Corpus Christi Zoo On County Road 33, off Weber Street 512-814-8000 Wed.-Sun. 9-6 145 acre park featuring a vast collection of primates, exotic birds and other animals. It also contains the Kidz Zoo which is the largest petting area in the US with two acres of barnyard animals to meet and pet.

Bayfront Arts and Science Park 1900 Shoreline Drive 512-882-5603 This plaza offers indoor and outdoor attractions that are family oriented. All of these are listed below because of their geographic proximity: some will be of particular interest to adults; others to children. The Water Garden is a cooling circle of over 100 fountains that are lighted at night. In June it hosts the Fiesta de Corpus Christi, a celebration of the city's Hispanic heritage. In September this is the site of Bayfest, an expansive arts and crafts show with fireworks, parades and a sailboat regatta.

The Art Museum of South Texas 512-884-3844 Tues.-Sat. 10-5 Sunday 1-5 Rotating exhibits featuring the work of many area artists.

Bayfront Plaza Auditorium 512-882-2717 Site of concerts, musicals and other shows. Call for times and prices.

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History 512-88-2862 Mon.-Sat. 10-5 Sunday 1-5 Houses the natural history of the area including artifacts from 16th century shipwrecks, a live reptile exhibit and interactive hurricane displays.

Harbor Playhouse 512-888-7469 Features children's shows and other theater productions throughout the year. Call for details.

Heritage Park 512-883-0639 Free Features 8 restored turn of the century homes and a multicultural center with rotating exhibits focusing on the city's heritage.

Texas State Aquarium 2710 North Shoreline Drive (across from the Bayfront Center) 512-881-1200 or 1-800-477-GULF Mon-Sat 10-6 Sunday noon-6 More than 250 species of marine life are displayed as well as a coral reef. Also featured are a river otter family, and a new shark "touch tank".

USS Lexington Museum 2914 Shoreline Drive 1-800-LADY-LEX 9-8 Summer 9-5 rest of year A fascinating tour for the whole family. The old aircraft carrier is steeped in history. It served longer than any other US Navy carrier. Tours take visitors all around the ship including the engine room, the bridge and the flight deck full of vintage planes. Multimedia programs and maritime exhibits are also on display.

Columbus Fleet Cargo Dock One Port of Corpus Christi 512-882-1232 Mon-Sat 10-5 Sunday noon-5 Admission charged. Recreations of the three ships of Christopher Columbus. The ships were built in Spain and are precise duplicates of the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria. There are also historical exhibits from Spain.

Dolphin Connection 5151 East Causeway Blvd. 512-882-4126 Admission charged.

Reservations in advance required. Children and adults will enjoy taking a boat trip into the bay to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. Children are allowed to feed the dolphins during each of the two trips made every morning from March - October.

Flagship Paddlewheeler Peoples Street Pier, Slip 49 512-884-8306 Hour long narrated cruises of the bay and harbor. (1 1/2 hours at night) This trip into the past on a paddlewheeler will be more interesting to older children.

Playland at the Beach 3001 Seagull Blvd. 512-884-7251 Open as weather permits March-November An exciting array of vehicular choices: go carts; bumper boats; bumper cars. In addition there is a playground and a game room.

International Kite Museum 3200 Surfside Drive 512-883-7456 Daily 10-6 Free The history of kites as far back as 2000 years told in exhibits and videos.