Up-Close Wildlife Adventures Near Thurmont, Maryland

Safari truck rides, keeper talks, group visits, and party packages at a 100-acre wildlife preserve.

Tours & Experiences

General Admission, Group Visits, and the Zooper Party Package — memorable wildlife encounters for all ages.

Zooper Party Package at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, MD

Host an unforgettable animal-themed celebration with the Zooper Party Package at Maryland’s Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. Ideal for families, this private party includes zoo-inspired treats, a special gift for the birthday child, and reserved outdoor space for up to 10 guests.

Zooper Party Package at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, MD

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Thurmont, Maryland

Thurmont

Zooniverse Party Package at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Maryland

Celebrate your special occasion with the Zooniverse Party Package at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Maryland. Enjoy unique wildlife encounters and hands-on activities that make your outdoor party unforgettable.

Zooniverse Party Package at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Maryland

Thurmont

Explore Maryland Wildlife at Catoctin Preserve Safari

Discover the thrill of wildlife encounters at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Maryland. Enjoy safari truck rides, animal talks, and seasonal festivals for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Explore Maryland Wildlife at Catoctin Preserve Safari

About Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont, Maryland is a 100-acre wildlife destination offering a mix of wildlife encounters, educational talks, and seasonal events.

The Preserve operates public General Admission experiences that include safari truck rides, opportunities to interact with large herbivores, scheduled keeper talks, and rotating festivals throughout the year. Group Visit options welcome parties of 15 or more with special rates for students and chaperones; groups can add a safari ride or seasonal parakeet and tortoise feeding to enhance the visit. The Zooper Party Package ($375) provides a private birthday experience for up to 10 guests with reserved outdoor space, animal-themed cupcakes, zoo-style food, and a special gift for the birthday child.

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve emphasizes close-up animal learning in a managed environment and offers guided interactions under staff supervision. Ticketing options and seasonal activities vary, so visitors are encouraged to check current schedules and availability before planning. The Preserve’s programming is designed for family outings, school trips, and small-group celebrations, combining hands-on experiences with interpretive keeper talks. On-site amenities vary by season, and staff provide guidance to ensure accessible, educational, and safely enjoyable visits for diverse groups.

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve — Thurmont, Maryland

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is a 100-acre wildlife attraction near Thurmont, Maryland focused on family-friendly wildlife encounters, educational programming, and seasonal events. Visitors can choose General Admission for self-paced exploration, book Group Visits for school or club outings, or reserve the Zooper Party Package for private birthday celebrations.

Popular Experiences

General Admission: Entry to exhibits, scheduled keeper talks, and access to seasonal festivals. General Admission highlights include close encounters with large herbivores and interpretive sessions led by keepers.
Safari Truck Rides: Guided safari truck experiences across the property provide an elevated opportunity to see animals in habitat-focused areas and enjoy narrated keeper insights.
Group Visit (15+): Group Visit bookings accept parties of 15 or more and offer special rates for students and chaperones. Groups can add safari rides or seasonal parakeet and tortoise feeding experiences to customize the outing.
Zooper Party Package ($375): The Zooper Party Package accommodates up to 10 guests and includes reserved outdoor space, animal-themed cupcakes, zoo-style food, and a special gift for the birthday child.

Why Visitors Choose Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Location: Situated in Thurmont, Maryland, the Preserve uses 100 acres to host safari rides and outdoor animal habitats.
Education: Scheduled keeper talks and hands-on interactions offer learning opportunities for family groups and school trips.
Variety: From seasonal parakeet and tortoise feedings to rotating festivals, activities change throughout the year to keep returns interesting.

Planning a Visit

Check seasonal schedules and ticket availability before arrival; activities and feeding opportunities vary by season.
Group Visit reservations require a minimum of 15 guests and may include discounted student and chaperone rates.
The Zooper Party Package requires advance booking and covers up to 10 guests with party amenities included.

Safety and Guest Guidelines

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve operates guided interactions under staff supervision. Visitors should follow posted rules and staff instructions for safe animal encounters. Keeper talks provide educational context and instructions for hands-on experiences.

Keywords and Search Tips

When searching for visits in the Thurmont area, use terms like Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, safari truck rides, Zooper Party Package, Group Visit Thurmont, parakeet feeding, tortoise feeding, keeper talks, and 100-acre wildlife preserve to find relevant schedules, ticketing information, and booking options.

Bookings and Contact

Prospective visitors should verify current hours, ticket options, and seasonal programming on the Preserve’s official channels. Booking ahead secures spots for safari rides, group visits, and the Zooper Party Package. These experiences combine wildlife encounters, educational keeper-led programming, and family-friendly celebration options near Thurmont, Maryland.

Explore animal encounters, book a safari ride, or plan a Zooper Party at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve today.

Reserve a Wildlife Experience at Catoctin Today

Choose General Admission, schedule a Group Visit, or book the Zooper Party Package ($375) — check availability and ticket options now.