Petting zoos, rides, and unique animal interactions appeal to kids and parents alike. Luckily for anyone heading to St. Louis, MO, Grant’s Farm is a menagerie of epic proportions.
“Grant’s Farm has been a beloved St. Louis tradition since it first opened to the public in 1954,” says Andy Elmore, the General Manager. “It’s home to approximately 1,000 animals, including bison, camels, zebras, Budweiser Clydesdales, goats, deer, birds, reptiles, and many more.”
Places like this are a great way to introduce people to animals they may not find in their local pet store. In the Deer Park section, you can come face-to-face with zebras, bison, and antelope, all in one place. Elmore says, “We have a great staff and a large property with Deer Park, allowing us the privilege of having many different animals in one place.”
Like most animals, the best way to get them to love you is with food. Stop into Tier Garden and let your kids bottle-feed a baby goat, or pretend to be Snow White as parakeets flock to you for treats. “Guests are also able to feed animals in Deer Park on the Private Expedition tour,” he says.
It’s doubtful you’ll find another place in Missouri where you can ride a camel. They’re big enough to carry two kids or one adult, so live out your fantasy of being in One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Don’t worry if such an exotic animal is difficult to handle. According to Elmore, it’s actually quite is similar to horses, and the handlers have lots of experience leading them so guests can relax as they ride.
St. Louis is also famous for its beer, and they have a family friendly way to incorporate that, too. Aside from older guests getting to sample Anheuser-Busch products in the Bauernhof, it’s the training grounds for some famous horses.
“There are a few Budweiser Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm who have been in the Budweiser commercials over the past few years. Additionally, some of the Clydesdales have been part of the Budweiser Clydesdales Hitch or will be a part of the hitch once they are old enough.”
For those who need to take a break but still want the kids to have fun, there’s also live animal shows where you can learn about some of Mother Nature's most marvelous creatures. See Grant Farm’s famous elephant herd, and find out how you can help protect and conserve these tusked titans. Or meet animals you’d never seen before, like wallabies, giant tortoises, Macaws, and lemurs.
Really, whether you have a family or just want to have a fun day out, it’s a great choice, especially if you’re an animal lover. Elmore says, “Grant’s Farm offers something for everyone; from live animal shows to goat feedings to free beer samples, there are attractions for all ages. Guests can also go behind-the-scenes with the Budweiser Clydesdale experience, feed animals in Deer Park on a private expedition tour, and tour the grounds of the Busch family estate on the Estate Walk.”
-By Ettractions Digital Content Editor, ALLISON BENNETT
You have now added this profile to your suitcase
You are not logged in. To login or create an account please click here
