Discover the joy of horseback riding and pony grooming at Creatures Great & Small Animal Park. An engaging experience perfect for all ages, blending skill-building with animal interaction.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
20-30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, no prior experience needed.
Wildlife
History
The park has been family-operated for over 30 years, dedicated to outdoor education and animal care.
Conservation
The park actively promotes eco-friendly practices, including responsible animal management and habitat preservation.
Creatures Great & Small Animal Park
Discover the joy of horseback riding and pony grooming at Creatures Great & Small Animal Park. An engaging experience perfect for all ages, blending skill-building with animal interaction.
Creatures Great & Small Animal Park in Finksburg, Maryland offers a variety of hands-on animal experiences and short lessons designed for families, school groups, and animal enthusiasts. The park's public programs include Groom a Pony (30-minute grooming lesson), Ride a Pony (20-minute riding position lesson), Reptile / Creepy Crawly Experience (30-minute encounter with snakes, lizards, tortoises, and frogs), Basic Animal Tour (30–40 minute tour with alpacas, rabbits, chickens, goats, horses, sheep, and fancy pigeons), Australian Experience (holding a baby wallaby, feeding a baby emu, and viewing an emu egg), and Small Critter Encounter (5–10 minute interactions with chinchillas, hedgehogs, and a bearded dragon). The park focuses on close-up encounters that introduce visitors to animal care basics and species-specific behaviors. Each experience is time-limited as listed and emphasizes direct interaction—feeding, petting, holding, or grooming—according to the selected trip. The Basic Animal Tour highlights a range of domestic and farm animals, while specialty sessions concentrate on reptiles, Australian species, or small companion animals. Sessions can be booked separately or combined when available, and durations range from five minutes to forty minutes depending on the activity. Creatures Great & Small Animal Park is located in Finksburg, Maryland and provides on-site opportunities for short, supervised interactions with animals. Visitors should consult the park’s booking information for availability, age or size restrictions, and any safety or preparation guidelines. The park’s offerings are suitable for animal lovers seeking hands-on learning, introductory riding practice, or close encounters with exotic and small animals.
See official site for bookings.
Location
Finksburg, MD
Located in Carroll County, Maryland
Tours Offered
6 experiences
Six distinct animal sessions available
Typical Duration
5–40 min
Short, scheduled session lengths
Family Friendly
Yes
Suitable for varied visitor ages
Book Groom a Pony, Ride a Pony, reptile sessions, farm tours, Australian experiences, or small critter encounters — limited slots fill quickly.
Wear comfortable clothing
Choose clothing suitable for riding and grooming activities.
Arrive early
Getting here 15 minutes early ensures you’re ready to start on time.
Listen to instructions
Pay close attention to the staff’s safety tips and riding guidance.
Bring sunscreen
Protection from UV rays helps keep you comfortable during outdoor activities.
Comfortable riding shoes
Provides good grip and support for riding activities.
Hat or cap
Protects you from the sun during outdoor sessions.
Sunscreen
Helps prevent sunburn during outdoor time.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress in layers suitable for the day’s weather.