Offers may be subject to change without notice. I enjoy playing with the pigs and laying under my tree. Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. Nurtured by Nature - California. I am a city girl who has relocated to the country. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. If You've Ever Wanted To Swim With Otters In Texas, Here's Your Chance Just outside of Waco, TX sits the perfect destination for animal-lovers to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroo, lemurs, otters, horses, mini cows, and more. Loved our visit, and thanks to the staff. Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. "Our priority is the safety and care of the animals.". Blue Hills Ranch is home to other animals, including mini horses, camels, zebras, bison, kangaroos, emus and mini Scottish highland cows. Devices like puzzles, palm fronds, coconuts, and Frisbees encourage the otters natural behaviors and give Merlin, Arthur, and Fisher a chance to explore their environment, solve problems, and make decisions. Tickets will sell out quickly, so reserve yours today! TikTok is obsessed with this Texas animal sanctuary that lets - Yahoo I am Blue, the two year old giraffe born in April of 2020. A native Baltimorean and previous Tampa resident, Monique joined the Chronicle in the summer of 2021 after nearly four years at the Tampa Bay Times where she worked on all things digital, launched the newspaper's first race and identity newsletter, Regarding Race, and covered local news. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the. Texas ranch lets you swim with otters, 3-hour road trip from Houston I would recommend that anyone check out this place for a great family or group event. Blue Hills Ranch inside of a 150 acre Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary. They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature," Lightfoot said. Do512 Family is all about what to do in Austin with kids. You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. If you see us, we will go hide again, because you are always "it". The King. Or swim with otters? Swim with otters in Texas: TikTok loves this animal sanctuary - In The Know If you wish to get a more up-close and personal experience you can book extra animal encounters with the giraffes, kangaroo, or mini cows, bison and camel, or an adorable duo of Saint Bernard puppies. Otters exhibit a characteristic love of playtime. Wine (choice of drink) Charcuterie Board, Dessert included, 1 hour experience, inside or out (based upon weather conditions and safety of giraffes). Kids will never say no to a playscape, and the Cameron Park Playscape is pretty large. "We only take your group around together, so you will not be mixed with other people and feel left out," Lightfoot said. Continue your travels through the Asian Forest, where the habitat replicates the abandoned Angkor Wat temple inhabited by orangutans and komodo dragons. Adult swim tickets will cost $280 and child swim tickets will cost $225, with children (10 to 15 years old) paying the same. Here, you'll encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, white rhinos, and meerkats. 38. May 14, 2022 You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. Watch these entertaining primates play and communicate! Otters are very playful creatures. In 2000 we were considered extinct by the IUCN. We had to use our portable ramp a couple of times but she had a blast. We are the newest puppies to the mix at the ranch. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the . 11 Amazing Kid Friendly Weekend Getaways in Texas - 365 Traveler Chalk Ridge Falls Park. Whether you like to slither with the snakes or roar with the lions, Cameron Park Zoo has it all. Come spend 20 minutes swimming and interacting with our baby otters, Kumo and Okami, The world's smartest baby otters! The dinner date with Giraffes starts at $400 per person. Animal Encounters at Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary Swims are operated daily from 2pm to 5pm, and reservations are required. Children must have an adult in the pool with them (ticket required). The Brazos River Country Exhibit features native species and the history of the Brazos River Basin. The final portion of the experience is a one-of-a-kind chance to swim alongside Asian small-clawed otters in our climate-controlled saltwater pool! Monique reported on the trendiest news within the greater Houston region and across Texas, and occasionally contributes to the Chronicle's race and identity newsletter, HouWeAre. The otters prefer to swim warm waters, so Blue Hills maintains temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees in its hot tub, depending on the day. We love to be out and about in Austin and are always looking for fun things to do with the family. We help our zebras stand guard and protect our other animals from any harm, but we will also seek, Bonnie, Clyde, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. Other Travel Brochures you may be interested in that are nearby your selection: Texas State Parks near El Paso & Big Bend, Texas State Parks near Abilene, Amarillo & Midland. More than 1,700 animals, representing more than 300 species, live within the natural habitat zoos 52 acres. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. Come and watch our swimming skills while we eat our favorite treat - fish popsicles! Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. I grew up in California before moving to Texas. Animal lovers who are looking to get up close and personal with wildlife are in for an otterly awesome treat at this Texas ranch and resort. No exceptions! Texas ranch lets you swim with otters in a hot tub Cuddle Up With Otters At This Wild Texas AirBnB - Secret Houston Kangaroos. The otters quickly became one of the resort's most popular attractions. TikTok is obsessed with this Texas animal sanctuary that lets guests Blue Hills Ranch (McGregor) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Swims are limited so it remains a positive experience for them. Perhaps thats why otters who live in zoo habitats goof off so much., Simple sidewalk chalk obstacle course is the perfect activity for bored toddlers. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Animal Adventures | Blue Hills Ranch Monique holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Media Studies from Goucher College. There's a ranch near Waco where you can swim with otters during their playtime | All your money goes towards caring for the animals here! The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. My favorite treat thus far is carrots. Reservations can only be made up to a month in advance as the property often hosts weddings. You can book a private safari tour to meet the animals, or opt for extra special encounters like bottle-feeding young giraffes or swimming with otters. Otter Creek - Texas State Aquarium $225 per person + taxes and fees (Ages 10-15 years). Be Bound By, Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay in Texas, Your Austin To-Do List: Best May Family Events, Where to Rent Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs on Lady Bird Lake, The Best Family-Friendly Breweries Around Austin, Summertime Green: Great Spots for Teens to Work in Austin. All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. One-night stays are priced at $229 for an adult couple - with cleaning, service, occupancy taxes and fees the price comes out to $310. Top 10 Best Swimming Holes in Waco, TX - April 2023 - Yelp Start your zoo journey by visiting and exploring Gibbon Island and Lemur Island. I am the mom to all the animals that live in and around the house. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Come To Texas. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the country where visitors can swim with otters, according to property manager Skylar Lightfoot. Elvis, Garth, Dolly, Wynonna, Naomi, Salt, Pepper, Patsy, Madonna, Pink. We are still very shy but enjoy seeing new people. We are native to Europe. or Come swim and play with our Asian Small-clawed Otter water sausages, Otto and Sweet Pea, in their private hot tub! Resort | Weddings | Cabins & RVs | Animal Encounters | Texas The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them. @bluehillsranch #waco #texas #otters #swim #bucketlist #weekendgetaway #summerstories #fyp #dallasdiscovered. Enjoy a private tour of up to 5 people for a luxury private safari only in Texas. The Asian Forest is also home to Sumatran tigers where you can watch these big cats roam their forested habitat. Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary in McGregor, TX features 150 acres of beautiful land with rolling hills, ponds, and endless sunset views where a wide variety of animals roam freely. Just 20 minutes east of downtown Austin, the Zoo is home to over 500 rare and beautiful wild animals. Log In. Mr Blue Sky - Fiach Moriarty & Various Artists. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! They are both beautiful and comfortable and allow you to experience the ranch in such a unique way. 2019 Do512 Family. We are the prettiest deer out there because of our unique white spots. As of May 2021, we implemented a price increase on all of our otter swim tickets. All reschedules must be done 14 days prior to the reservation. Forget Babes, Otters are the New Swim Partners You Need in Texas $280 per person + taxes and fees, Kids Swims: 1 of 12. Adult Swims: The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok . Otter Swims | Barn Hill Preserve Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. This website relies on Javascript to function properly. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings. We love our treats and want you to come say hello. All otter swim encounter tours include the full Barn Hill encounter tour and petting zoo experience prior to the swim. 've ever wondered what it's like to swim with otters, here's your chance! I was born in Texas but grew up in California, but I am for sure the Princess of the ranch. We get visitors from all across the country for this experience. If otters aren't your thing, you can also come face to face with giraffes and camels. We are Asian small-clawed otters, donated in March 2020 and are as cute as can be! Is Abbott Trading Texas Future to Become Trumps Running Mate? This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. The otters and the kids will all have a wonderful time! As you watch the sunset, youll enjoy the sight of zebras just walking around your cabin. Capital of Texas Zoo We loved riding around and feeding the many gorgeous cows and horses, and a camel, too. The Barn Hill Preserve is one of only a few zoos in the United States that allows otter swims. Come for a once in a lifetime experience. Lilly and I were the first animals here at Blue Hills Ranch. They weigh no more than eight to 10 pounds and measure up to two feet in length. This increase is a response to protect our otter ambassadors safety as they grow older. for safety during spring and summer time. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok The King 55.9K exploringamanda The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. 129 talking about this. An animal guide will be there to answer questions during your hands-on wildlife experience. Just 15 minutes outside of Waco Texas sits our beautiful 150 acres of. A womans gym mystery catches the attention of a famous author. Wanna Swim With Otters In A - Waco, TX Local - Facebook The swimming excursion takes place in the otters' private bubbling jaccuzzi, and visitors are given the unique chance to swim, play, and feed the otters their favorite treats including fish. The pool is evacuated in event of lighting. The entire experience was AMAZING! Lisa may come up to say hi while I stand back and be her watch guard. With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. Our favorite snacks are strawberries and watermelon.