This is a great place to pet animals and walk around with your kids.I loved my visit here. It is…read moreaffordable and an easy way to kill a few hours with the kids while teaching them about animals and nature. The road there is a dirt road but my friend drove it in a honda accord so nothing special or 4x4 needed during normal conditions. We walked around and fed camels, goats, bison and all kinds of other animals.

Does anyone know if it's still open on Saturdays? I want to bring my 2-1/2 year old grandson…read more Love this place. I volunteered a few times years ago and loved brushing the camel. What a experience of love on all the their 4 legged babies

Love calm zoo! It's a local treasure that should be thoroughly enjoyed by Bakersfieldians - where…read moreelse can you see black bears enjoying cake and presents on a regular basis or enjoy the train on loop or the little park inside. It is one of my 3 year olds favorite places in town. We went Saturday morning and spring mid morning is the perfect weather for calm. We pack lunch for the trip or long drive home. And Take our time walking around doing all the areas and then concluding with the train. Calm's got small town charm with a little extra and is a regular joy for our little family. Excited for their future expansion!

A day spent at CALM with my boys is a day well spent. They love to run around looking at all of…read morethe animals and ending the day on the playground. We had never been for the Spring Fling and we checked it out this year, we will come back for it again! They had so many fantastic volunteers that were really great with the kids. They had different talks scheduled at each animal exhibit, we got to see the bears interacting with treat puzzles, that was super cool! We missed the mountain lions painting but heard it was really neat. The snakes also painted and they had their artwork for sale. The train was also up and running, we rode it several times! The coast room was also open and the kids got to feel the different sea animals they have.

Murray Family Farms is an absolute must when you're driving to/from Tehachapi. My friends and I…read morevisited for their U-Pick blackberries and had an excellent experience. The Big Red Barn has a lot of fresh fruit, baked goods, and other treats to choose from. The real fun is when you pick the fruit yourself though. We got ourselves some sweet blackberries to take home. Out on the farm, we had the best tractor ride and learned some fun facts about fruits, as well as slid on the huge slide and played some outdoor games. While we were here, we ate some oakie pies. My favorite is thanksgiving dinner. It tastes just like November-- Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy. They have other tasty savory pies like the chicken pot pie, blueberry pulled pork, and the breakfast pie. Of course, you could get some sweet ones too! The service is very friendly and the farm truly has fun for everyone! I can't wait to come back for stone fruit season.

Took a side quest here on the way to Yosemite and it was worth it! I would have given 5 stars but I…read morecan't get over entry fees to a farm...$10.99pp ages 4+. If you decided to pick fruit you pay by the pound at the end which is reasonable but the fee per person just to walk around seemed on the high end. They have goats, chickens, peacocks, a variety of birds, chickens and roosters and cool art displays. We saw signs for paintballing and hayrides though I didn't see any wagons operating. The main reason we stopped was to try the Okie Pies. I had never heard of them and I am always looking to try new things. They remind me of a large empanada or handheld meat pie. We tried 3 savory and 1 dessert Okie Pie. They were out of blueberry so we settled for Apple and it was good but super sweet. I love desserts and unless you're a diehard apple pie fan you may find this to be too sweet. Savory flavors were salsa verde, chicken pot pie, and blueberry BBQ pork. The blueberry BBQ sounds odd but it was everyone's favorite. Everyone was very friendly and there was even someone who let the kids pet the goats and roosters. We'll stop on the way back home for more blueberry BBQ Okie Pies.

Animal Tracks is an animal sanctuary for exotic animals and this wildlife rehabilitation center is…read morelocated in Agua Dulce (between Santa Clarita and Palmdale). Each Sunday the center offers guided tours (no walk-ins allowed) and visitors will need to book a session on their website. [Sunday Public Group Experiences & Prices]: It is a 75-minute guided tour that focuses more on education over physical contact. For adult (ages 13+), the price is $49.95 per person + online booking fees. I actually purchased the experience via Groupon with an additional 20% off. [Preparation]: Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and layers for outdoor conditions. All visitors must complete an online waiver prior to attending. Water, Gatorade, coffee and snacks are available for purchase in the barn. [Parking]: Park as directed upon arrival and I was able to park within the premise of the barn. [Experience]: The tour started at 2 PM and ended at 3:30 PM. Our main guide Stacy was humorous. Each segment of the tour had its own specialist who shared knowledge on specific animals. During the tour, our party was able to see the following animals: horses/donkeys (with an opportunity to feed them lettuce leaves at no extra charge), hybrid wolves (with an opportunity to feed them by throwing food via a small window opening), cockatoos, armadillo, skunk, opossums, pigs, scorpions, porcupines, hedgehog, kangaroos, monkeys (including Tara who was featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), sugar gliders (will need to ask the staff to see them), etc. Some animal got some clever pun names like Quillie Eilish (one of porcupines). [Barn]: There is a small gift shop at the barn and visits will also see cats running around the shop. [Conclusion]: The tour was extremely educational and it was quite an eye-opening experience to see these rescued animals. This is a much better visit than The Gentle Barn and the tour from Animal Tracks is the real deal. Highly recommended for any animal lovers. P.S. - Donation box is located within the barn. P.P.S. - Visitors can also take a centerpiece plant on the tables back home for free at the end.

Every single person at this sanctuary does an incredible job of sharing the animals stories,…read moreteaching us how to respect them properly, and most of all loves them unconditionally. You can tell each staff member has devoted themselves to the care of these animals and it makes my heart so happy. This sanctuary is literally what dreams are made of. I find it really special/important that they don't make any of the animals do tricks, and if an animal does not wish to come out -- they don't have to. I'm so happy with my experience and if you have the means, please check it out.

Adorable farm with friendly animals. You feed them fresh chopped fruit and vegetables, not just dry…read morepellets. Very organized sections and places to sit. They have lots of snacks to buy and fresh delicious lemonade. Very friendly and welcoming staff.

We had the most wonderful time and spent way longer than we expected because of how much fun we…read morewere having. Truly a one of a kind experience especially with little kids. The animals are so gentle and sweet and the staff were really kind. We will be returning before the fall season is over to have another visit since the 1st visit was such a hit. So happy we stumbled upon this gem of a place while searching for a pumpkin patch.

If you're looking to step back in time and experience genuine hospitality, look no further than…read moreRankin Ranch. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with unhurried charm, service with a smile, and a feeling that we were more family than guests. The Rankin family and staff are truly exceptional. Sarah, Clint, Shelby, Emma, Chris, Ms. Glenda, and Mr. Bill are world-class hosts who made our stay far exceed every expectation. We were celebrating our anniversary, and on our very first night they surprised us with a delicious cake, making us feel incredibly special and cared for. The horseback riding was wonderful, taking us through beautiful meadows and across the valley. One of my favorite experiences was visiting Sarah's farm, where we met goats, a donkey, chickens, mini horses, farm cats, and even a baby calf that I had the chance to bottle-feed! We loved the swimming pool, they have archery, a fire pit, pool table, or if you want to just be quiet and read a book that is amazing too. The Fresh air was wonderful and we were able to nap and just enjoy reconnecting. Evenings were filled with fun, family-centered activities. We loved learning square dancing on our first night, and the second evening featured a unique Rankin Ranch game that had everyone laughing and connecting. Sunday was especially memorable. The day began with a delicious waffle breakfast, followed by horseback riding and a hayride to a gorgeous meadow for lunch. The Rankin Ranch beef burgers were outstanding--honestly one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. The afternoon horseshow tournament was the perfect ending to a wonderful day. What makes Rankin Ranch so special is that it's truly an unplugged experience. There are no TVs and no Wi-Fi, but what you gain is far more valuable: peace, relaxation, meaningful conversations, and the chance to reconnect with the people around you. As a bonus, the ranch offers subscription boxes featuring their incredible beef, as well as quarter, half, and whole cattle available for shipment. We left feeling refreshed, grateful, and already dreaming about our next visit. Thank you, Rankin Ranch, for being such a class act and for creating an experience we'll never forget. We can't wait to come back. I

Sadly I just had Two muscles tear away from my hip bone trying to lift weights with a trainer. The…read moredoctors told me they aren't repairable as they are too fare retracted They told me it takes years to be that way and it must be from an old accident. My only accident is from this dude ranch from tying conch together with a telephone wire. Thanks Rankin. 60 years old walking with a cane due to your negligence.

Well outside of the residential areas of California City, this nicely managed visitor center is a…read moresimple trailer in a small parking lot that can hold 20-30 cars. Dirt road most of the way but it is clearly maintained. The foot traffic only areas are nicely designated with graded dirt paths lined on either side by rocks that show you where to walk and where not to walk. Signage is tastefully sparse but informative. There are also little kiosks along the way with pamphlets. They also have some docent guided tours. Didn't see any titles but I guess sometimes they avoid people. Anyway, it was a nice flat ground hike with desert scrub bushes, Joshua trees, insects, lizards, etc. It's not "touristy" but if you like wildlife preserves this is worth the trip. It will only cost you the drive.

Desert Tortoise Natural Area is open most of the year. It is all natural and beautiful. You may or…read moremay not see a tortoise, they are free and don't come when called. Parking is free and on some days visiting is free. You take Highway 14 (for most travelers) and keep going to California City, which is a sleepy little town. You will see the sign for the Natural Area, take that for a few miles and you will find the Tortoise Natural Area. On the weekends there are tour guides. I like the weekdays and to go on my own. It is a beautiful walk and whether you want to walk just a bit or several miles you can. The area is flat. It is never crowded and in the distance you can see the amazing Sierra Mountains. It is just lovely. It does get very hot in the daytime, it is in the middle of the Mojave Desert, so wear sun screen and bring some water with you for the walk. Have fun.

I always like to finish the year with a Yelp review of a place that my entire family enjoyed! I…read morehave been to the Gibbon Conservation Center three times, but it was a first for a couple of people in my family! We were celebrating my great niece's birthday, and she's a big animal lover, like I am, so I had to figure out something that she had never experienced before. She just loved GCC! We've always had awesome tour guides, that are so informative and helpful answering questions! The gibbon's are such characters, and each are unique in their own way! We love it when the gibbon's break out in song! I can't imagine hearing this out in a jungle, if you don't know what is making the noise! It was so awesome to see a mama with her baby on our last visit! We've been there in February, and it can be a bit chilly for the 10 AM public tour, and this last time it was August and we were blessed with cooler weather, so it was perfect! Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and I recommend a hat. I also recommend clothes shoes as you are walking in dirt, and as a safety precaution for diseases, you do have to dip the soles of your shoes in a bleach solution before entering. For our August tour, we were the only people, so it was almost like a private tour, which was amazing! The tour is about an hour, but we were there for an hour and a half last time! You need to make a reservation, and the tours are done on Saturdays and Sundays. The public tour is $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children 3-12. Don't forget to tip your tour guide! They always put it right in the donation box! ;) They also have a little gift shop, and I get so many compliments on my gibbon earrings! This is such a wonderful experience for anyone, and you go away with a smile and a wealth of information regarding gibbon's!

The tour is very entertaining and educational every time. The gibbons always decide when the tour…read moreis over by going nuts, hooting and howling really loudly until everyone leaves. The sanctuary's doing a lot of good for the gibbons, breeding one species that has less than 1000 left in the wild, another with less than 4400. We donated our old car to this sanctuary to be auctioned off to help support them. Deforestation in Indonesia for palm oil plantations is destroying 300 football fields of rainforest every hour and threatening endangered species like Orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, sun bears, and gibbons, as well as significantly contributing to global warming. Indonesia's home to 15% of all known species of plants, mammals, and birds, with Indonesia's peat lands storing 35 billion tons of carbon. According to Indonesian government figures, around 24 million hectares of rainforest in Indonesia were destroyed from 1990-2015, an area the size of the U.K. This has caused Indonesia to become one of the world's largest carbon emitters along with the U.S. and China. Harvard and Columbia University researchers estimate the July, 2015 Indonesian forest and peatland fires caused by plantation development may have caused 100,000 premature deaths and the World Bank calculated the cost of the disaster at US$16bn.

Came on a day when it was supposed to rain later, but even though it was cloudy, it was actually…read morereally nice. It was not too crowded, and there is a lot of parking on both the left and right side of the zoo, which made it easy. Before entering, there are many vendors selling food, hats, accessories, and children's toys. Children under 2 are free, ages 2 to 12 were $22, and adults were $27. I believe there is also a senior price, possibly around $24. We were able to go through the entire zoo in about 4 hours, and the kids spent some time at the playground, which was new to me since I had not been here in a few years. If you are going without children or with older kids, you could probably get through it faster. Some animals had been relocated to another zoo, and the elephants were not there, which was a bit of a bummer. We were told animals get put away about an hour before closing. I am not sure if that applies to all of them, since we still saw some animals out around closing time. We were able to bring in our own snacks and drinks, which was nice. They do have a few spots that sell food, drinks, ice cream, and other snacks, but they were a bit expensive for me. We did end up getting churros and shared them since they were really long and more than enough for my kids. Overall, it was a fun visit.

The LA Zoo has really gone downhill. I used to have a membership and would go often with my son. I…read morehadn't been to the zoo in years but I decided to go with my sister and her kids. I literally paid $27 just to go for a walk and spend more money inside on really expensive food. Most of the exhibits were closed or did not seem to contain any animals. The highlight of the day was the Chimp exhibit and maybe the reptiles but that's about it. I wouldn't spend my money on a membership any time soon. I don't know why businesses in this economy think it's okay to keep overcharging customers with crappy service. What a waste of money.

Nice place. Water fountains are awesome. Relaxing view. I really enjoyed visiting Hart Park in…read moreBakersfield. It has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere on many days, especially if you love nature. The water, mountains, trees, and scenery are very beautiful and make it a great place to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes when there is shooting practice at the pistol range nearby, it can interrupt the peaceful feeling a little, but overall the park is still very nice and worth visiting

This is an amazing park! It was so green and plenty of space for people to get their own spot. I…read morewent in the afternoon, so it was hot! There were a lot of ducks in the lake. I plan to come back another time to enjoy the scenery in the morning.