Pymatuning Deer Park

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Located in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, not far from Pymatuning Lake State Park, Pymatuning Deer Park is a small family-run zoo full of fun for all ages. Over 250 animals and birds live at the park, including lions, tigers, and black bears (Oh my!). Since 1953, visitors have been flocking to Deer Park to feed and pet several varieties of deer and farm animals, as well as marvel at exotic animals from around the world.

If you are planning to visit, the park is located at 804 East Jamestown Road in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. Admission is $10.00 per adult (ages 13 to 64), $9.00 for seniors, and $8.00 for children (ages 2-12). Children under two years old are free. They also sell season passes for $29.95 (adults) and $24.95 (children and seniors). If you know you’ll come more than three times between May and October, you should purchase a pass.

State law prohibits visitors from bringing in food to feed the animals. However, Pymatuning Deer Park sells animal crackers (not for humans) and nuggets for the reasonable price of $1.00 a packet. As you walk in the gate, fallow deer will clamor for your attention in hopes of being fed.

THe PETTING ZOO

Children enjoy the gated petting zoo where baby animals abound. Most of the animals in this area are domestic, however there are a few, like the camels, that are not. Kids of all ages can pet piglets, goats, ducklings, ponies, and more. Be careful! We had a stowaway goat hide in the bin under our stroller one time.

If you are brave enough, you can even purchase a $2 ticket to go into the Budgie Barn and feed the birds. Each person who does it gets a stick (tongue depressor size) topped with what looks like peanut butter and bird seed. After the group enters, the colorful little budgies or parakeets swoop down and eat their treats. They perch on hats, arms, shoulders–really, wherever they can. It looks cute, but I think I would panic if one sat on me, especially if it pooped.  While visitors can watch from outside, it’s hard to get good pictures because of the screens.

Other optional activities include the train (a must for us) and pony rides. Pony rides are $3.00 a person, as are the train rides. The train ride is nice and long; it winds through a shaded area full of whitetail deer. The engineer is careful to watch for deer in the tunnel and will blast the horn if he sees one.  The train station is located at the top of the hill near the playground.

 

HOuRs

Pymatuning Deer Park is open from 10-5 Monday through Friday and from 10-6 on Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They are also open select weekends in May and September. The park is closed from October to April each year.

Food & Drinks

Within the park, a concession stand is located in Western Town, near the train station and playground. This concession stand serves ice cream bars, drinks, candy, and popcorn. More substantial food is located outside the park entrance near the picnic area. The concession stand outside the park serves hot dogs, chicken strips, nachos, fries, ice cream novelties, drinks, and other items. Picnic tables are available, and guest can bring their own lunches if they would prefer not to buy at the park. In my opinion, the food prices are quite reasonable if you need a quick meal. A pavilion also available and can be reserved by calling the park.

GIFT SHOP

Parents, beware! The exit to the park cuts through a small gift shop. Restrooms are available both outside the park and in Western Town. If you are in the park (say near the petting zoo) and need a restroom, you will need to go through the gift shop to get to it. Credit cards are accepted though, if you get into a pinch!

For more information, visit the Pymatuning Deer Park website.

Each year, we try to purchase a zoo membership. We are blessed to live close to several zoos. To learn about the benefits of zoo membership, click here.

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