Three of the world's best zoos for the kids

Orang Utan family in Singapore Zoo. Photo / Getty Images

Let the little ones get really wild on your next holiday.

1 Australia Zoo

Made famous by none other than Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, the

Australia Zoo

continues to fulfill his vision, with his family on board. If you're visiting the Sunshine Coast, there's plenty here for a day of family fun. During the school holidays, kids can take part in the Zoo Keeper for a Day programme and go behind the scenes with some of the residents. When it comes to special encounters, you're spoiled for choice — leap with lemurs, cuddle a koala, or take a wombat for a walk. It's also the only zoo in the world where you can get close to a Komodo Dragon.

Robert, Bindi and Terri Irwin at Australia Zoo. Photo / Getty Images

2 San Diego Zoo

California's

San Diego Zoo

is famous for its conservation efforts and for pioneering open-air exhibits that recreate an animal's natural habitat. And there are plenty of animals to see — the zoo is home to more than 3700 of them, including giant pandas, gorillas, polar bears, elephants and much more. There are also a number of special experiences on offer — try having breakfast with pandas, go behind the scenes with wild cats or spend the evening at the zoo for one of its "Wild Nights Out".

Giant panda at San Diego Zoo. Photo / Getty Images

3 Singapore Zoo

One of the only zoos in the world to be 100 per cent cage free,

Singapore Zoo

was greatly admired by the late Steve Irwin. Set in lush rainforest, the zoo uses a series of moats and glass to create the best possible environment for animals and visitors. It also boasts some unique experiences — such as the opportunity to have breakfast with a family of orangutans. Animal shows are held twice a day and visitors who want to get up close and personal can book in for a feeding session.