A petting zoo is a great way to get outside and spend time with your kids. Small children love animals, and a petting zoo provides a safe environment in which they can interact with animals. According to IBISWorld, there are about 2,185 zoos in the United States. When you’re deciding where to take your kids, here are a few things to look for in local petting zoos.

A Good Reputation

You only want to patronize zoos that have a good community reputation. Any time animals are involved, it's important to know that they're treated well. Animals that are well-cared for will have happy temperaments and look healthy. Before you visit, look at online reviews to get an idea of what others saw during recent visits. Reviewers may even give you insights into which animals their children enjoyed seeing the most.

A Variety of Attractions

In addition to having adorable animals, most local petting zoos will have other sources of entertainment. These might include hay rides and pony rides. Additionally, they may have food for sale so you can stop for a quick bite during your visit. Be sure to ask about all the attractions that are available.

Fair Pricing

Once you know what is being offered at the petting zoo, you can better determine if the pricing is fair. If you plan to visit frequently, a season pass could be a good investment. This will allow you to visit as many times as you want for an entire year. When children find an activity they enjoy, they usually want to visit again. If this sounds like your family, get season passes so you can save money in the long run.

Accessibility

If someone in your party has accessibility issues, then you’ll want to make sure that the facility can accommodate their needs. This means that those with disabilities would still be able to access the attractions and restrooms. Farms and petting zoos often have grass and gravel surfaces, but these can be designed to be easier to navigate with a wheelchair or walker.

These are just a few things you should look for in local petting zoos. If you’re ready to book a great experience for you and your kids, please contact Green Meadows Petting Farm today to learn more about planning your visit. Our animals look forward to meeting you!