella cockatoo, and more.

Check out the Austin Zoo's variety of reptiles for an up-close glimpse of some of the animal kingdoms coolest creatures.  Reptiles at the zoo including a Galapagos tortoise, iguanas, a variety of snakes, and more.

The zoo also plays host to a variety of domestic animals including miniature donkeys, longhorns, potbellied pigs, llamas, and goats, which the kids can feed for just $1.

Admission to the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is $9 for adults; $8 for students, seniors, and military members; $6 for kids ages 2-12; and $6 for zoo members.  Annual membership to the zoo is $50 per person or $100 for a family of four.

For more information on the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, visit their website at austinzoo.org.