Our family just had such a wonderful and unforgettable experience during our visit to Pymatuning Deer Park in Jamestown, PA. Our visit was filled with excitement and adventure as we experienced up close encounters with all sorts of animals! There’s just something very therapeutic about petting and feeding the animals.
Located right next to Pymatuning State Park and The Spillway in Pennsylvania, makes it the perfect stop for families who are camping in or visiting the Pymatuning State Park. Pymatuning Deer Park is a delightful destination for families looking to experience nature, interact with animals, and enjoy a day of fun and learning. Here’s a guide to visiting Pymatuning Deer Park in PA, complete with tips to make your family trip unforgettable.
Why Visit Pymatuning Deer Park?
Pymatuning Deer Park has been a beloved attraction for over 60 years, providing an educational and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including deer, farm animals, birds, and many other fascinating creatures. Its well-maintained grounds and friendly atmosphere make it a great spot for a family outing.
Highlights of Pymatuning Deer Park
- Animal Encounters: One of the main attractions of the park is the opportunity to interact with the animals. This is what sets this park apart from other zoos we have visited and was our absolute favorite! Families can feed and pet deer, goats, yaks, and other friendly animals. The park also features exotic animals like Zedonk (half zebra, half donkey) zebras, kangaroos, camels, and an ostrich.
- Educational Opportunities: The park provides numerous educational displays and information about the animals. This makes it a great place for children to learn about the animals and make very close observations abut different animal features.
- Scenic Train Ride & Pony ride: The miniature train ride, $3/person, takes visitors on a scenic tour around the park. (train was not open during our visit) The miniature pony ride, $3/person (under 80 lbs) is such a wonderful experience. Our daughter was able to pet the pony, talk to it, and ride on it. She absolutely loved it!
- Picnic Areas: Pymatuning Deer Park has designated picnic areas (located outside of the park) where families can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. These areas are equipped with tables and benches, making it convenient to bring your own food and have a nice lunch.
- Playground: The park includes a playground (near the yaks) where children can burn off some energy. This addition ensures that kids have a variety of activities to enjoy throughout the day.
- Mining Opportunity: The park also offers a mining gem opportunity. Our children love doing this anywhere we go, so the moment they saw the sign it became a must do activity. They have 2 different gemstone bags available for purchase, a red one for $5 and a green one for $10. The difference between the two is that the green bag has twice as many gemstones and an arrowhead. With your purchase you will receive a little baggie to place your gemstones and a brochure to help identify the types of stones they find with some additional activities. We bought 2 red ones and our children were so content with them.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Plan Your Visit: Check the park’s hours of operation and any seasonal closures before you go. They are typically open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day 10am – 6 pm.
- Bring Snacks and Drinks: While there are vending machines available, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. Staying hydrated and having snacks on hand will keep everyone energized and happy. (especially the little ones)
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking quite a bit. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Though most of the walkways offer shade from trees, it’s better to be on the safe side. 🤗
- Prepare for Animal Interaction: Bring hand sanitizer or wipes for after feeding and petting the animals. There is a handwashing station near the petting zoo area, but you will pet and feed animal throughout the entire park. The park provides feed for purchase, ($2 for bag of nuggets & $5 box crackers) this is the only food allowed. However, you might want to bring small empty bags or containers to make it easier for younger children to handle. Based on my experience, I recommend buying a container of crackers for each child to have enough feed throughout the entire visit.
- Capture the Memories: Bring a camera or smartphone to take pictures of the animals and your family’s interactions. Everyone will be so excited to feed the animals, and the animals make the cutest little snout pictures! These memories will be cherished for years to come.
- Respect the Animals: Follow all park rules regarding animal interaction. Teach children to be gentle and respectful of the animals to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Now it’s your turn!
Pymatuning Deer Park is a great family destination if you are near Pymatuning State Park. Both the adults and the children in your family will have a day of excitement and lasting memories. My kiddos are already asking me when are we going to be visiting again!
What to do after your visit?
After your family is done with their visit to the Pymatuning Deer Park in PA, you should plan to make a stop at The Spillway in Pymatuning State Park! It is such a mesmerizing experience to see the fish and bird feeding frenzy!
Looking for more summer fun ideas to do with your family? Check out these summer fun activities!
