On a recent trip to Nashville, I had to skip a few planned activities to make time for the zoo. It’s a necessity in every city I visit from Emporia, Kansas, to New Orleans. Zoos of all sizes fascinate me. 

 

It probably stems from childhood though I don’t try to psychoanalyze the desire. I just love animals. There’s something so majestic about God’s creatures. 

 

There are many opportunities for children to experience animals in Central Louisiana, whether in summer camps, birthday parties,  or family visits. 

 

The Alexandria Zoo has annual memberships, which pay for themselves in just a couple of visits. Not only does your membership fund local growth at the zoo, it gives you free or discounted admission at reciprocal zoos across the country. It can easily become a fun activity to add to your budget-friendly family vacation across the country. 

 

They also have half-day Summer Safari camps for kids in June and July. I’ve sent kids and grandkids; they become knowledgeable guides on future family trips to the zoo! For more information email zoo.education@cityofalex.com. 

 

Ol’ Mel’s Farm in Deville is having two full-day Farm Summer Daycamps June 10-14 and July 8-12.  With farm animals, fishing, horse rides, games, and arts and crafts, it seems like an adventure of a lifetime!

 

If you can’t make it to the summer camp but still want to experience the farm animals, Ol Mel’s will have a petting zoo at the Farmer’s Market at Front Yard Food Trucks Thursday, May 23 from 4-7 PM complete with a photo opp with a 100% authentic unicorn-mini-horse-with-a-horn. The event location is 5233 Hwy 28 East, Pineville. 

 

They also have an Airbnb rental for families wanting to experience farm life for a night or two. Stay, feed animals at your leisure, tour the property, ride horses, have a picnic, and play outdoor games. It’s the perfect experience for people like me who love animals but are more socialite Mrs. Douglas than her farm-loving husband Oliver on Green Acres! For more info, call 318-794-9533. 

 

Gone Wild Safari in Pineville is another incredible experience to get up close and personal with animal life. Not only do you see but you get to feed exotic animals in this amazing wildlife preserve. Operating for the last fifteen years, I was excited to discover this treasure in my own hometown. It’s a real treat to have over 150 animals located on the Rapides/Grant Parish line. I once drove three hours to a drive through safari in Alabama.

 

I also spent almost that long cleaning my car out afterward so plans are being finalized to bring buses back for summer treks for those not wanting to take their own cars through the safari!

 

I visited on a day populated with field trip attendees. They were as excited as I was to feed the animals. I waited with a group of kindergartners from Bayou Chicot Elementary who’d driven up on the bus for their end of year field trip. Having taught kindergarten and having a childlike zest for life myself, I fit right in with the five-year-olds. 

 

Joshua Dickens, 5, and I bonded over our mutual love of giraffes. Xander Castile, 5,  was ready to see the zebra. Thomas Poole, 5, was also a safari vet and we discussed our experiences with camels hogging all the food with the strong necks and stronger wills.

 

With a playground, party room, and petting zoo, Gone Wild Safari is open 7 days a week, weather permitting. For more information or to book your adventure, call 318-787-6902. 

 

Turn off the electronics, load up the family, and get outside to enjoy God’s beautiful creation and its magnificent creatures in one of these local gems!