With the winter season fast approaching, the need for dependable year-round family entertainment becomes only more apparent. Water parks, amusement parks, youth sports, public pools, even go-kart tracks, many of these close up shop during the colder months, leaving parents a whole mess of kids with nothing to do.

For traveling families, it's even worse. The uncertain maybes of wintertime attractions are only compounded when trying to find your way in an unfamiliar city.

There is, however, one attraction that knows no season, that can in fact flourish during the holiday months with exciting back-to-back events, and which can be found in nearly every major American city: the zoo. Beloved by children, inexpensive for parents, not to mention healthy and educational, the local zoo is always there for you when you're hurting for a fun family outing, no matter where you are.

Here we'll look at eight more fun American zoos to be enjoyed in any season. Some are experimental, some are traditional and some are simply the best of the best. Lodging recommendations will be listed at each destination with multiple options depending on the size of the city.

Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth, Texas

Since its founding in 1909, accreditation has followed the Forth Worth Zoo, and today it has been heralded as the top zoo in the nation by Family Life, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times. Although the zoo is well-rounded overall, with over 350 species from every continent except Antarctica, it pays special tribute to the native flora and fauna of Texas. In the feature exhibit, Texas Wild!, can learn all about the diverse wildlife of the Lone Star State while also seeing a historic glimpse back at turn-of-the-century Texas in an authentic town recreation from the early 1900's. (web site)

Due to common transportation concerns, most Fort Worth visitors actually stay in neighboring Dallas and instead make daytrips. Here are some quality Dallas hotels:

For a nice central location, choose the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Market Center Hotel.

A convenient Dallas Love Field Airport Hotel would be the Embassy Suites Dallas – Love Field.

An ideal choice in North Dallas hotels would be the Doubletree Dallas Hotel – Campbell Centre.

SeaWorld San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas

Of course, it would be a shame to talk about Texas and neglect one of the most famous zoological attractions on the planet: SeaWorld. The San Antonio branch of this immensely popular zoo-theme park hybrid is the largest of the three (the others are located in San Diego and Orlando), and is also the largest marine-life animal park in the world. Enjoy exhilarating coasters and rides, but don't skip the heart of the SeaWorld experience: the incredible shows. See dolphins, sea lions and the famous Orcas ("killer whales") perform remarkably choreographed routines with the help of expert trainers.

Due to the aquatic nature of the park, SeaWorld San Antonio does operate seasonal hours, however it opens for regular events throughout the off season, especially on weekends. (web site)

Save with a discount San Antonio lodging at Microtel Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio

Another large zoo with scores of "best of…" lists to its name, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden holds among its many distinctions an honored place in zoo history as the second zoo in the United States, having opened not long after the Philadelphia Zoo in 1875. The modern value of the Cincinnati Zoo is inherent in its vast collection of endangered species and plants, including macaws, Indian rhinos, cheetahs, Brazilian ocelots and Western Lowland gorillas. Successful breeding programs for all of these species have earned the zoo the unofficial nickname, "The Sexiest Zoo in America". (web site)

For Cincinnati hotels near the airport, consider the Hilton Cincinnati Airport Hotel.

For Cincinnati hotels in downtown, try the Embassy Suites Cincinnati – RiverCenter.

Brookfield, Zoo – Brookfield, Illinois

Humbly located in an affluent Chicago suburb, the Brookfield Zoo is a zoo of firsts. From its opening in 1934 up until today it has lead the way for increasing the entertainment value of zoos without disrespecting the health and security needs of the animals. The zoo's very first visitors were wowed by the use of natural habitat recreations divided by moats rather than traditional cages, and the Brookfield Zoo soon went on to build both the first indoor dolphin exhibit and fully-indoor rain forest simulation, both the largest of their kind at the time of construction. Today things are no less exciting, with massive renovations introducing visitors once again to the cutting edge. (web site)

As was the case with the Fort Worth Zoo, most potential guests are better served by staying in the more accessible and vacation-friendly major city, in this case the Windy City itself. Here are some Chicago hotels:

Enjoy a downtown Magnificent Mile hotel at the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago – Magnificent Mile.

A convenient stay among Chicago O'Hare Airport hotels is had at the Wyndham O'Hare.

For Chicago North Shore hotels, consider the Embassy Suites Chicago – Deerfield.

Another popular choice in Chicago area hotels is the Doubletree Chicago – Schaumburg.

Or find another convenient Chicago hotel near O'Hare airport in the Doubletree Chicago – Wood Dale.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Cleveland, Ohio

Another long-standing American zoo from the 1800's, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is most famous for its 1934-built attraction Monkey Island. This massive concrete structure is surrounded by water on all sides and has been redeveloped over the years to best resemble a genuine African habitat. On the island you'll see the fruits of the world's largest primate collection, including the rare black-and-white colobus monkey. Other shouldn't-miss exhibits include the 8-acre Australian Adventure where you can see kangaroos, koalas and much more. (web site)

A smart choice in Cleveland hotels would be the Embassy Suites Cleveland – Rockside.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – Palm Desert, California

This unusual zoological attraction located near the resort town of Palm Springs, California is dedicated solely to that most overlooked of habitats: the desert. The Living Desert is a one-of-a-kind blend of traditional zoo and safari park design. It is slightly more structured than a safari attraction, where animals have all the freedom and the guests have almost none, but animals here are certainly more open to move around than in a regular zoo. Guests are able to get much closer to many animal exhibits than would ever be allowed in a traditional zoo. You'll also find over 3,000 desert plant varieties through the park. (web site)

For a comfortable choice among Palm Springs, CA hotels: the Wyndham Palm Springs.

Los Angeles Zoo – Los Angeles, California

Located in Griffith Park, perhaps the best place to see the famed Hollywood Sign, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 1,100 hundred animals and is most famous for its conservation efforts and collection as concerns the California condor, one of the world's largest species of vulture. The Los Angeles zoo is acclaimed for its incredibly naturalistic habitats, including those for komodo dragons, orangutans and chimpanzees. An especially renowned family zoo, visitors can look forward to a wide selection of shows that let kids and their parents see the animals up close and personal. (web site)

For Glendale hotels near Griffith Park, stay at the Hilton Glendale.

San Pedro, CA hotels get you close to the action: try the Doubletree San Pedro Hotel.

For Santa Barbara hotels, consider the Holiday Inn Santa Barbara.

Santa Monica hotels can also be very nice, consider the Holiday Inn Santa Monica.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Powell, Ohio

While any of the zoos mentioned above are worthy of they respect they have garnered, none have achieved the positive worldwide reputation of the Columbus Zoo, arguably America's favorite. While the zoo has been open continuously since 1927, its reputation grew to such heights under direction of the amiable Jack Hanna, one the America's most beloved animal experts. Under Hanna's guidance, the quality of the Columbus Zoo was elevated considerably, making it what is considered today to be the aspiration of any traditional zoo. Along with over 7,000 animals, the Columbus Zoo has more recently expanded to include a water park, amusement park and golf resort. (web site)

For Ohio hotels in Dublin near the Columbus Zoo, choose Embassy Suites Columbus – Dublin.

With so many fantastic zoos to discover throughout the nation, family vacations are never short of a day's worth of fun. Choose any of these wonderful attractions and experience the magic for yourself.