Naples, Florida, has a great mix of natural beauty, clean beaches, and fun things to do with the whole family. The petting zoo is one of these places where you can take kids and pet different animals that will surely create some unforgettable memories with your children.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best petting zoos in Naples, Florida. Take a look at them all before heading out on your Naples vacation.
Petting Zoos In Naples FL To Visit With Your Family
Here’s a look at some of the best petting zoos and animal experiences in Naples that you can enjoy with your family. Most of these places are non-profit organizations. They are very pro-conservation, and we hope that your kid will learn to love nature while visiting these places.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary
Shy Wolf Sanctuary is a non-profit group in Naples, Florida, that takes in wolves and wolf-dog mixes and helps them get better. You can go to the sanctuary to learn about these animals and how to take care of them. Bonus! You can pet wolves.
Note that you must make an appointment ahead of time; walk-ins are not allowed. As per their rules, all guests under the age of 18 and children under the age of 7 must be with an adult. This rule is for your safety.
Additionally, visits there will last at least two hours and include walking outside. You should bring long pants, shoes with closed toes, bug spray, and sunscreen. Panthers, foxes, prairie dogs, and rabbits are some of the other animals that are also living in this sanctuary.
Although the tours of the sanctuary are free, you will be requested to donate money to help the organization’s mission. You can either email or call the sanctuary to make a reservation. Also, they are closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or major holidays, and spots fill up fast.
Good Mood Ranch
You can find a pretty family-friendly petting zoo at Good Mood Ranch, which is tucked away on the outskirts of Naples, Florida. Here, you find animals of over 400 fascinating creatures, and even Sonic, the affectionate alpaca renowned for his heartwarming kisses.
You will be charged $18 for admission, but your children under four can enter for free. You can visit the ranch on Wednesdays through Fridays between 10 AM and 4 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.
You can also participate in feeding the animals by providing them with food like lettuce, carrots, and pellets. They have rabbits, pigs, cows, donkeys, goats, and an array of birds like golden pheasants, Japanese roosters, Indonesian black chickens, etc.
Additionally, they let kids bottle-feed the baby animals. This ranch has play areas, a dinosaur village, and train rides, amongst many other activities. You’ll find it to be a wonderful place for children to learn about animals while having a great time outdoors.
NGALA Wildlife Preserve
At NGALA Wildlife Preserve in Naples, Florida, you can treat your children to unforgettable tours and incredible animal encounters. The zoo provides a wonderful opportunity to interact with and learn about animals while also promoting education and conservation.
Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of fascinating animals, including giraffes, Walter the White Rhinoceros, Luke the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Tyson the Florida Panther, Zambie and Ringo the Camels, and Porky the African Crested Porcupine.
Your kids will also gain valuable knowledge about wildlife conservation, giraffe behavior, diet, conservation efforts, camel adaptations, and porcupine behavior through these encounters. You will be guided by professional animal handlers who will share stories and answer questions.
At NGALA Wildlife Preserve in Naples, Florida, you can also take your children on specialized tours to give them the opportunity to learn all about animal habitats, behaviors, and the important conservation efforts being made for these animals.
Kowiachobee Animal Preserve
The Kowiachobee Animal Preserve is an educational center and sanctuary in Naples, Florida. It is home to more than 130 animals, such as big cats, reptiles, amphibians, and many domestic and exotic species. It has been around since May 2001 and is a non-profit organization.
The preserve has many animals that kids can pet and learn how to take care of animals. Some of these are small goats, horses, skunks, birds, and reptiles. Kids can play with these friendly animals, learn about their habits, and pet different kinds of birds.
The preserve also has reptiles that kids can pet while being watched, which gives them a chance to learn more about these interesting animals. But we advise you to be cautious if your child is skittish about certain reptiles.
We also encourage you to consider volunteering at the zoo. As a non-profit organization, Kowiachobee relies heavily on the dedication and support of its volunteers to maintain the facility and provide for its over 130 resident animals, which include big cats, reptiles, and domestic species.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a historic and interesting zoo in Naples, Florida. It has 44 acres of lush tropical gardens and is home to many different kinds of animals. It was founded in 1919.
At Naples Zoo, you can feed the giraffes. Every day from 10 AM to 3 PM, people can feed the giraffes by hand in this interactive experience. For $5, you can get three pieces of romaine lettuce to feed these gentle giants, giving you a chance to get close to the world’s tallest animals.
While you can hand-feed giraffes, which is a popular activity, there are no specific opportunities to pet other animals. But the zoo does have meet-and-greets with some ambassador animals during special events.
Tips For Visiting A Petting Zoo
If you want to go to a petting zoo in Naples, make sure you know when it’s open, dress appropriately, treat the animals with respect, and take lots of photos. You should be ready to get dirty, especially if you want to pet them. Carry a set of extra clothes and shoes.
Follow the zoo’s rules to keep the animals safe and healthy. All the way to connecting your kids with nature, teaching them about animals, and making a memory that lasts a lifetime. Follow Dana’s Guide to Naples for more fun activities to do with your whole family!