Kids and animals – it’s a marvelous pairing! Getting up close and personal gives your child a chance to learn by observing an animal in action. Many times, there will be opportunities to touch and feed the animals, too. When you’re looking for something fun and different to do with your kids, why not visit one of these animal attractions around the DMV?
Black Barn Alpacas, Finksburg, Md., bills itself as Maryland’s premier alpaca ranch. Their goal of this “super kid-friendly” place is to increase the number of alpacas in Maryland through their sustainable breeding program while providing opportunities for you to visit with their herd. You must have a reservation to visit – wearing close-toed shoes – and you can call or visit online to book up to an hour in advance. Their Premier Alpaca Experience is a one-and-a-half hour visit that includes a tour of the grounds, instruction in interacting with the alpacas and an opportunity to enter the pasture to meet and feed the alpacas (feed included). There are tables available, or spread a blanket on the ground, if you’d like to bring a picnic.
Crumbs & Whiskers, M Street, D.C., is a cat cafe that welcomes kids over age 7; children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The 25 cats at the cafe are rescue cats who live in the cafe until they are adopted. Your booking fee covers their care and medical expenses. The Crumbs & Whiskers’ mission is to rehome these cats while improving their lives. It’s suggested you book in advance for a 30- or 70- minute visit, although walk-ins are accepted when there is room. If your child wants to pet or hold a cat but is hesitant, the staff will help to get them started. If you have a child with sensory or other needs, they suggest coming during midday on a weekday when many of the cats will be napping and the cafe will likely be less crowded.
The Miniature Horse Farm, Strasburg, Pa., is part of The Li’l Country Store. They are open Monday through Saturday, and admission is free, but there is a fee for rides. Children under 70 lbs. can take saddle rides. There is no weight restriction for cart rides for kids. Rides for children are available on the minihorses, with no need to schedule ahead. The Miniature Horse Farm also offers 30-minute workshops that include grooming the horses, saddle and cart rides and help feeding the horses. These workshops are held three times each day and need to be scheduled in advance. If you’d just like to interact with their miniature horses, pygmy goats, alpacas and chickens, there is a free petting zoo with no admission fee.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Thurmont, Md., is home to animals that range from the domestic to the exotic. You’ll find bears, monkeys, panthers, alligators and more. They’re open daily, and you’ll need a ticket to enter. Children under 2 years old are free, with ticket prices varying by age. You can also become an annual member if you’d like to visit on a regular basis. The park itself covers 50 acres. In addition to the animals you can visit on foot, there’s a 25-acre safari ride available with a ticket upgrade.
Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary, Nokesville, Va., describes itself as a tranquil place for people and animals. Their mission is to provide not only a nurturing home for the 250 farm animals that were neglected and abused and now live there, but also to provide a place where animals and people can interact and form relationships. You’ll need to book a time for your visit, and they welcome donations since there is no fee. If you’d like to volunteer to work with the animals, there are opportunities to do so.
The Bird House at the National Zoo has reopened after a six-year renovation. In addition to the Keeper Chats held on a regular basis, guests have an opportunity to experience areas that mimic natural ecosystems like the shores of Delaware Bay, prairie potholes and a tropical coffee farm. There are nearly 80 species of free-flight birds that make the Bird House their home. Visitors can walk through three aviaries to enjoy the birds. There is a guide to the exhibition that caters to young guests, as well as an Observatory room where visitors can learn about bird banding and satellite tracking of birds in the wild.
Gina Hagler is a freelance STEM writer and founder of KidWrite! Family-Friendly Language Arts.
More Animal Encounters Around the DMV
D.C.
- Bird House at the National Zoo – Washington
- Kids’ Farm – Washington
VIRGINIA
- Cox Farms – Centreville
- Ever After Alpaca Farm – Broad Run
- Frying Pan Farm Park – Herndon
- Great Country Farms Animal Petting Farm Area – Bluemont
- Leesburg Animal Park – Leesburg
- NOVA Wild – Reston
- Serenity Farm Animal Sanctuary – Berryville
MARYLAND
- Agricultural History Farm Park – Derwood
- Catoctin Wildlife Preserve – Thurmont
- Clark’s Elioak Farm – Ellicott City
- Green Meadows Petting Farm – Ijamsville
- Homestead Farms – Poolesville
- Old Maryland Farm – Upper Marlboro
- Oxon Hill Farm – Oxon Hill
- Plumpton Park Zoo – Rising Sun
