Dive into the world of reptiles and amphibians at Creatures Great & Small Animal Park for a hands-on adventure that delights all ages. Discover fascinating creatures up close in a fun, educational setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
The park was established in 1998 and has since been dedicated to conservation education and habitat preservation.
Conservation
The park participates in local reptile and amphibian rescue programs, emphasizing sustainable practices and habitat protection.
Creatures Great & Small Animal Park
Dive into the world of reptiles and amphibians at Creatures Great & Small Animal Park for a hands-on adventure that delights all ages. Discover fascinating creatures up close in a fun, educational 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.
Hold animals gently
Follow guide instructions when handling creatures to ensure safety and comfort for both visitors and animals.
Visit during cooler hours
Mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid heat and ensure shy creatures are more active.
Bring sun protection
Wear hats and sunscreen if visiting outdoors to stay comfortable during your experience.
Check the schedule
Review daily feeding and demonstration times for the most interactive experiences.
Closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet while walking through exhibits and around the park.
Hat and sunscreen
Stay protected from the sun during outdoor portions of your visit.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your visit, especially in warmer weather.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments with the creatures you meet.