A petting zoo is a fun and engaging place where you can learn about the animals living in our natural world. They vary in different ways from other zoos, with more focus on interactivity and animal care.

Not only will you have a great time, but you'll also improve your animal handling skills, get a taste of the wild, make new friends, and learn about the environment around you. 

What Is a Petting Zoo?

A petting zoo is essentially a park where visitors can come to touch and feed the animals. Compared to traditional zoos, you are free to interact with the animals as they wander around on their own. There may also be some areas set aside for children only so that they don't get too close.

What differentiates a petting zoo from a traditional one is that you can experience interacting with animals up close. Animals in traditional zoos are typically kept in captivity. In contrast, at a petting zoo, you can experience seeing and touching the animals, or watch them running around freely. In a petting zoo, you can get closer to animals than you would if they were housed inside large enclosures.

Different Types of Animals Found at a Petting Zoo

There is no one type of animal that you’re likely to find in a petting zoo -- they vary greatly depending on the specific park or attraction. Some petting zoos, like Pony Rides & Petting Zoo at Gardner Village, offer a wide range of animals such as ponies, horses, chickens, alpacas, sheep, and more. And you can get free admission to Gardner Village if you use your GetOutPass! This ultimate fun pass offers different perks to the best entertainment attractions in your area, so make sure to check it out!

The Benefits of Visiting a Petting Zoo

There are many benefits to visiting a petting zoo if you're looking for fun in the sun. Not only do you get to interact with some of the most interesting and adorable animals on earth, but you also improve your animal handling skills. And who knows? Maybe you'll even learn interesting facts along the way!

Fun for All Ages

One of the great things about petting zoos is that they're family-friendly. There's guaranteed to be something for everyone at a petting zoo. Even if your children are too bored for a traditional zoo visit, they'll love a day at the petting zoo because of all of the new animal friends they'll make.

Improve Your Animal Handling Skills

Animal care is essential if you want to have a positive experience interacting with animals -- and petting zoos are perfect for honing your skills. You get to practice handling different types of animals. Plus, some petting zoos also have a gift shop. At the end of your visit, you can take home some amazing souvenirs that you can share with friends and family!

Get a Taste of the Wild

While a traditional zoo offers animals from around the planet, petting zoos are quite different. With petting zoos, there's a chance that they have a small selection of exotic creatures found only in zoos like this one. By experiencing these different types of animals up close, you'll get an idea of what habitats they live in.

Make New Friends

One of the great things about petting zoos is that they're a great place to meet new people. Whether you're there with friends or family, chances are good that you'll make some new friends along the way. Maybe one of those friendships will lead to a lifelong bond!

Learn About the Natural World

Petting zoos are great for learning about the natural world. Not only does this help you understand our planet a little better, but it's also pretty fun to geek out about animals!

Have a Blast!

If there's one thing that unites petting zoo visitors, it's the desire to have a good time. Whether you're trying out new activities with friends, taking a break from the sun, or just soaking up some peace and quiet, visiting a petting zoo is an amazing experience.

How to Get the Most out of a Petting Zoo Visit

Now that you know everything there is to learn about petting zoos, it's time to put these tips into practice! Here are five things you can do to make your visit as fun and educational as possible:

1. Get There Early - One of the best ways to guarantee a good experience at a petting zoo is by getting there early -- especially on weekends. This way, you have plenty of time for watching the animals and playing with them before the crowds set in.

2. Bring a Hat - If it's hot out, chances are good that the sun will be shining on your head. Make sure to bring a hat so that you can protect yourself from the heat. 

3. Bring Snacks and Drinks - Since petting zoos are large and interactive, visitors often find themselves getting thirsty and hungry fast. Make sure to bring snacks and drinks so that you can maximize your visit. 

4. Bring a Camera - Many petting zoo visitors like to take photos or videos of their experiences -- not only for fun but also as documentation of what they've learned. If this is something you're interested in doing too, make sure to bring your own camera!

5. Wear Sunscreen - Since petting zoos are quite open, sunscreen is essential -- and not just for the kids! Make sure to apply sunscreen before entering the zoo to avoid any pesky sunburns.

Conclusion

There you have it! If you're looking for an adventure out of the ordinary, visit your local petting zoo. This amazing place has something for everyone and offers a unique experience. Whether you're visiting with a small group or the whole gang, you are sure to have a blast!