Think about your last beach vacation: the calming sound of crashing waves, the lights of the boardwalk rides, soft sand tickling your toes, the aroma of beach pizza, or just how soft and kitten-like a kangaroo’s fur feels. Lucky for us, you don’t have to be down under to experience the latter, you just need to head downstate.
Just 30 minutes south of Rehoboth, Barn Hill Preserve of Delaware is home to over 35 species of exotic animals including two-toed sloths, red kangaroos, otters, an aardvark, and more. During a recent beach trip, my family and I had a chance to get up close and personal with Barn Hill’s animals during a 90-minute encounter tour.
Not The Average Trip to the Zoo
Things that guests will not find at Barn Hill Preserve: tiny, unreadable exhibit signs, cages, overpriced food, bored staff members, or an abundance of concrete or thick glass. Instead, animals’ exhibits are made up of open fields and grasslands, designed to mimic their natural environments.
During the tour, "herds" of visitors are brought to each exhibit, to hear what life is like for the animal ambassadors at the preserve and in the wild. Tours are led by their friendly animal keepers, who have equal parts patience and thorough animal knowledge (the majority of the animal caretakers have previous zoo experience or have formal education & training). Tours are capped at 30 people, leaving ample time for everyone's questions.
Petting the Animals is Encouraged
Since 90 percent of parenthood involves snacks, we took a "snack break" pretty early on during the tour. The kids were invited to feed treats to the resident camels, Ben and Jerry and Kimmy, the Wastui Cow. We watched otters and a Capybara take a dip.
After meeting majestic owls, tortoises, and Rheas, we met some new small animal and reptile friends. Drogon, the bearded dragon, looked great perched on everyone's shoulder. We expected Pepper the tenrec, (a small hedgehog-like mammal) to have sharp spikes but were surprised by its soft fur. Then, Pickles the armadillo was passed around, allowing everyone to admire its tough bony armor (osteoderm, which is made out of keratin).
After waving hello to Moira Rose and Twyla, the spectacled owls, we headed to the final encounter tour - the Kangaroo yard. These dog-like marsupials happily sunned themselves as they accepted pets and a few “good boys” from my daughter and new friends.
Pricing
- Adults (Ages 12+) - $60
- Children (Ages 3-11) - $45
- Toddlers (Ages 2 and under) - Free
- Otter Swims, Sippin' with Sloths, Kangaroo Yoga, and Munching with Monkeys cost extra.
Save 31% when you purchase tickets through this CertifiKID deal! This contains an affiliate link, meaning I receive a small commission on any purchases made through this site.
Before you go:
- While some areas are shaded, the majority of the tour takes place outside, on various terrains. Check the weather and dress to be outside!
- Tours take place on the hour. Animals are most active in the morning.
- The only bathroom facilities are port-a-potties.
- Purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive 5-10 minutes early to maximize your time.
- Tours are meant for all ages. Some parts of the lecture went over my 4-year-old's head, but we found ways to stay amused without being too distracting.
On the Road, In the Classroom, and Even Your Library
Barn Hill Preserve originated as a mobile zoo in 2016. When COVID hit, they took their tours off the road and built their preserve. Proceeds help support international conservation organizations and Barn Hill Preserve's Mobile Zoo. This free program offers schools and communities a 30-45 minute presentation with Barn Hill's educators and animals.
Barn Hill Preserve will travel to several area libraries to celebrate summer reading.
- 8/24 Rehoboth Beach Public Library and South Coastal Public Library
- 8/26 Bear Public Library
- 8/30 Frankford Public Library
- 8/31 Claymont Public Library
- 9/9 Dover Public Library
- 9/11 Elsmere Public Library
- 9/12 Newark Free Library
- 9/13 Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library and Appoquinimink Public Library
- 9/19 Georgetown Public Library
- 9/30 Milton Public Library
We'd like to thank Barn Hill for free press tickets for this experience.
