Looking for ways to connect with our animal friends? You can find plenty of up-close-and-personal attractions within driving distance of Northern Virginia.
Go to Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Park on May 3
Learn all about sheep shearing and antique farm equipment during the May 3 Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Park. The event features cow and goat milking demos, plus crafts, wagon rides, games, and a chance to meet baby farm animals. 2709 W. Ox Rd., Herndon, $12
Visit Animal Encounters at NOVA Wild
This animal park in Reston offers several animal encounters, including sessions with capybaras, kangaroos, and sloths. You’ll get to meet the critters up close and ask a zookeeper questions. Prices do not include general admission ($15–$20). 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, $80–$200
Take a Dive at the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Baltimore — about a two-hour drive from Northern Virginia — has several opportunities for visitors to learn about marine life. You can even book the guest diver program, where you can scuba dive in the Atlantic coral reef exhibit. Just note that you’ll need to bring your own wetsuit and gear. 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland, $225
See Farm Animals at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
What was farm life like in George Washington’s time? Mount Vernon has the answer, with several animals onsite and educational programs to teach visitors all about them. There are Hog Island sheep, cattle, Ossabow Island hogs, and more. 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mt. Vernon, $26 general admission
Meet Poppy The Pygmy Hippo at Metro Richmond Zoo
Love Moo Deng but can’t make it to Thailand? Travel the two hours to Richmond instead to meet Poppy, the new baby pygmy hippo. There’s a 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour available, where you can see Poppy and her mother, Iris, up close (safely separated by a metal barrier). 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd., Moseley, $150 plus $26.95 general admission
Catch an Animal Demo at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Everyone is rushing to the National Zoo to see the new pandas, but the zoo also offers daily opportunities to learn about animals from expert zookeepers. You can watch seal or sea lion demos, meet a reptile or amphibian, and watch demos at the Elephant Community Center. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Feature image courtesy Metro Richmond Zoo
