When it comes to family-friendly attractions, Zoomars Petting Zoo is definitely a top contender on my list! Nestled in San Juan Capistrano, Zoomars offers a unique and hands-on experience where kids can interact with a wide variety of animals. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist exploring the area, here are three compelling reasons why Zoomars Petting Zoo should be at the top of your must-visit list.
Like most petting zoos, the primary draw of Zoomars is its emphasis on hands-on animal interactions. Unlike traditional zoos where animals are kept behind glass enclosures, Zoomars allows visitors to get up close and personal with a range of friendly creatures. There are pony rides available and generously sized pens for spending extended amounts of time with the smaller furry creatures. You can even buy baskets of veggies to entice animals to come and eat from. From fluffy silky chicken and curious guinea pigs to gentle alpacas and adorable goats, there’s no shortage of furry friends to meet and greet.
Children, in particular, will find joy in feeding and petting the animals under the careful supervision of trained staff. In fact, even as an adult, I enjoyed petting all the animals! These interactions not only foster a sense of empathy and compassion in kids, but also provide educational opportunities to learn about different species and their diet, habits, and mannerisms. Pretty neat, right?
Beyond the adorable animal encounters, Zoomars Petting Zoo offers a host of interactive activities. The delightful Train Ride is a favorite among kids, as they chug along the tracks through the zoo, taking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings.
Are your kids obsessed with cars, tractors, and excavators? Great! Have them pretend to be an actual farmer and drive a tiny mini tractor through Zoomars. Then have them hop on the little excavators and gather little piles of sand across from the barn.
For the more curious child, the Miner’s Gulch allows kids to sift for treasures as they comb through sand and gravel to find precious gems and minerals. It’s an exciting and educational experience that combines the thrill of discovery with knowledge about geology and mining.
Extra parent hack: take home the rocks that they sifted for and create a supplemental activity at home! Just staple some blank computer papers together to make a “Book of Gems” for the kids. Each page can feature a rock they discovered at Zoomars. They can draw each rock they found and then look up on the internet the name of the type of gem. Have them give each rock a unique name (like “Flynn Stone”) and then write a description about it. It is super fun, and encourages them to be creative!
Zoomars Petting Zoo is not only dedicated to providing a fun time for kids but also is mindful about educating the youth about the importance of animals and their conservation. Staff members are super knowledgeable! They are always ready to share interesting facts about the animals, their habitats, and their behaviors. It is the best way to learn something new- while your kids are having fun doing it.
What’s really sweet is that Zoomars actually supports various organizations and initiatives focused on animal welfare and preservation. So by coming to this petting zoo, you are contributing to these same initiatives.
So if you are considering going to Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano, just know that it is more than just a place to see animals. It’s a chance for your child to get up close and personal with so many different animals in an environment that feels clean and spacious. There is something interesting at this zoo for every child. From those who love fluffy animals, to kids who love cars and trucks, to children that love finding treasure. So, if you’re looking for a memorable adventure filled with hands-on animal encounters, educational experiences, and family fun, make sure to visit Zoomars and create memories that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for?
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Looking for other activities to do around the Southern Orange County area? Check out these other blog posts!