Sidetracked! Grand Canyon Deer Farm
Ever wanted to pet and feed 60 ravenous deer? Here’s your chance.
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side·track (sīd´trăk): n. 1. A diversion from the main course. 2. A detour taken with children that you would never, ever take without them.
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Who:
Me, my husband, and our 8 and 10-year-old kids. We were on a spring break road trip to the Grand Canyon and decided to take a detour.
What:
The Grand Canyon Deer Farm and Petting Zoo, which also has wallabies, talking birds, potbellied pigs, llamas, miniature donkeys, miniature horses, monkeys, reindeer, bison, and a baby camel. Wacky doesn’t even begin to cover it, though the animals seem happy and healthy.
The farm recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and is conveniently located near Williams, Arizona (where we had just disembarked from the Grand Canyon Railway). From the brochure: “Babies are born from April-August. You might even see one being born!” Thankfully, we did not.
Why:
Mainly because I was driving (and my husband was not) when we all spotted the kitschy roadside sign advertising it.
The High Point:
Well, feeding deer obviously. Also, getting mobbed by the deer. And bumped by deer. And nibbled on by deer. These are fallow deer luckily, which are pretty small and lightweight compared to some of their cousins. You’ll be glad of this when they trample you in their zeal to be fed.
A direct quote from my 10-year-old daughter: “That was the best thing ever. You have to put it on your web site!” She’s bossy like that.
The Low Point:
Arriving at our next destination (the swanky Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix) with vast quantities of deer saliva, deer snot, and deer hair on our clothing.
I’ve walked into a lot of nice hotel lobbies around the world in stained and wrinkled clothing after lengthy road trips, but this was definitely a new low.
The Kids’ Take:
Ten times better than the Grand Canyon. The absolute highlight of our Arizona road trip.
The Bottom Line:
I thought my husband was going to pass a kidney stone when I forked over $38.50 for 2 adults, 2 children, and two large cups of deer kibble, but even he later admitted that it was completely and totally awesome.
Grand Canyon Deer Farm from TravelSavvyMom on Vimeo.
May 31st, 2010 | by Jamie Pearson 7 comments
1. Pamela99 on June 1st, 2010
I loved your article and all the pictures. You can’t really put a price tag on a day like that with your children. They will always remember the experience. I would love to go there myself.
2. Carolina on June 2nd, 2010
Better than the Grand Canyon, huh? I think the NP Rangers should really think about setting up their own petting zoo/farms.
3. Riley on June 14th, 2010
Better than the Grand Canyon, huh? I think the NP Rangers should really think about setting up their own petting zoo/farms.
4. Michael on June 14th, 2010
We’re headed to the Grand Canyon this summer, and just might be passing through Williams – maybe we’ll take a look with our five year old.
5. Alicia Matthews on June 21st, 2010
you can avoid kidney stones by drinking lots of liquid.;;*
6. Diana on June 28th, 2010
Jamie, You have inspired me with all of your fun trips! We are planning to explore the Ape Cave (http://bit.ly/ah6vyx) tomorrow and then will spend the night here (http://bit.ly/9CYcLq). T is thinking about taking M for the helicopter tour and I’m hoping to take a horseback ride with S. This is a definite sidetrack! I’ll keep you updated!
7. Jamie Pearson on June 29th, 2010
@Diana Wow–I’m impressed! I will have to redouble my efforts to get you to write it all up for us…
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