Family Adventures at Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, MD

Located in Rising Sun, Maryland, Plumpton Park Zoo offers a hands-on animal experience perfect for families, school groups, and animal enthusiasts seeking a relaxed outing outside the city's bustle. This inviting, tree-lined zoo gently guides visitors through well-spaced paths where you can casually encounter a diverse range of animals including giraffes, alpacas, tigers, goats, sheep, and donkeys. Unlike large metropolitan zoos, animals here appear comfortable and approachable, often wandering freely or waiting patiently for visitors to feed them—a $5 giraffe feeding opportunity is a memorable highlight. The zoo supports local education with dedicated group admissions for schools and daycares, making it an enriching spot for young learners to connect with wildlife through interactive encounters like the sloth experience.

Visitors often praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff who engage with guests and offer insights while attending to the animals, creating a welcoming environment. The compact size of the zoo allows for a leisurely pace, ideal for families with children or couples seeking a low-key day outdoors. The shaded grounds offer relief on warm days, though seating areas can be sparse, encouraging guests to bring a stroller or folding chair if needed. Affordable snacks and a charming gift shop housed in an old mill round out the visit, supplying keepsakes and refreshments.

Plumpton Park Zoo stands out for its focus on animal welfare and rescue efforts, supporting species that guests might not commonly see, and emphasizes education and interaction rather than crowds and spectacle. Whether celebrating a birthday with one of their party packages or strolling through with a group, this zoo provides a distinctive outdoor wildlife experience that balances up-close encounters with quiet reflection in Maryland’s scenic countryside.