What's not to like about this place? For one thing, it's conveniently located in the central city near Grant Road and Alvernon Way. For another, it's open daily (except four major holidays each year). And it's still affordable with even further discounts available to seniors and freebie tickets for kids under 12. You won't find lions or dancing circus bears here, but the place is visited by a variety of birds and other critters that provide a nice touch to midtown's most attractive oasis. The Butterfly, Xeriscape and Backyard Bird Gardens are the main late-season attractions, with gardens labeled for wildflowers, herbs, cacti and butterflies predominant in the spring months. Check out the year-round Sensory Garden where kids and adults alike can enjoy plants in unusual shapes, colors, textures and aromas.

Runners up:

2. Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

3. Reid Park Rose Garden, 22nd Street and Country Club Road