There's no doubt that the St. Louis zoo is one of the best zoos in the US! At the zoo. You can find…read morea huge array of monthly themed activities and events not only geared towards families but also for adults to enjoy without kids present. I went with to the Animals Aglow lantern festival with some friends and we loved glancing at all of the beautifully decorated lanterns around the garden. I love that they included all different types of lanterns--mechanical lanterns, musical lanterns, ornate, and simple lanterns. I can tell that they really thought about the entire design when they added each of these installations to the zoo. They were also easily accessible to kids who have physical disabilities, which is a huge plus. One of the things I wish we had available when going to the zoo is a digital map that tells us where we're going, because even though I've been several times I always get lost lol. BUT I am today years old when I found out they ALREADY have a digital, interactive map that directs you to all of the exhibits in real time. (Found that out on their website!!) I wish I would've known this sooner but it's awesome that they created this concept! But what can I say, I love the Zoo and am looking forward to their other exhibits and amenities opening this year!!

This is one amazing zoo and is free to enter. The parking is paid but street parking is free. Tons…read moreof history since the St Louis world's fair was at that location. Some of the original buildings are still in use. I would recommend taking the train around as it gives you a nice view of most of the animals. To my surprise, the cost of food and drinks are reasonably priced.

What a fun Holiday Drive thru!!!!…read more Highly recommend!!! I bet the walk thru is fun for families as well!

My daughter, granddaughter and I went here on a Saturday at 3:45. They close at 5:00! Grant's Farm…read moreis free but then they hit you with $27.00 twenty-seven for parking!!! W H A T?! The tram had closed for the day that drives you around the farm which we had been informed - they still had the tram that takes you to the petting zoo area and restaurant. Be prepared to pay more money if you want to feed the animals - $3.00 for the goats and birds and $10 for a camel ride and photo. An hour was plenty of time for our 18 month old. Plan ahead if you want to see the entire Farm, arrive early and bring money.

Absolutely love this place! The prices are super reasonable and everyone who was working there,…read morevery friendly and helpful. I can tell the caregivers very much care for the animals from the domesticated goat to the exotic yak and camels. Lily the Camel is so sweet her handler was kind to her and I appreciate that the most. My toddler (2yo) loved the wagons they offer gratis and of course - the baby goats! Came for a visit from the mile high state - and south county has a gem in Critter Lane! Can't wait o come visit everyone again - thank you to the dedicated staff for making this a wonderful park.

My kids always enjoy it. The animals are fun and usually pretty interactive. The workers are nice…read more Some of the things inside the shopper overpriced, but that's anywhere. You just gotta drag your kids away from it lol all in all, we always enjoy coming here and it's a blast.

I was searching for a new park that we haven't attended and came across Lone Elk Park…read more Who doesn't want to see Elk and possibly Bison too. We came a bit later in the evening, close to closing time. You pretty much drive thru but there are areas you can get out of your car and sit at a picnic table, restroom break or even a little waking to sight see. You cannot get out of your car while driving thru the Bison area and dogs are not allowed at all, not even if they stay in your car. You can leave a small donation too that helps keep the park beautiful and maintained. A beautiful sighting for sure. The Bison were tucked away in the trees but we got a nice glimpse.

Brought my parents out to ride through & see the animals/ scenery. After my father's stroke, he's…read moreexperienced mobility issues & prefers to stay in the car, meaning we're always looking for interesting things that require minimal to no walking. This his the spot. We were late for baby season but still had the opportunity to see young elk, bison, deer & racoons. It was a cooler, overcast day & animals activity was pretty high. Based on the behaviors of the raccoons, it's safe to say they have been food conditioned. They headed right for the car when I cracked the window for pictures & to give the parents a better view. There were a couple of fawns, still spotted & a couple of "red dogs", as well as some youngish elk. It was well-suited to our needs, easy to access & free. There are facilities that are accessible and, should you want to brave the ticks, mosquitoes & other pests, picnic areas with trails. We didn't!

very traumatizing the way the animals are kept and taken care of. inappropriate living spaces for…read moreexotic animals. do not support. the alaskan fox that couldn't move from bone degenerative disease they were hoping was "pregnant" made me nauseous so i had to leave.

I've been here about 5 times now with daughters and for the price it's very good. There's nothing…read moreelse like it this close to Sullivan where we live.

We had a fantastic time here at big Joel's safari petting zoo. It was a nice trip and vacation with…read moremy family. We like visiting different petting, zoos, and things and this one did not disappoint. We had a good time with the cows and goats zebras it all kinds of cool things.

*BEWARE* I visited on 9/20/24 and was bitten by a horse. I was not interacting with the horse…read morewhatsoever. The horse reached over the fence and bit the back of my arm as I was walking away. If I were a small child they would've had a broken bone. I informed the staff and all she said was," yep, that's why there's a sign that says I may bite. If you need ice go to the gift store." That was it! If an animal bites they should not have the ability to access a human. I also witnessed an aggressive camel grab a 3yo hair and yank her backwards while her mom was taking a picture. Watch your kids and yourself while there!

Cowboy Critters did an amazing job with our petting zoo. The animals were beautiful and clean…read more Melody was awesome!

We booked Cowboy Critters for my daughter's 2nd birthday party and they were amazing! It was very…read moreeasy to book online, they were easy to get a hold of for anything we needed and the event went very smoothly. We will definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an event or fun party idea! My only recommendation would be if you add the food for the animals to bring a lot of quarters. I bought a roll of $10 thinking it would last most of the party and it was gone in 10 minutes. Also big shout out to Melody! She was very patient with the kids :)

Wow, I'm just blown away by this center. I knew about Lone Elk Park, but didn't know the World Bird…read moreSanctuary was tucked away in the same area. We came here for a Boy Scout event. We first saw a show led by an employee which was a ton of fun. We got to meet several birds, and a couple of them flew over our heads back and forth between trainers. The highlight was meeting a one year old bald eagle. My son and I learned they don't get the white feathers until around age 5. After the presentation was over the kids all played on the playground. I then went to the rest of the open air exhibits for the birds. At the end we did a short hike back through the woods to the main visitor center. It was a perfect day to be out in the woods with my son. I would highly recommend this as a stop for the whole family.

This place is great! Tucked away in Fenton, The World Bird Sanctuary is a terrific way to spend an…read moreafternoon alone or with friends or the family. I went on the weekend and while parking seemed small, there was just enough space. Avian Avenue is a huge stretch of path that is flanked by a variety of beautiful birds in big enclosures. There is an on-site bird hospital, and you will be able to see convalescing birds by the modest gift shop. I spent about 90 minutes strolling the Avenue, and it was lovely. The trails are no joke. Good shoes are needed, and I wouldn't take little kids or older adults on the trail. That being said, the hiking is great. ONE SET OF BATHROOMS. By the parking. Plan accordingly. For real. It's a brisk hike from the end of Avian Avenue back to the bathroom. Friendly staff, affordable entry. Worth a visit!

Purina Farms is such an enjoyable place to visit. You truly can't go wrong with Purina Farms. If…read moreyou're just coming to visit or coming to one of their super fun dog shows, you will have a good time. They suffered some bad storm damage recently, but even with that in mind, they have been doing a great job to renovate and repair their facilities and they are still accessible!

I can't stress enough how amazing this place is and it's FREE!!! Such a cool spot for kids and even…read moreadults to be around adorable animals. The animals are well taken care of here. There is a toddler play area on the upper floor in the animal barn. We spent at least 4 hours here watching shows, seeing the animals, and exploring the place on a tractor wagon. The dog show was incredible. We also got a free goodie bag at the door. Staffs were very very welcoming and helpful. I feel like we didn't get the same treatment elsewhere where we actually had to pay for the activities or general admission.