Discover the joy of pony grooming at Creatures Great & Small Animal Park. This hands-on activity offers a unique chance to connect with gentle ponies and learn essential care techniques in a scenic rural setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, no special physical condition required
Wildlife
History
The farm has been operating since the early 1900s, originally as a family homestead that expanded into a community-focused animal park.
Conservation
The farm actively participates in sustainable farming practices and supports local wildlife conservation projects.
Creatures Great & Small Animal Park
Discover the joy of pony grooming at Creatures Great & Small Animal Park. This hands-on activity offers a unique chance to connect with gentle ponies and learn essential care techniques in a scenic rural setting.
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 durable clothing
Bring comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty while grooming ponies.
Arrive early
Arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled session ensures ample time for preparation and instruction.
Bring cash or card
Some activities or merchandise might require payment; check ahead for options.
Respect the animals
Always listen to staff guidance and approach ponies calmly and gently.
Comfortable clothes
Clothing suitable for grooming, likely to get dusty or dirty.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects your feet while working around animals and equipment.
Sun protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect against sun exposure during outdoor activity.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your farm visit, especially on warm days.