New York State is rich in family friendly experiences and amazing off the beaten path attractions that are often overlooked because they aren’t in the Big Apple. Visitors are surprised to learn what a wealth of fun and exciting encounters are waiting for them in the Empire State. There is nothing that children love more than animals, especially up-close encounters with them. New York State is home to some of the best animal encounters in the United States, that will delight family members of all ages. Some of these animal experiences are quite unique and once in a lifetime experiences.
Aquarium of Niagara Falls
Most people miss the Aquarium of Niagara Falls when they visit the American side of Niagara Falls. Most likely because it is not located in the touristy part of the city that draws so many visitors. The aquarium has an impressive collection of both fresh and saltwater exhibits as well as penguin feedings and seal education shows. The aquarium also happens to be a marine mammal rescue facility.
The aquarium has two different animal encounters that visitors can purchase. Meet a Seal and Humboldt Penguin Encounter. Both encounters are $65 and only available on the weekends. These are extraordinary experiences that allow children and adults to be able to touch and play with these adorable animals.
Admission: Adults $13.00, children (3-12) $9.00
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls
Buffalo Zoo
This is truly one of the nicest zoos in New York State and incidentally also happens to be the 3rd oldest zoo in the United States. This charming zoo has a huge array of animals in beautiful, well maintained enclosures. The Buffalo Zoo is actively involved in conservation and education. One of the neatest features of this zoo is the number of indoor exhibits, which are handy for the harsh western New York winters. It allows this zoo to be a year-round destination and not just a summer time fun spot.
The Buffalo Zoo has two (sometimes 3) very affordable animal encounters. Each encounter is $10 however, visitors need to arrive early, pretty much when the zoo opens if they hope to sign up for one of these encounters. The cost of these encounters are in addition to the regular admission fee. Visitors are able to meet and feed the zoo’s giraffe family or spend time with the rhinos behind the scenes inside the rhino enclosure. The zoo sometimes also allows visitors to meet their Asian elephants.
Admission: Adults (ages 13-64) $12.50, Children (ages 2-12) $9.25, Seniors $10.25
300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, New York
Hidden Valley Animal Encounters
Just 45 minutes southeast of Buffalo, is a wild game safari tour. Visitors embark (with their cup of animal food) on a 55-minute safari that features over 30 different species such as Texas longhorns, zebras, camels and water buffalos. These animals will actually approach the safari vehicle as it travels through the 60-acre park and can be hand fed. Guests are also welcome to visit the Small Animal Adventure, which consist of small and more docile animals, which can also be fed. This is a big hit with little adventurers who dream about going on a safari.
Admission: Adults $19.50, Children (ages 3-10) $15.50, Seniors and Military with ID $18.00
2887 Royce Rd, Varysburg, New York
The Wild Animal Park
Located just outside Syracuse, New York, is a private animal park that can rival any zoo in the state. The Wild Animal Park has more big cats in one place than any zoo in New York. The park has a large collection of animals, some of which visitors can feed as they wander around this clean and picturesque park. Patrons can purchase a token to buy carrots to feed the giraffes face to face from a platform that puts them at eye level with the giraffes. Visitors can also purchase a solo cup full of food to feed many of the other animals in the park including baby goats, camels, zebras and a water buffalo. During summer weekends, guest have also had the special opportunity to hold a baby kangaroo. This special encounter was only $10 and a truly once in a lifetime experience, complete with a souvenir photo.
This park also has a bounce area for the little ones to burn off some of that extra energy. The bounce park is an extra charge but well worth it for tired parents who need a breather.
Admission: Adults $12.99, Children (3-12) $10.99, Seniors $10.99
7621 Lakeport Rd, Chittenango, New York
Adirondack Animal Land
A wildlife park at the gateway to the Adirondack, this park features not only a safari ride, but a petting zoo, where visitors can hand feed baby animals and a regular zoo that has everyone’s favorite creatures. The safari ride is included in the price of admission and this zoo is well worth the visit and price. The park also has a breeding center for rare and endangered animals that guests can visit.
Admission: Adults $16.75, Children (1-12) $13.75. This is a cash only park.
3554 State Hwy 30, Gloversville, New York
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
This zoo has the honor of being the 5th oldest zoo in the United States. The Binghamton Zoo is a part of the nationwide conservation program called the Survival Species Program. This program is designed to educate and promote the survival of endangered species, many of whom call this zoo home. While this zoo is not large, it does have unique animal encounters which make it standout.
Guest can make reservations (2 weeks in advance) to participate in one of several unique and exciting experiences. Participants must be at least 7 years old. The New World Tropics encounter allows guest to feed the zoo’s two-toed sloth and prehensile-tail porcupine. This encounter is $225 for up to 3 visitors (up to 2 extra visitors can be added for an additional $25 each.) Guest will receive a 4×6 photo of their encounter. The African penguin encounter allows guests to interact with the zoo’s African penguins. This encounter is also $225 with the possibility of adding up to 2 extra people for an extra $25 each. They will also receive a 4×6 of their encounter. The zoo occasionally offers a red panda encounter as well.
The snow leopard encounter allows visitors to enter the snow leopard enclosure and witness a training session. This encounter is $300 for up to 3 people. No cameras are allowed in this encounter.
Admission: Adults $8.00, Children (ages 3-11) $6.00, Seniors, Military and College with ID $7.00
185 Park Ave., Binghamton, New York
The Animal Adventure Park
Just 25 minutes from Binghamton is the Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York. This privately-owned zoo has a host of animals that range from lions and bears to sika deer and red kangaroos. It also has a number of opportunities for guest to interact with the animals that reside in this park. Visitors can purchase various food items to feed select animals in the zoo, such as carrots to feed the giraffes and camels, grapes to feed the monkeys, lemurs and parrots and special treats for the tortoise. These treats are in addition to the entrance fee and can be purchase separately or in a souvenir “lunch pail” that contains all the treats.
The park’s most amazing animal encounter is the sloth encounter. Children 6 and older have the opportunity to have an up-close and personal meeting with the park’s sloths, which includes feeding them. The cost for the experience is $225 (1-2 people) and $300 (4 people). Park admission is included in the price of the encounter. Visitors are allowed to bring their cameras to capture the memories.
Admission: Adults $14.00, children $12.00, seniors $13.00. Cash only park
85 Martin Hill Rd, Harpursville, New York
Utica Zoo
When it comes to one of a kind animal encounters, the Utica Zoo is where its at. This zoo has over 200 animals and 3 amazing animal encounters. The Utica Zoo has a remarkable opportunity for visitors that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else. Such as the African Lion encounter, where guests are invited to enter the lion enclosure and are taught how the zoo trains and cares for the lions. This encounter is $1000 for up to 5 guests and includes zoo admission. No cameras are allowed during this experience. They also have a California sea lion encounter that allows visitors to feed the sea lions and learn to give them commands. This encounter is $250 for up to 5 guests. The red panda encounter allows 2 people, ages 12 and older, the opportunity to feed the pandas and learn all about their care. This encounter is $180 and very popular, and like all of the other encounters listed, it requires reservations because they only have these encounters on a limited basis each week.
Admission: Adults (ages 13-61) $4.50, Children (ages 3-12) $3.00, Seniors, military and college students with ID $3.50
1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, New York
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo
This game farm offers families the chance to enjoy a day of animals, petting zoo and carnival style amusements and pony rides. This park has nature trails that separate the various areas such as bambiland, an area devoted to deer, which visitors can feed. Other experiences such as the camel or giraffe encounters, allow guest to interact and feed these animals. The nursery is a favorite spot, full of baby animals that are ready for feeding and cuddling. There are numerous opportunities for animal interaction and feeding.
Admission: Adult (ages 13-61) $16.95, Children (ages 3-12) $14.95, Seniors & Military $14.95
489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, New York
Written by Kimberly Crawford