Would your family enjoy going on an African safari, that would not be a hunting trip, or require international travel? Consider the Reston Petting Zoo, which is located in Suburban Washington D.C., in the heart of Fairfax County Virginia. Here you can see a lot of different animals up close, on a tractor ride on their property. You will ride next to Buffaloes, Antelope, Ostriches, and Zebras, without having to worry about a tiger or hyena ambushing your convoy. The guide will describe the animals habitat and behaviors, while mentioning the importance of conservation measures that are necessary for their protection. This tractor ride departs every hour, and this is a good place to start when visiting this zoo.
The petting area is huge, and children and adults alike will enjoy spending time with sheep, pigs, goats, cows, and horses. The goats have a lot of personality, and when they are not banging their heads together, they enjoy human companionship. They also greatly enjoy the food that can be given to them, at a nominal cost at the gift shop. The goats are a bit greedy, so be sure to leave some handfuls of food for the other animals. All of them are friendly, and as long as you do not try to pet the rather testy swan that is walking around, you should not encounter any problems. It is amazing how the staff keeps this area clean, and the smell will not overwhelm your olfactory nerves, as other zoo facilities seem to do.
If creepy crawlers and snakes are your favorite, the Reptile House will provide a good half hour of enjoyment. The Reston Zoo has some of the biggest Burmese Pythons around, and the albino one is beautiful, as he is white with orange splotches. Staff members in this house focus on dispelling myths about reptiles, and are known to usually have a Cornsnake or Kingsnake out, so that people may touch them if desired. There is a huge Iguana here, and they have some alligators and scorpions to observe as well. Poisonous snakes such as a Copperhead and Rattlesnake, seem to enjoy watching people walking by their glass enclosed cages.
This is a great place to take a family, and many are known to make repeat visits to this facility. The animal displays are excellent, and the staff members are passionate people, who enjoy answering questions and spending time with children. Hours of operation are 9-5 Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays. Admission is ten dollars for adults, and 8.00 for children two to twelve years of age. It is free for children under two, and senior discounts are available. The Zoo’s address is 1228 Hunter Mill Road Vienna, VA 22182, and they can be reached at 703-757-6222. Check out their website at www.restonzoo.com, for up to date directions, and be sure to add this to your itinerary if visiting Washington D.C.
