If you thought zoos were places where you passively watched and pointed at exotic animals and gaped at wildlife curiosities then you’re seriously mistaken. The Busch Gardens in Tampa put an interesting spin on the traditional concept of a zoo to earn it the title of one of the best zoos in Northern America. For located right next to the animal’s enclosures is a carnival of adrenaline-inducing rides.

To awaken the explorer in you, you might choose to traverse the Serengeti first, carried on a bumpy ride aboard a tour vehicle. Don’t be rattled by the cheetahs, corded muscles moving in perfect synchrony, as they race across the open habitat at speeds often greater than the vehicle you’re riding. 12,000 animals from around the world seek refuge in these grounds, nurtured and cared for after having been brought back from the brink. If that hasn’t set your heart racing, hop over to the rides instead. Swinging topsy-turvy on a ship, plunging 200 feet on a coaster or being flung around 360 degrees: there’s little chance that you won’t be a little breathless by the end of it. The adventure is toned down a little for the young ones along the Sesame Street Safari Fun as they dance to cheerful jigs with Big Bird and Elmo. Heart racing adventure and discoveries fit for a voyager, you’ll emerge from Busch Gardens a full-fledged explorer.