Top Zoo And Aquarium Events In The Philadelphia Area

Zoos and aquariums aren't just places where visitors get up close and personal with lions, tigers and sharks. Many try to bridge the gap between humans and animals by launching special events that appeal to all interests. From educational and environmental activities to concerts and schooners, Philadelphia zoos and aquariums have it all. These are the top zoo and aquarium events in the Philadelphia area this summer.

Rock N Roar Concert Series
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org

Bring blankets, beverages and your dancing shoes for The Rock n Roar Concert Series at the Philadelphia Zoo. The region's premiere family-friendly entertainers will be on hand to perform outdoor concerts on Impala Lawn. See your youngsters become bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as they enjoy live children's music at 11 a.m. on two Tuesdays in August. First up are The Paisley Pickles. They'll perform on August 6, while Chris and Lou will rock the house on August 11.

Related: Top Exhibits To Visit This Summer In Philadelphia

The Best of Reggae Caribbean Summer Concert Series
Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari
1 Six Flags Blvd.
Jackson, NJ 08527
(732) 928-1821
www.caribbeanconcerts.com

After venturing over hills, splashing through muddy ponds and traversing rugged terrain at Six Flags Safari Off Road Adventure, you just might want to chill with some Caribbean reggae music. Trinifly Promotions will present a star-studded concert on August 11, 2013. Mr. Vegas, a Jamaican artist who crosses dance music with reggae, will headline the spectacular show. Additional Caribbean and urban artists have yet to be announced, so keep checking the website.

Meet Mighty Mike!
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 365-3300
www.adventureaquarium.com

If you've longed to go eyeball to eyeball with an 800-pound alligator (and who hasn't?), now's your chance. Adventure Aquarium is featuring a Meet Mighty Mike! event through September 2. The 14-foot prehistoric predator is the largest alligator on display outside of Florida. Visitors will learn about Mike's claim to fame, behaviors and eating habits, as well as research and conservation efforts to help save the American alligator from extinction. The program is free with admission to the aquarium.

Related: Adventure Aquarium Marks 'Endangered Species Day' With Animals And Activities

A.J. Meerwald Docks at Gardner's Basin
Atlantic City Aquarium

800 N. New Hampshire Ave.

Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(
609) 348-2880

www.oceanlifecenter.com

You won't want to miss the boat as the A.J. Meerwald docks at Historic Gardner's Basin in Atlantic City in August. The Meerwald, a circa 1928 Delaware Bay oyster schooner, is outfitted as a sailing classroom. Sponsored by the Atlantic City Aquarium, there will be nautical displays, environmental discussions and public tours of the restored vessel. Mateys may even book a reservation for the pirate or family sails!

Seanet: It's For The Birds
Jenkinson's Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0600
www.jenkinsons.com

Point Pleasant Beach took a big hit during Hurricane Sandy, but Jenkinson's Aquarium is back on its feet, or should we say fins? Tanks of small sharks and rays, penguins, alligators and seals are housed in this popular spot on the boardwalk. In an effort to educate the public about marine life and conservation, the aquarium will hold a free educational program for children. Weather permitting, kids nine and older can meet staff in front of the aquarium at 8 a.m. sharp. They will be young interns for the morning, helping to monitor the beach's shorebird populations.

Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.