Animal adventures from coast to countryside
By Nicole Partis
From playful red pandas to wild ponies roaming the coast, Maryland’s animal experiences go far beyond a traditional zoo visit. Across the state, groups can connect with wildlife through immersive exhibits, working farms, rescue organizations, and natural habitats, making it easy to discover Maryland’s wild side.
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Baltimore: Maryland’s Premier Animal Adventure
From alpacas to zebra sharks, Baltimore’s A-to-Z itinerary takes groups on a wild adventure featuring more than 20,000 animals, stretching from the African savanna to the depths of the ocean.
The adventure begins at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, where one minute you might be watching lions show off during a training demonstration and the next you’re admiring polar bears gliding effortlessly underwater or making a few four-legged friends in the goat yard.
This year, the excitement gets even bigger with the debut of a new red panda habitat, the zoo’s newest exhibit celebrating its 150th anniversary and introducing visitors to one of the animal kingdom’s most charming residents. While the playful red pandas are sure to steal plenty of attention, they also shine a light on the zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation and protecting wildlife around the world.
Just a few miles away, the adventure shifts from land to sea at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, consistently ranked among the nation’s top aquariums. Watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins dart through the water, keep an eye out for sloths tucked high in the rainforest canopy, marvel at glowing moon jellies drifting gracefully through their habitat, and come face-to-face with sharks, sea turtles, and free-flying birds as you explore immersive exhibits inspired by ecosystems from around the globe.
Together, The Maryland Zoo and the National Aquarium create a full-day adventure while allowing groups to discover the conservation efforts helping protect them for generations to come.
Beyond Baltimore: More Wild Discoveries
The animal adventures don’t end in Baltimore. At Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, many of the more than 180 residents have found a forever home after being surrendered by previous owners. Visitors can learn the stories behind these animals while seeing firsthand the care they receive from dedicated keepers and veterinary staff.
For those looking for a more interactive experience, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in Thurmont invites guests to touch and feed a variety of animals while learning how these species serve as ambassadors for wildlife conservation.
Meanwhile, the Salisbury Zoo has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top free zoos, where naturalistic habitats representing North America, South America, and Australia make it easy for visitors of all ages to explore at their own pace.
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Central Maryland: Farm Fun and Furry Friends
Some of Maryland’s most memorable animal encounters happen far from traditional zoos. Black Barn Alpacas welcomes groups to meet and feed its herd of more than 100 alpacas through guided tours, seasonal festivals, and special events like alpaca yoga.
Nearby, at Wild Kid Acres in Edgewater, what began as a family homestead has grown into a thriving agritourism destination offering horse and pony rides, farm animals, tours, and field trips that highlight regenerative agriculture. The bilingual (English and Spanish) community education farm hopes to inspire the next generation of farmers.
Just down the road, Clark’s Elioak Farm rounds out the adventure with baby animal encounters, goat feedings, and very special hayrides through their fields that bring out everyone’s inner farm kid.
Eastern Shore: Wildlife Along the Coast
No visit to the Eastern Shore is complete without a stop at Assateague Island National Seashore, where the island’s famous wild ponies roam windswept beaches, marshes, and sand dunes. Descendants of domestic horses that have adapted to life on the barrier island, these iconic animals are best admired from a respectful distance as they continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
For something a little more unexpected, Work Horse Farm Rescue & Exotics in Denton introduces visitors to rescued animals from around the world. Guests can meet everything from capybaras and kangaroos to a two-toed sloth, camel, zebra, and more while enjoying hands-on opportunities to feed and interact with many of the farm’s friendliest residents.
Families looking to mix wildlife with hands-on learning can also stop by the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City. Home to playful river otters Mac and Tuck, along with exhibits featuring sharks, fossils, and the unique ecosystems of the Chesapeake region, the museum offers an engaging look at the wildlife that has shaped Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Southern Maryland & Greater Washington: Gentle Giants and Chesapeake Charm
Southern Maryland and the Greater Washington region round out the journey with experiences that celebrate the animals shaping the state’s natural and agricultural heritage.
In Solomons, the Calvert Marine Museum explores the rich history and natural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay through maritime exhibits, prehistoric fossils, historic boats, and a picturesque lighthouse. Along the way, visitors can also stop by the river otter habitat to watch the museum’s playful residents splash, swim, and nap between adventures.
Just down the road in Mechanicsville, Suttler Post Farm offers a chance to meet its famous Clydesdales. Farm tours give visitors an up-close look at these impressive horses while friendly Dalmatians often join the experience, happily greeting guests along the way.
In nearby Potomac, Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary offers a different perspective on animal encounters. Home to rescued sheep, goats, cows, pigs, horses, and chickens, the sanctuary introduces visitors to each animal’s story while highlighting compassion, animal welfare, and the importance of giving every resident a second chance.
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