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Friday Funday at The Reptile Zoo in Monroe!

By Melinda Larke - Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid May 20, 2021

Right off highway 2 outside of Monroe, The Reptile Zoo is a great stop on your way over the mountains, or just as the main destination.  We spent Friday Funday  at The Reptile Zoo in Monroe!  A one of its kind destination, The Reptile Zoo  is home to the most extensive collection of reptiles on display in the area!   They have all kind of fun reptiles including, an albino alligator, a two-head turtle,  a Black mamba, a Gaboon viper, a Gila monster, a King cobra and so much more.    They are open  Monday-Tuesday:10 am to 5 pm, Thursday-Saturday:10 am to 5 pm,  and Sunday:12 pm to 5 pm.  You don't need reservations to go and masks are required.  Admission rates are as follows, Adult (ages 18+): $8.95,  Youth (ages 5-17): $6.95, Toddler (ages 3-4)$5.95
Infant (ages 2 and under): Free. 


We arrived Friday at about 11:00 am.  It was us and about two other families in the building.    The Reptile Zoo has two sides,  we hit the left side first and then worked our way over to the right side.    We have been to The Reptile Zoo many times, but this time they had something new that I thought was so cool.  They now have a  Tortoise Garden!  It is an outside area where they will put the big tortoises and small turtles  to have some fun in the sun.  You can also go out there with the animals and pet them, sit with them, and  watch them.  I am sure they love it and my kids and I thought it was really neat also.  I am not sure what times or when they decide to put the animals out there, so be sure to ask when you go in.    It was my favorite part!    We took about an hour to go through the whole zoo, like I said before, my kids and I have been there many times, so if it is your first time or if you have someone in your party who just loves reptiles, it may take you more time.  







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A post shared by Melinda Larke (@mackidsnoking)


Speaking of reptile lovers, if you have one The Reptile Zoo also does "Close Encounters"  along with other special events where you can get up close and personal with some reptiles.   Close Encounters includes touching or holding of 2 to 3 animals. They always include some type of snake, and 1 to 2 other animals.   Participation in Close Encounters costs $3 per person or $10 per family. When you get to the zoo you can reserve a spot to join in on a scheduled Close Encounter.   A calendar of special events can be found here

The Reptile Zoo is truly a place that you must go to at least once, so I do hope you try to make it happen this summer!  For more information on The Reptile Zoo check out their website

We will be going to a new destination for this week's Friday Funday.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram to see where we will be! 



Keep finding your family fun -