Animal Encounters In and Around the Tulsa Area
Who doesn’t love a good animal encounter? Interacting with animals and learning more about them from the specialists that care for them is wonderful for children (and adults!) of all ages. There are wonderful places to experience various animals in and around the Tulsa area.
Here are six places to add to your list!
Fleecy Friends Alpacas
Thirty minutes south of Tulsa in Boynton, Oklahoma, is heaven on earth in the form of an alpaca farm. There are fleecy friends of all colors. Alpaca babies, called cria, are especially fun for children to meet. Families and groups will learn everything there is to know about these gentle creatures – including how their fleece is used to make products. There are other animals on the farm as well, including goats. Fleecy Friends also takes animals out and about for appearances upon request. Follow Fleecy Friends on Facebook to learn about new and old farm friends and happenings.
17299 S. 340 Rd.
Boynton, OK, 74422
918.777.6295 – call to set up an appointment
instagram.com/fleecy_friends_alpacas
High on a Hill Dairy Goats
You’ll find goat yoga and cow cuddling in one picturesque location in Kellyville, Oklahoma, at High on a Hill. Their miniature and micro miniature Highland cows love to soak up attention from visitors! Adults and children are welcome to goat yoga – the season runs from March through November with classes every Saturday.
15362 S. 217th W. Ave.
Kellyville, OK 74039
918.841.9951
by appointment only
highonahilldairygoats.com
Lucky R Ranch
Did someone say Scottish Highland cows? Yes! If you’d like to pet, brush and hug a highland, this is a great place! Located in Claremore, Lucky R Ranch offers sessions October through May, but you must book in advance. This activity is recommended for ages 7+.
21215 S. 4190 Rd.
Claremore, OK 74019
luckyrcattle@gmail.com
Oklahoma Aquarium
The Oklahoma Aquarium offers hands-on fun from feeding areas to touch tanks, depending on the day and what is open. Though a wonderful place all year-round, the aquarium is especially top-of-mind for days when the Oklahoma heat (or rain) takes its toll! Aside from what a guest might encounter on any given day, the Oklahoma Aquarium also provides behind-the-scenes tours and special animal encounters.
300 Aquarium Dr.
Jenks, OK 74037
918.296.3474
okaquarium.org/281/animal-encounters-and-tours
Reindeer Club of Oklahoma
Not all reindeer live in the North Pole! Some relatives of Santa’s sleigh companions live close to the Tulsa area with the Reindeer Club of Oklahoma. Located close to Bristow, the club brings their sweet animals to events and activities. Reach out to them for school visits, group visits and other appearances. You’ll learn some surprising fun facts about reindeer and caring for them.
918.906.6115
ReindeerClub@yahoo.com
reindeerclub.net
Tulsa Zoo
A favorite place for decades, the Tulsa Zoo continues to add and expand in new and interesting ways. Our award-winning zoo features a variety of animals, educational exhibits and play equipment making it a great place for families to spend an entire day. There are also unique animal encounters such as giraffe feedings. Talk about a photo opp! This is a fun experience the kids won’t forget.
6421 E. 36th St. N.
Tulsa, OK 74115
918.669.6600
tulsazoo.org/visit/thingstodo
There are many reasons to put animal encounters on your family fun list. Animal encounters allow children to learn about different species, their habitats and their care. It also allows children to foster empathy and compassion for other living beings. Last, but certainly not least, animals can also have a calming effect, which promotes emotional and mental health.
For more adventures, read Amanda Murphy’s Exploration and Education blog, at tulsakids.com/blog.
