happyly approved

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788

Varies by Season- Check the Website

$$$

outdoor-adventures, road-trips, fun-paid-activities

You’ve probably heard of the zoos in Baltimore and DC. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is a lesser known, but not lesser quality, zoo in the area, located just north of Frederick, MD on Route 15. What we love about this zoo is that it is very manageable, even for the littlest kids. The terrain is flat and easily navigable with strollers but the exhibits are so close together, little ones will probably prefer to walk. 

The animal residents of the preserve are varied and include snakes, camels, zebras, leopards, baboons, kangaroos, and more (although our favorite is the wolves!). For an extra fee, the zoo even offers an hour long safari ride where visitors can travel in an army troop carrier to see, and feed, the animals! If you don't want to devote an hour to a safari ride, little ones can still feed a number of animals include coy, deer, alpaca, sheep and more!

There are some limited food options available on site or visitors may bring a picnic from home. You'll find shady spots with picnic tables, as well as bathrooms located throughout. 

Features

Animals
Thoughtfully captured by:
Katie Raspa
Our work in Baltimore is truly a family affair. Husband and wife, Matt and Katie, work together to head up our ambassador team in Charm City. Katie is a Maryland native and has lived in the state her whole life. She moved to Baltimore in 2007 after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She has been working in the field of early childhood education as a teacher and family coach for the past 12 years. Katie also holds a Masters of Education in Literacy from Loyola University. She is passionate about giving kids and families the knowledge and tools that they need to thrive. Matt grew up in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. As a city native, Matt is a great resource on all that the city has to offer. After months of helping Katie explore the city for her role at a Happy Active Family, he decided to put his love of writing to use and officially come on board as an ambassador. Matt and Katie have two girls, ages 5 and 7. They spend their weekends camping, hiking, or exploring other hidden gems in their area. Tap into their insider knowledge by downloading the app today!
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