Are children allowed to participate?

Yes, children are welcome and encouraged to join the interaction with parental supervision.

Can I feed the animals?

Feeding is permitted during the encounter, but only with food provided and approved by the handlers.

Is this experience suitable for people with allergies?

Those with allergies should check in advance; handlers can provide information on the animals involved.

How long does each session last?

Each personal interaction typically lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

Are reservations required?

Reservations are highly recommended as sessions fill up quickly.

Is photography allowed during the encounter?

Photography is allowed, but flash should be avoided to prevent disturbing the animals.

Up-Close Encounters with Maryland’s Most Charming Small Animals | Zoo | Wildlife

Located in Finksburg, Maryland, the Small Critter Encounter offers a delightfully personal experience for animal lovers and curious visitors alike. This unique interaction focuses on some of nature’s most intriguing small creatures, including chinchillas, hedgehogs, and a bearded dragon. Unlike a typical zoo visit, visitors here get to go beyond observation — you can touch, hold, and even feed these fascinating animals during intimate 5 to 10 minute sessions. This close contact provides an enriching chance to connect with some of the area’s lesser-seen wildlife and learn about their habitats, behavior, and care.

Finksburg sits just northwest of Baltimore, providing easy access for travelers staying in the city or nearby towns. The Small Critter Encounter stands out because it emphasizes personal interaction combined with education. The handlers are passionate about their animals and eager to share detailed stories about each species, making it an ideal stop for families, educators, or anyone looking to gain a hands-on appreciation for small exotic and native animals alike.

This experience is particularly valuable in a region more commonly known for broader outdoor adventures like hiking or kayaking. It adds a focused wildlife-nature element that complements Maryland’s wider recreational landscape. Engaging directly with chinchillas, which have ultra-soft fur and are native to the Andes but thrive in this controlled environment, and visiting a spiky yet gentle hedgehog offers tactile learning rare in many outdoor venues. The bearded dragon, with its calm demeanor and prehistoric lineage, adds another layer of intrigue. This encounter invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the small-scale wonders of the natural world.

Beyond the animals themselves, the Small Critter Encounter also offers insight into the challenges faced by exotic pet populations and local conservation efforts. The staff underscore responsible care practices and environmental respect, contributing to a sustainable wildlife education model. These close-up moments foster empathy for creatures often overlooked in the wild, making it a meaningful addition to any Maryland adventure itinerary.

Whether you’re planning a quick stop or encouraging children to experience the joy of animal interaction firsthand, this curated encounter delivers an unforgettable adventure on a miniature scale. Expect to leave with new knowledge, a fresh appreciation for small wildlife, and memories of a rare personal connection that can brighten any outdoor trip in Finksburg and beyond.

About Creatures Great & Small Animal Park

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.

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