The days are long and summer is only weeks away, which means most Alaskans are looking to get outside as often as possible.

So what can you do with your family that won't cost much?

You can get out to the Alaska Zoo.

Every Tuesday evening a few of the locals at the zoo are let out of their cages just for you. It's your chance to see them up close and personal.

"Just a great opportunity for people to come out, enjoy a relaxing and fun evening at the zoo and learn about the animals in a really intimate program setting," said Katie Larson of the Alaska Zoo.

It's all part of the Tuesday Night Education series. Regular admission not only gets you and the family into the zoo, but a behind-the-scenes look at some pretty

"wild" life. Questions you have about the zoo's animals are answered by vets and workers.

"The topics range from wildback camel research, to insects here in Alaska, to cats at the zoo. . .so just a really wide range of topics for all ages, really," said Larson.

After the lecture, it was time to hit the paths and see the rest of the animals. CBS 11 News got within feet of the brown bears. Personally, I've never been so close to a bear. . .and I don't think I want to get any closer.

After the bears, we slipped into the porcupine cage by distracting them with bread. But when the bread ran out, it was time to get out of there. We headed over to the alpacas, who recently got haircuts. We had to wonder how they felt about their new look. At least it will all eventually grow back.

The lecture kicks off at seven and the zoo is open until nine Tuesday nights, now through the rest of the summer. Kids and adults alike will learn something new.

For more information, click below:

To contact Mitch,

call 907-273-3186.