Lazy 5 Ranch

My mom has been talking about the Lazy 5 Ranch for a while now.  She finally convinced me that we needed to go, so back in the fall we picked a weekend and put it on the calendar.  I am SO GLAD that we did!  This place is awesome!!

We got reservations for a 10:15 wagon ride which meant we had to leave my parents house by about 8:30.  We got to the Ranch a bit early and were able to walk around some and see a few animals from afar.  The wagon ride was wonderful!  Not crowded and you get buckets of food to feed the animals.

Waiting on the wagon ride to start

Brayden, Daddy, and Paw

The entire principle of this place is to allow you close contact with the animals (although there are a few that you can't get near).  As the wagon moves along, animals walk/run up to the wagon to be fed.  You have to pay attention to the way the guide tells you to feed each animal.  Some can be hurt if you feed them incorrectly.  Every so often the wagon will stop and you can take pictures, pet, feed, etc the animals.  Such a neat experience for the kids (and us grown ups)!

We fed emu, ostrich, several types of deer, water buffalo, several other types of cattle, giraffes, zebra, and lots more.  They also have petting zoo where you can continue to feed some of the animals including camels, donkeys, sheets, goats, etc.

Emu/Ostrich - up close and personal

Zebra

Llama - they were somewhat aggressive and really wanted the food

Giraffe - One of them was 25 feet tall!!!

Matt and Brayden feeding the giraffes

Luther the rhino - he is in a pen and you can't get close to him

Brayden feeding a cattle of some sort

Hello bird

Beautiful rolling green hills

Deer - none of the deer on the property are native to the US

Water Buffalo (I think)

Another giraffe

Peacock

Lilly was unimpressed

Brayden loved it and Lilly was not excited but I she is still a bit young.  We will definitely be going back when she is a few years older so that she can experience it again!

Hanging out with Paw

Lilly feeding the sheet

They also have a nice picnic area and play area for kids to get their wiggles out!

Kangaroo - one of them made laps back and forth along the fence lin for about 5 minutes while we stood and watched

As an alterative to the wagon ride (a bit cheaper also), you can drive your car through the park.  I would not suggest this because some of the animals can get a bit excited and scratch your car plus you don't get a guided lesson as you drive through the park.

If you are in NC, you definitely need to check this place out!  It is near Salisbury, NC and is relatively cheep and a fun time for the entire family!  We will be going back one day!!