guides

🦍🦏 Petting Zoo's, Regulars Zoo's, & Dog Parks

Sponsored By Ginger Snap Rescue Ranch

By Jenn Grubb Editor/Publisher Macaroni Kid Colorado Springs June 23, 2023

Have kids who love animals? If you're looking for animals near you in El Paso and Teller County we have the list! From zoo animals to farm animals, and from the furry to the scaly, we have all the animals you'll need to please your little animal lover. 

Here's where to find animals from Palmer lake to Pueblo 


This Guide is Sponsored by Ginger Snaps Rescue Ranch! 

https://www.gingersnaprescue.org/
16555 De Groot Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80928, USA

Looking for a great family outing? Come on by our Petting Zoo Farm! GingerSnap Rescue Ranch is a family friendly farm, and we are renewed after our 2018 I-25 Fire. 

Our farm is open all year long and is stocked with all different types of animals  for your family’s enjoyment.

Ginger Snap Rescue needs your help! Read the article below for more information! 

https://coloradosprings.macaronikid.com/articles/64790fc5982d7269e85f0b8f/gingersnap-rescue-needs-your-help



Farms


Shepperly Farm and Petting Zoo

https://www.shepperlyfarm.com/
3240 Grandview Ave, Cañon City, CO 81212

Animal Education And Interactivity

Mini Donkey Kiss

Our Petting Zoo is a main attraction here at Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo and our animals can’t wait to meet you! 

Lift your spirits by petting an assortment of cute creatures, from goats and pigs to more exotic animals such as mini donkey's and even wallabies.

2022 Season Entrance Fee

$10.00 per person

Children under the age of 2 are FREE

Our vision for children has always been to share the importance of agriculture and all things farming. Which is why we wanted to add an educational center along with the petting zoo so that children and families alike can not only pet our farm animals but learn about animal care and the benefits to farming.

We hope to have the educational center open very soon. We will keep you posted on the progress of that project. In the mean time we invite you to come and enjoy our new petting zoo!

Our animals are all kept clean, happy and healthy, as they are our pets, first and foremost. Our volunteers and employees are all very hands on to ensure that both the children and animals have a happy, SAFE experience!

FEEDING OUR ANIMALS

If you would like to feed the animals, the food will provided, hand picked from our own field. Please do not feed our animals outside food – they will get very sick.

PONY RIDES

Only available during a birthday party and for the birthday child only. Please let us know when booking your birthday party that you are interested in this.







Visit one of the only petting zoos in Woodland Park!

Triple B Ranch 

https://www.triplebranch.com/experiences/petting-zoo

The petting zoo is a favorite amongst our lodging guests and other guests that visit the ranch for birthday parties, weddings, field trips, horseback rides, and so on!  Many furry friends are waiting for your affection!  A petting zoo is a great place for kids to visit and encourages their love for animals.  Come and play with numerous cute, little critters!  It’s like having a zoo in your own backyard!

With more animals than you can shake a stick at, our petting zoo is fun for every kid…even big kids!

We have llamas, miniature horses, goats, kittens, rabbits, sheep, and sometimes more!  Of course, the ranch is also home to the many beautiful horses that can be seen throughout the property!

The petting zoo is a great place to set up a field trip or birthday party. Kids can come and pet the animals while also learning about them! It’s a unique experience and can be made even more special when partnered with an arena ride or hayride!

Imagine giving the gift of learning about animals in a hands-on environment!  Watch your love for animals grow as you experience the many different ranch pets! Visit the petting zoo with purchase of an activity pass, which is our daily pass that allows guests to enjoy the ranch for the day.  The petting zoo can also be visited after going on a horseback ride or in combination with your next event (birthday party, field trip, etc.)!

Make your children’s love of horses and ranch animals a part of their reality.  Stay at Historic Triple B Ranch and give them the true ranch experience! Visits to the petting zoo is free to our guests staying in one of our country cabins! Imagine getting a zoo right in the backyard of the place you are lodging!  Instead of turning on the television for entertainment for your kids, you can send them out to get some fresh air and animal exposure!

Advance scheduling is required. Call (719) 687-8999 for hours and availability.

 

Fall Mountain Farm

http://fallmountainfarm.com/
 16300 Mt Herman Lane - Monument, Colorado

About the Farm

Welcome to Fall Mountain Farm, a family-owned farm and animal rescue located in the mountains west of Monument, Colorado. We’re easily reached from I-25 by heading west on Baptist Road.

We grow apples, pears, peaches, and pumpkins. Fresh vegetables are available in season. We raise organic beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and even have a giant tortoise! We’re a rescue for farm animals (sorry, not cats and dogs, but we like those too).

We open our farm to the public to host a pumpkin patch with hayrides, games, story trails, mazes, apples, pumpkins, and all the autumn family fun you could want!


Wishing Star Farm

https://www.wishingstarfarm.com/

24024 State Highway 94; Ellicott, CO 80808

Activities Included with Admission: Petting zoo (multiple cuddly and cute babies and bunnies for Easter); Farm Animals (recent additions to the farm include: two yaks, three alpacas, two mini-mules, and a turkey); Hay Ride; Barrel Train Ride; Jumping Pillow; Kids Town; Under 6 years old play area; Fire Truck; Tire Swings; Sandboxes; Horseshoes; Corn Hole; Roping Dummies; Pallet Maze; and so much more..... 

*** Any suspension of activities due to weather / other conditions will be posted on our Facebook page

Activities with extra charge:

Farm Store

Concessions (drinks and snacks)

Additional food options are in process and will be posted on our Facebook page upon being finalized

 Age 3 and under: Free

Individual day ticket at the gate (ages 4 and up): $10

Individual day ticket online with sales online planned to start 23 March (ages 4 and up): $9 + third party fees.

Additional Options (available during or outside Spring Fling dates): Large Party Area and Small Loafing Shed available for farm parties - call for reservations.


Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo

https://www.shepperlyfarm.com/

Bringing Joyful Animal Encounters To Your Event

At Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo, we believe that every occasion can be made even more special with the presence of our adorable and friendly animals. Whether you're organizing a school event, hosting a birthday celebration, planning a festival, or arranging a church gathering, our traveling petting zoo is here to create a memorable and educational experience for guests of all ages.

Unforgettable Experiences, Anywhere You Go

As a traveling petting zoo, we eliminate the need for you to travel to us. Instead, we bring the petting zoo experience right to your preferred location. From school festivals to senior homes, and from corporate events to backyard block parties, our team is ready to make your event truly extraordinary.

A Collection of Delightful Animals

Our menagerie includes an array of lovable animals that are sure to capture hearts. Meet Dill and Pickles, our charming mini horses, and spend time with Dotty, Moo, and Dale, our playful goats. Finn, the gentle donkey, will win you over with his sweet nature. You can also interact with Sapphire, Summer, and other adorable guinea pigs. Not to mention our sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and, if the season permits, baby chicks and bunnies.

Interactive, Educational, and Safe

We take pride in providing a closely supervised and hands-on experience for all our guests. Our experienced staff ensures a safe environment where everyone can learn and have fun. Visitors are welcome to wander among our animals, petting, brushing, and feeding them hay. It's an interactive adventure that combines joy, education, and lasting memories.

Flexible Packages to Suit Your Needs

We understand that every event is unique, which is why we offer a range of petting zoo packages to suit your specific requirements. Whether you're hosting a small private event like a birthday party or church gathering, or organizing a larger festival or school function, we have the perfect package for you. Our options include pony rides, educational programs, and tents to create a complete experience.

Impeccable Presentation and Care

At Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo, we hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to presentation, cleanliness, and animal welfare. We ensure that our animals are well-cared for and that their enclosures are spacious and clean. During our visit, we promptly clean any waste, and before we leave, we thoroughly rake or sweep the setup area. Our goal is to create an enchanting experience while leaving no trace behind.

Contact Us for a Memorable Experience

Are you ready to bring the magic of a petting zoo to your event? Contact us today with your event details, and our team will work closely with you to create an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you're looking for educational enrichment or simply want to create smiles and laughter, Shepperly Farm Petting Zoo is here to make it happen.

Book now and let the joy of our traveling petting zoo enhance your next event!


Flying Pig Farm

https://m.facebook.com/flyingpigmanitou

Keithly Road, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Established in 2014, we are a chemical-free farm in Manitou Springs, Colorado, focusing on food and nutritional education. We grow on the family property of Manitou residents dating back 100 years. Presently we function as a community garden for the Crystal Hills and greater Manitou Springs community, and offer plot rentals and sponsorships. We gather as a community on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 10-2 to get dirty doing garden work and share in a potluck meal. Feel free to join!


 ZOO

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

https://www.cmzoo.org/visit/

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Here, you do more than just watch. Visit 365 days a year for family fun – from up-close experiences and animal demos to taking a trip on the carousel or Mountaineer Sky Ride. Ranked as one of the top zoos in the country by USAToday 10Best and Trip Advisor, you’ll get to explore innovative exhibits, enjoy fun events and find attractions to keep you entertained.




Pueblo Zoo

https://www.pueblozoo.org/ 

 SUMMER HOURS  - MAY 1, 9AM - 5PM (last paid admission 4pm, members 4:30pm)

 DISCOVERY ROOM CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS   

 ZOOSDAY TUESDAYS  - Every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays @ 1:30PM 

Check out our Calendar to get the latest on
other upcoming events and zoo activities.

  EDUCATION  

Virtual programs are open for scheduling!

  THINGS TO KNOW  

Some animals may be absent from their exhibit at any given time due to introductions

of new species, medical care, newborns, animal choice, or maintenance.

The water in the moat is drained at the end of September and refilled in mid-April.

For the safety of our animals and our guests' weapons (concealed or not), are not permitted on these premises.

Only Service Animals, in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), are allowed at the park.

Under the ADA, “a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for assisting a person with a disability.” Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted at the Zoo.


Dog Parks


Fox Run Dog Park

https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/fox-run-dog-park/

2110 Stella Drive

Rampart Dog Park

8270 Lexington Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Bear Creek Dog Park

S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904



Worth the drive from Colorado Springs

If you're up for a little road trip, here are additional spots worth the drive from Colorado Springs to see animals:


Downtown Aquarium  

https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/
700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211

Downtown Aquarium was purchased by Landry's Restaurants, Inc. in 2003, when it was Colorado's Ocean Journey Aquarium. On July 14, 2005, Landry's reopened the redesigned complex as Downtown Aquarium. The entertainment and dining complex features a public aquarium boasting more than a million gallons of underwater exhibits that highlight fascinating ecosystems around the world. Downtown Aquarium houses over 500 species of animals, the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant, Dive Lounge, the Nautilus Ballroom and amusements for the entire family.

 .

Denver Zoo

 https://denverzoo.org/

2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205

We can’t wait to see you at Denver Zoo! In order to provide the best experience for all our guests, we’re limiting the number of visitors per day. Online timed tickets are required for everyone, including Denver Zoo members (free) and children two and under (free). Having trouble booking online? Call Guest Services at 720-337-1400 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.




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