Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

Take a walk on the wild side with year-round interactive animal experiences that range from a howling good time at a wolf sanctuary to toothy wrestling matches at an alligator park. Afterward, check out the cool attractions, restaurants and overnight lodging nearby.

Family-Friendly Animal Encounters in Colorado

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Marveling at monitor lizards at the Denver Zoo

Feeding a giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Making goat friends at Shepperly Farm

Crouching tigers at The Wild Animal Sanctuary

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<h2><a href="https://www.colorado.com/aquariums-zoos/butterfly-pavilion">Butterfly Pavilion</a></h2>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/westminster">Westminster</a> 
Walk among a bevy of free-flying butterflies, hold Rosie the famous tarantula in your hands (she’s adorably crawly, not creepy), discover underwater ecosystems and take off on the nature trails at this invertebrate-loving zoo. <a href="https://butterflies.org/calendar/">Check their calendar</a> for programs ranging from sensory-friendly afternoons and kids' camps to adult educational sessions and photography workshops.
While you’re in the area: Taste natural wines at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a>’s family-owned <a href="https://www.colorado.com/wine-wineries/balistreri-vineyards">Balistreri Vineyards</a> and drive by the striking Westminster Castle, built in the 1890s from Colorado red sandstone.
Places to dine: Share a variety of Asian dishes, such as Singapore noodles, at <a href="http://woodyswings.eatintakeout.net/">Woody’s Wings N Things</a>. Grab a made-from-scratch breakfast of biscuits and gravy at <a href="https://www.goodyseatery.com/">Goody’s Eatery</a>. Or head to <a href="https://hilltop-inn.com/burns-pub-and-restaurant/">The Burns Pub &amp; Restaurant </a>at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/broomfield/hilltop-inn-suites">The Hilltop Inn</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/broomfield">Broomfield</a> for authentic British pub fare, including fish and chips.
Stay nearby: After a hearty meal at The Burns, you don’t need to go far; just pop upstairs for a restful night at The Hilltop Inn. Or, opt for a secluded cabin at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/lodge/stone-mountain-lodge-and-cabins">Stone Mountain Lodge</a> in nearby <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lyons">Lyons</a> (a 45-minute drive).
<h2>Cheyenne Mountain Zoo &amp; The Broadmoor</h2>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a> 
Go wild at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/zooanimal-attraction/cheyenne-mountain-zoo">Cheyenne Mountain Zoo</a>, where you’ll make a herd of new animal friends as you hand-feed giraffes, elephants, rhinos and more. You can also come nose-to-nose with Amur tigers, spot precariously perched Rocky Mountain goats and have a talk with chatty Australian budgies (parakeets). Nearby, get your “Game of Thrones” on and take part in the “sport of kings” during the <a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/adventures/falconry">falconry program at The Broadmoor resort</a>. Get to know majestic birds of prey — including owls, hawks and falcons — guided by an experienced falconer. Out in the field, observe a soaring flight demonstration and actually hold one of the regal birds.
While you’re in the area: Tour towering sandstone cliffs with a jaunt through <a href="https://www.colorado.com/4x4-jeep-tours/garden-gods-visitor-and-nature-center">Garden of the Gods Visitor &amp; Nature Center</a>. Then be inspired by the amazing athletic feats celebrated at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/us-olympic-paralympic-museum">U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame</a> in Olympic City, USA.
Places to dine: Enjoy Sunday brunch at <a href="/colorado-springs/the-margarita-at-pine-creek">The Margarita at Pine Creek</a> (don’t miss the fresh-baked wheat bread with pimento cheese spread). Order a French specialty like the beef bourguignon at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/marigold-cafe-bakery">Marigold Cafe &amp; Bakery</a>. Or dig into the huevos rancheros at <a href="https://www.godsmarketandcafe.com/">Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe</a>.
Stay nearby: Tuck in at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/broadmoor">The Broadmoor</a> (especially if you’re doing the falconry program), scenic <a href="https://www.colorado.com/resort/cheyenne-mountain-colorado-springs-dolce-resort">Cheyenne Mountain Resort</a> or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/mining-exchange-wyndham-grand-hotel-spa">The Mining Exchange</a>, an exquisitely preserved historical hotel.
<h2>Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance &amp; Downtown Aquarium</h2>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a> 
Have a roaring good time at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/aquariums-zoos/denver-zoo">Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance</a> with talks and demos where you'll get to know penguins, elephants, clouded leopords and sea lions a bit better. Be sure to check out the Stingray Cove, where you can test the waters to touch and feed a splashy array of stingrays and sharks. At the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/downtown-aquarium">Downtown Aquarium</a>, take the plunge in a shark cage and come face-to-fin with five different shark species, including bigeye sand tiger and blacktip sharks, plus hundreds of other fish. Or, book a spot online to watch mermaids swim and play under the water.
While you’re in the area: Head west on I-70 and detour at exit 254 (Genessee Park) to gaze at bison grazing at the Buffalo Herd Overlook, then go hiking or snowshoeing at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-state-park-profile-golden-gate-canyon-state-park">Golden Gate Canyon State Park</a>.
Places to dine: Grab a buttermilk fried-chicken biscuit sandwich from the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/casual-dining/denver-biscuit-company-broadway">Denver Biscuit Company</a>, try the falafel flatbread at the European market-style <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/mercantile-dining-provision">Mercantile Dining &amp; Provision</a> or dive into the oyster bar at <a href="/denver/jax-fish-house-oyster-bar-lodo">Jax Fish House</a>.
Stay nearby: Retire for the night at Denver’s landmark <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/oxford-hotel">Oxford Hotel</a> or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/ramble-hotel">The Ramble Hotel</a> right in RiNo. In <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a>, stay at the Southwestern-style <a href="https://www.colorado.com/bed-and-breakfast/table-mountain-inn">Table Mountain Inn</a>.
<h2><a href="https://www.colorado.com/aquariums-zoos/colorado-gators-reptile-park">Colorado Gators Reptile Park</a></h2>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/mosca">Mosca</a> 
Ever had the crazy notion to tussle with an alligator? Well then, you’re in luck. Here you can tackle a gator-wrestling class, beginning with how to catch and handle 2- to 4-foot-long alligators; then you’ll work your way up to wrestling with a hulking 8-foot beastie. Be forewarned: The alligators’ mouths are not taped shut. If gator wrangling isn’t your thing, maybe opt for the reptile-handling class, where you’ll get up close and personal with more docile lizards, snakes and tortoises.
While you’re in the area: Try sand sledding at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park &amp; Preserve</a>, be awestruck by the beauty of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/hidden-colorado-gem-zapata-falls">Zapata Falls</a>, (rushing in summer and frozen in winter) and view exhibits on frontier legend Kit Carson and the Buffalo Soldiers at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museums/fort-garland-museum-cultural-center">Fort Garland Museum &amp; Cultural Center</a>.
Places to dine: Head to nearby <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/alamosa">Alamosa</a> for a creamy latte at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cafe/roast">The Roast, Craft Coffee &amp; Libations</a> and and fun twists on pizza toppings like the baked potato pie at <a href="/alamosa/purple-pig-pizzeria-and-pub">Purple Pig Pizzeria</a>. In <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fort-garland">Fort Garland</a>, try the homemade pizza and fudge at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/all-gon-pizza">All-Gon Restaurant &amp; Pizzeria</a>.
Stay nearby: Bed down at the secluded <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/crestone-casitas">Crestone Casitas</a> (in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/crestone">Crestone</a>, a one-hour drive from Mosca), <a href="https://www.colorado.com/inn/la-veta-inn">La Veta Inn</a> (at the base of the Spanish Peaks in La Veta, an hour-and-a-half from Mosca) or a rustic cabin at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/riverbend-resort-cabins-rv-park">Riverbend Resort</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/south-fork">South Fork</a> (an hour from Mosca, near the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/resortski-area/wolf-creek-ski-area">Wolf Creek Ski Area</a>).

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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2><a href="https://www.colorado.com/zooanimal-attraction/colorado-wolf-wildlife-center">Colorado Wolf &amp; Wildlife Center</a></h2>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/divide">Divide</a> 
Join the pack on a one-hour walking tour through this wolf sanctuary and get an up-close view of these beautiful, elusive animals, in addition to coyotes and foxes. Guides educate visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife and every tour ends with a signature group wolf howl. Arrange for a private VIP encounter and interact with wolves inside their den, with photos of your adopted fluffy fam to take home as souvenirs.
While you’re in the area: Go hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along 55 miles of scenic trails at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/mueller-state-park">Mueller State Park</a> or explore the magic of nearby <a href="https://www.colorado.com/national-monument/florissant-fossil-beds-national-monument">Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument</a>.
Places to dine: Pair Irish stew with a pint of McGinty Red beer at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/casual-dining/mcginty%27s-wood-oven-pub">McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub</a> in Divide. Drive to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/manitou-springs">Manitou Springs</a> for an award-winning meal at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/cliff-house-pikes-peak">The Cliff House Dining Room</a>.
Stay nearby: Get cozy in a mountain cabin at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/pikes-peak-resort">Pikes Peak Ranch</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/woodland-park">Woodland Park</a> or a luxury room at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/cliff-house-pikes-peak">The Cliff House at Pikes Peak</a> in Manitou Springs.
<h2><a href="https://www.colorado.com/wildlife-viewingrefuges/wild-animal-sanctuary">The Wild Animal Sanctuary</a></h2>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/keenesburg">Keenesburg</a> 
Take a guided trek along the longest elevated walkway in the world and spy rescued animals including lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) living in sprawling, open habitats that allow them ample room to roam. Stick around for Wild Nights and listen for the rousing roars after sunset.
While you’re in the area: See restored planes at the <a href="https://www.vafm.org/">Vintage Aero Flying Museum</a> in nearby <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fort-lupton">Fort Lupton</a> (call for tours) and marvel at the miniature railroad at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museums/colorado-model-railroad-museum">Colorado Model Railroad Museum</a> in nearby <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/greeley">Greeley</a>.
Places to dine: Grab a cheeseburger from the <a href="https://www.lionsdencafe.net/">Lion’s Den Cafe</a> in Keenesburg, chicken-fried steak at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/pepper-pod-restaurant">The Pepper Pod</a> in Hudson or blue-corn enchiladas at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/santo">Santo</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a>.
Stay nearby: Rest your head at the adobe <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/platte-river-fort-resort-event-center">Platte River Fort</a> in Greeley (about 45 minutes from Keenesburg), or head to Boulder for a sweet suite at <a href="https://boulder.a-lodge.com/">A-Lodge</a> or the historic <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/hotel-boulderado">Hotel Boulderado</a> (roughly 1.5 hours away).
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