Zoomars, A Great OC Petting Zoo

image via flickr

I have nightmares about going to L.A. Zoo when I was young and walking up a huge hill in the summer heat. I don't love zoos, so I try to find substitutes for outings with the kids, like pet stores and petting zoos. Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano is a great example of a zoo substitute. You have a select group of animals in a small location, so the trip is not overwhelming for the parent or child. The petting zoo is well kept and located in downtown San Juan Capistrano. My boys love going to Zoomars because they can feed animal and ride a train all in the same day. They also offer enrichment camps during the summer.

Catering to over 150,000 visitors a year, ZOOMARS is home to hundreds of friendly animals to feed, pet, love and learn from. There are goats, emus, llamas, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, geese, ducks, guinea pigs and a bunny patch. All of the animals residents receive regular vet checks and are treated with respect, compassion and love. Close attention is given to cleanliness with both a handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout the grounds. After petting the animals, youngsters can saddle up for a pony ride or hop aboard the miniature train. At the front of the property is the century-old Olivares House, listed on the National Registry. Behind it sits an 1890’s bathhouse and picnic area available for birthday parties or family gatherings. ZOOMARS is located in the Los Rios Historic District of San Juan Capistrano, California’s oldest residential neighborhood.

Another great thing about a trip to Zoomars is that you can head over to Ruby's for a chocolate chip shake when you are done.

Zoomars Petting Zoo
31791 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-831-6550