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    Luray Zoo

    4.0 (92 reviews)

    Luray Zoo Photos

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    Llama!! Say cheese!
    Jodie C.

    I loved this place when my kids were young. Now they're in their 20's and I have a grandson that I can bring here too! We had talks with all the animals. They seemed to like that we spoke to them. One of the best treats here, we saw, was the male peacock flirting with the female. He had his beautiful feathers standing out and shaking to impress! We were so glad to be able to see this in real life!

    Sign near parking lot
    Cody A.

    Probably the best herpetarium I've ever seen. All of the snakes were there and active. Perfect, cute little zoo for kids too.

    Pamela S.

    This place gives me Tiger King vibes. Although it is a rescue zoo, I couldn't help but notice now small some of the animals were kept in extremely small enclosures. The one tortoise could not turn around in their small tank. The goats also chased you up and down the walkways waiting for feed that you can purchase at the store or in quarter vending machines. Makes me wonder how much food they get otherwise.

    Monkey smiled at us several times
    Larry S.

    Stopped by here on our way through town. A little confusing since the GPS mapping took us to the north side of road. After calling them we easily found them on the other side of road. Talk about getting your attention! A T-Rex in front, a huge croc mouth is the entrance and a sign "Trespassers will be eaten!" In the parking area! A small but comfy rescue zoo with signs of the names of pet animals that came to the zoo and circumstances that led them there. Most were death or health issues with owners. A good variety of animals and reptiles including snakes, porcupines, monkeys, exotic birds and gators. Was able to see up close a few endangered species like Lynx and Condors. One former pet monkey even came close and grinned for us. And I was able to elicit a Kookaburra's laugh with a cackle. Oh and a shrill cry also garnered a response from a Pea Fowl. Guess they wondered what new species was at the zoo! A couple suggestions, especially if children are with you. One, buy a couple cups of feed for the goats and Rea in the Petting area. Feed is there but coins only. Two, go to the bathroom before visiting. The lone bathroom is a Port-A-Potty, not pleasant on a hot day. Definitely a must see in the area to support a worthy cause, especially with kids. The only disappointment was the HUGE Alligator Turtle in an aquarium that seemed way too small.

    Mike R.

    What a treasure this is, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Owner Mike cares a lot for the animals here, and he absolutely can prove it. If you get a chance, he is brilliant, and also he's rescued a lot of animals. Quite a few of them reside here. This is a family friendly place, and kids and adults here will have fun. Plus you will have a personal experience. I always visit this zoo. Ask Mark about anything animal or ecology related, and prepare to be fascinated. His ability to address animal dominance in particular, is mind blowing good entertainment and it is true. As a reptile lover, yes there is quite an extensive selection of snakes. Maybe you'll if you want to, get the chance to meet Spalding the Ball Python. He's very calm as is the rat snake. A month or so ago I visited, and Mark explained how the alligators in hibernation, don't breathe normally and it's totally ok. This and how fish survive under ice, was very informative and thought provoking. Yet there are furry animals. Monkeys are here, and the petting zoo is great. You can purchase food, and feed the sheep, goats, and host of adorable animals. There are a number of other spots to check out, and for the price, you're supporting a good cause. There are a number of mammals I haven't seen elsewhere, and birds of prey that Mark has experience with. Ask him about how they hunt, and you'll be intrigued. This is hands down one of the wonderful places, in the Luray area to visit. Prepare to learn and have fun at the same time!

    The monkeys were my favorite.
    Charlie A.

    We had a wonderful time at this rescue zoo. There were many reptiles. There was a beautiful Golden Eagle, a few monkeys, goats, alpacas, birds, alligators, porcupines, and more. We talked to the owner, Mark. We are thankful to people like Mark for rescuing these animals. They were well taken care of. The staff was very friendly. We highly recommend visiting this rescue zoo.

    Jonathan F.

    Really cool place ran by a very cool guy abs his staff. Have a cool gift shop. Really cool Animals and reptiles. Enjoyed talking to the owner Mark and exploring the zoo. Not huge but just right. Really had a fun day here. Cool place.

    Alligator Snapping Turtle that is being sponsored by Steve and Terri Irwin from the Australia Zoo.

    A small lovely rescue zoo that is perfect for young children going to zoos for the first time and families. They have a snake and reptile house after you go through the gift shop at the entrance. The rattlesnakes, alligator snapping turtle, and a couple of cobras were pretty active when I came at around 10:30ish or so. The zoo offers a small collection of mammals, birds, snakes and reptiles, including an African Crested Porcupine, Kookaburra, and an Andean Condor. A small fee of $3 can be paid to feed the goats and emus at the petting zoo. The goats are pretty friendly and have no problem walking up to people for a treat. And the capuchin monkeys were pretty excited to see the guests. RIP Star the tiger who passed on a while ago. I never met you, but may your memory live on from those who got to know you and love you.

    Alligator snapping turtle
    Sam S.

    We've been to a lot of zoos recently, and I'll be brutally honest here - it was one of the best zoos we've ever been to. They had a wide selection of animals, and since it's a smaller zoo it wasn't crowded at all. Looking at the main building from the road, the facility looked a little underwhelming, but when we saw the plaster, giant, gaping alligator maw in front of the entrance, we knew this place had personality. The adventure started in the reptile house - which, to be fair, smelled worse than most reptile houses since it was also connected to the main restrooms, so it wasn't the best start. But as soon as we rounded the first corner we were greeted by two dozen terrariums, most filled with very active snakes, some with lizards, one toad, and a big spider. Most reptile houses we've visited seem to display their terrariums horizontally, but this one displayed them horizontally and vertically like a pet store, so there was more to look at on one wall than normal. Once we finished that first area, we rounded the next corner and were very surprised to see much larger terrariums containing a ~12' cobra, a black mamba, a snapping turtle, and a very active alligator snapping turtle. Frankly, it was jarring; my primal instincts were telling me that killer dinosaurs were within striking distance and that I should run away - but my 21st century common sense kept me grounded as I examined the monsters. Once outside of the urine-reeking reptile rooms, we entered the outside zoo exhibits. They've got porcupines, monkeys, owls, a wallaby, goats in a petting zoo area, a massive condor, several friendly lemurs, and lots of other exotic animals whose names escape me. We went on an overcast day which I think contributed to the animals being so lively. They don't have any of the real big ticket item zoo animals since it is such a small zoo (no lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, etc.), BUT they do have a lynx! And at one point they had a tiger apparently--based on a little memorial plaque in a large empty enclosure, it seems that the tiger died earlier this summer :( So overall, this is a really good zoo. Honestly, just breathe through your mouth while you're in the reptile area, but do check it out cuz they've got just about the widest selection of snakes I've ever seen. The creatures in the outside exhibits may not be your typical zoo breadwinners, but they've sure got heart and personality! Definitely worth the trip!

    Janet P.

    I'm not sure there are 250 different species here but there were around 70 tanks with snakes, lizards, turtles, and tarantulas (yes I counted). With that said they maybe have 250 animals living here. It was raining when I came so most of the outside animals were seeking shelter but a lot of them were still out. I wish the setups were better for photography purposes but other than that it was a good time.

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    Had an amazing experience, super friendly staff reasonably priced & such exciting animals. Will definitely be back!

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    Ask the Community - Luray Zoo

    Review Highlights - Luray Zoo

    A small lovely rescue zoo that is perfect for young children going to zoos for the first time and families.

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    White Oak Lavender Farm - Tasting sampler

    White Oak Lavender Farm

    4.4(122 reviews)
    27.9 mi
    $$

    Recently visited here for a girls weekend. We had about 13…read morein our party. The grounds were beautiful. I can only imagine what they look like in the spring and summer. The wine tasting was nice. With large parties you are given a flight to try. No need to stand in the tasting room. I liked several of the flavors. After the tasting we took a walk around the grounds taking in all the animals. Because it was winter, we didn't spend a lot of time in the lavender fields. We did however visit the lavender shop. I purchased a lavender honey spot and some delightful lemon crunch lavender ice cream. Overall staff were friendly. I would recommend this business for anyone in the area or visiting massanutten.

    Stopped past while on a recent birthday trip to Massanutten. And this place is really beautiful…read more White Oak is a family-owned lavender farm that is located in Shenandoah Valley. You really get to enjoy an immersive, interactive experience on the farm. There is something for everyone, from interactive gardens and live animals. The best for a cute little DIY wine tasting. You can bring your own charcuterie platters, which is what we did to go along with our tastings. They have tasting room called the Purple Wolf Vineyard where you can purchase your portable tastings, wine, beer and slushy flights . I would definitely return again, great place to host a cute birthday event, with your friends. They also have a really nice gift shop as well.

    Photos
    White Oak Lavender Farm - This was super yummy

    This was super yummy

    White Oak Lavender Farm
    White Oak Lavender Farm

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    Wayside Farm Fun

    Wayside Farm Fun

    4.3(23 reviews)
    44.4 mi

    Family fun farm in the Shenandoah! This farm features a huge pumpkin patch where you can pick your…read moreown pumpkin - and an enormous Corn Maze. The maze is well cut and fun. Other activities included: hay ride , pumpkin bowling, pillow bounce, truck sand pit, basketball toss, football toss, baseball toss, lots of different slides, duck races, pig races and more . They also have animals to see : chickens, goats (and a goat walk), donkeys, ducks, pigs, sheep, and alpacas. They also have tractors you can climb all over. Prices were reasonable for the amount of stuff available. They also have classes for children to learn about how pumpkins are grown and a fun story time session. What could be better ? - some of the games need new balls- as some are worn out and old. They also have a pizza barn, beverages (soda,water), and kettle korn.it would have been nice if they had burgers , hot dogs or sandwiches- but some of that was closed on Friday. Views of the mountains and valley are amazing! Great fun for the family- check them out ! ( Seasonal )

    Be very careful folks! Loaded shotgun shell found at this farm, in the dirt by the mini train ride…read moreentrance, while my 4 kids were running around and playing among a couple hundred more kids. I showed it to the manager and she pulled it out of my hands rudely while refusing to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and claiming the shell could've come from outside the farm... I was perplexed hearing only stupid excuses and refusal of acknowledging the danger! I'm gonna take this further with the sherif department!

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    Wayside Farm Fun
    Wayside Farm Fun - Loaded shotgun shell found in the dirt

    Loaded shotgun shell found in the dirt

    Wayside Farm Fun

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    Dinosaur Kingdom II - Fun house

    Dinosaur Kingdom II

    4.6(44 reviews)
    90.2 mi

    Decent amount of parking, even with a trailer. Really sweet older lady at the ticket booth, asked…read moreif we were military and gave us the discount. We made it just in time for the 3:30 Bigfoot battle! The kids were able to fill water guns and squirt Bigfoot as he ran around the town. It was a perfect way to cool off during the 90° weather. The town was pretty cool! My son had a blast going from store to store seeing what each room held. We pressed all the buttons and touched all the things! Our favorite part was the dino trail. My husband enjoyed the Civil War statues mixed with the dinosaurs. The kids just loved the dinosaurs and the adventure of it all. The dino maze was cool and my daughter loved the dino dig. The gift shop had some pretty cool shirts and we couldn't leave without getting a stuffed dino and a penny from the machine. A great roadside attraction! Definitely worth stopping and seeing, especially if you have kids/just enjoy weird and entertaining experiences.

    Great stop for the granddaughters, age 9 and 8. Great stop for someone with a sense of humor, kids…read morewho love dinosaurs or just needing to give the kids a moment to run. It Was campy and over the top but hey... I think it was meant to be. The rating is strictly for young kids. Adults, don't waste your time. The price was a bit high but the kids got to squirt a "Bigfoot" who was also armed with a squirt gun.

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    Dinosaur Kingdom II - Our kids and the artist Mark Cline

    Our kids and the artist Mark Cline

    Dinosaur Kingdom II
    Dinosaur Kingdom II - Dino being milked

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    Dino being milked

    Luray Zoo - zoos - Updated May 2026

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