Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We had a great time with our 19m old son. Lots of goats, deer, and sheep to pet and feed, including baby goats! They were all very well mannered (unlike other farms we've been to) so my son went from worried to having a blast in just a few minutes. He really enjoyed brushing them too. The workers were a very sweet and helpful. One of the guys took a ferret out and my son was so excited (but wouldn't touch) lol. Peacocks were free roaming which was kind of cool. The animals are definitely well taken care of. Tickets in and the gift shop accept card. Food for the animals is cash only. It was a cup of carrots, a cone of pellets, or grain crackers. Today they were $2 each or 1 of each for $5. There were also quarter machines around to feed various animals. They also had 'first come first serve' complimentary 2 seat wagons for kids which was AWESOME for my son. He was too small for the big jumping cushion and we decided to not let him into the big part of the playground (mostly because my husband is just too big of a guy to follow lol and I'm 8m pregnant so I definitely cant crawl around anymore) but there were a few smaller little things for him to play on there.
Ashley McHaleAshley McHale
00
I considered taking college courses for computer programming so I could hack into Google and figure out a way to give this place 6 stars. In the end I decided to settle for a 5-star review but it deserves 6. I don't think I'll visit a zoo that is more interactive than this one. Does not have giant grand animals like giraffes and lions but it more than made up for it in character and how up close we got to everything. My son held a goat and a boa constrictor (not at the same time) and even petted a porcupine. We could have spent all day in the play place which was a huge surprise. A giant play area and jumping pillow were included with admission. My overall advice- don't miss the scheduled animal presenratoons and don't sleep on the play area! 6 stars! Update. I did NOT take computer programming courses... But I did return here. Everything is still great, and the big update is the new and different, yet similar play place. They're adding a water fun battle game or something. Also, we just saw two goats being born.
Jesse BiscegliaJesse Bisceglia
40
They advertised the fall as a fall festival thing but the only thing that was fall themed was pumpkins. They didn't have many of the animals which I get that it's cold for some of the animals but there was not much to see. Was very disappointed with the lack of wheelchair access or ease. The walkway was very difficult to get through, the doors were not very wide to feed the animals and the bathrooms were not even handicapped accessible. The staff were very friendly but not helpful with opening the gates. The animals they had there were cool I will say I loved the lamas and deer. The playground was neat. The maze was barely a maze and the concession didn't have any fall type things such as hot coco or cider or anything using apples.
Jason WJason W
00
Had a great visit at Fort Rickeys Zoo.Went with my mom ,niece and nephew. The animals were really fun to feed and hold and the information on the animals were fun to learn .I do have one complaint, the girl at the snack area was really rude .We wanted some chicken tenders and she started to talk us out of them. I really don't think she wanted to make them .She said ,well there going to take like 20 min .She could have said I'm sorry it's going to be awhile would u like to wait .Then we wanted sluggish and they were just liquid, we were hot and needed some cold drink but we just got a cup of liquid grape .I didn't appreciate her attitude and when we come again we will not order food
Lisa NoraLisa Nora
00
Fort Rickey is the epitome of a family-friendly attraction in Oneida County. This discovery zoo is a totally hands-on experience that kids (and adults) love. The animals are loved and taken care of, the grounds are huge and beautiful, there is a shuttle that drives you around the park and there are so many cool animals. Durint COVID, they require you to schedule a time to visit to keep visitors limited so you can explore without a mask. This seasonal attraction is open thru the first weekend in November for Fall Fun Festival & I encourage people to book a time to visit now! P.S. you can feed some animals and hold baby goats in the maternity ward. Such an amazing spot!
Sarah FosterSarah Foster
20
One of my favorite places in upstate New York. It’s an adorable little ranch/animal conservation that’s both interactive and educational, all for a really affordable price. I spent hours in here feeing deer, holding baby goats, and watching ducks. It’s a very therapeutic experience and I would definitely recommend for people who like animals. The only critique I have is that the children there did not seem to be gentle enough around the animals. If you are planning on bringing your kids, make sure they are respectful and empathetic towards the goats and deer especially. With that in mind, it’s definitely worth visiting!
Alex GarridoAlex Garrido
00
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