Lions, Tigers and Bears...Oh, My!

We live in an area with lots of interesting places to look at animals.  This post is all about the ways in which your can experience some close up encounters with animals. In this post, I tell of the field trips/events that we have done.  In another post, I will give you some other ideas of where to visit animals.

1. LONE BOOT BUFFALO RANCH

   We visited the Lone Boot Buffalo Ranch last fall.  I lined up the field trip for us to come as a group during the week, but I'm pretty sure they are open for visits on the weekends.   Mr. Muggy, the owner, explained to us the the history of the buffalo, ways that buffalo parts are used and about their ranch.  After instructions on how to act around buffalo, we got to go out in the field and call them.  We were able to stand about 7 feet away from them.   At the end, we were able to purchase buffalo meat to take home for dinner.  You can check out their website for more information:   http://www.lonebootbuffaloranch.com/.

2. WOODLAND PARK ZOO

This is pretty much a given place to see animals in the area.  In October, the zoo holds a Homeschool Days event.  During this time, they have a few more hands on encounters than normal and usually there is a presentation about a specific theme/animal.  It's worth checking out.

Another idea would be to take a tour at the zoo.  Currently, they have a tour called "Real Close Tours".  You can check this out on their website.  http://www.zoo.org/

I just found out this amazing little tidbit. The zoo has rainy day discounts.  It's worth checking this link out.: http://www.zoo.org/rainyday

3. KC CRITTERS

We saw this show at a school event.  My kids have never ever touched so many little critters in their life...snakes, spiders, lizards, turtles, etc.  These guys will come with their animals to a school event, birthday parties, whatever....maybe even your garage!  From what I have read, they keep getting more animals.   Here is their website: http://www.kccritters.com/index.html.

 




4. NOOKSACK ANIMAL HOSPITAL

We had this particular veterinarian hospital come out to my garage and give the kids a presentation.  I'm sure there would be other vets who would do the same thing.  They brought along some x-rays, bones from animals and one of their dogs.  With the dog, they showed us how they would examine him and also taught the kids what to do if they are scared around dogs.