Zovargo

(67 reviews)

•$$

Great family experience just outside San Diego! A real operating Alpaca Farm with a newly installed…read morepetting zoo. Had a great guide, JJ, learned so much about their animals, farm, production mill and great products in the store. (the dryer balls are a must have).

My son and his wife found about the tour of the Alpaca Farm....and suggested we all (out of town…read morecompany) do this together...our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a nice tour....however, it was a bit too hot...maybe a little pricey....

Sugar Sweet Farm

(118 reviews)

Our son Cruz has been going to Sugar Sweet Farm since he was 6 years old. Last summer, as he was…read moreapproaching 12, we thought it would probably be his final camp season. We were wrong. He signed up again this year, and when we picked him up today, he couldn't stop talking about all the fun he had--just like he did when he was 6. Seeing that kind of excitement after all these years truly melted our hearts. Now, Cruz is already looking forward to becoming a counselor one day. Elizabeth, Farmer Bubba, and the entire team are simply the best. You've created a place where kids make memories that last a lifetime. Parents, if you're looking for an incredible summer camp experience, Sugar Sweet Farm is the place to be. Thank you for all the memories.

I brought my 16month old nephew to here. We had so much fun and had an amazing day here…read more Sign up and sign the prior visit. Lots of animals and activities for kids. Turtle, chicken, snakes, lizards , dogs, bunny, horses, rabbits.. etc For activities; play grounds, face painting, art class, play room I would definitely bring him here again.

Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm

(121 reviews)

Found this place while searching for spots to visit with animals, and I'm so glad it popped up!…read moreSuch a fun sanctuary farm. The woman at check‑in was very nice and gave us a map plus a quick rundown of the layout so we knew exactly where to go. I'm obsessed with pigs, so I was very excited to meet their adorable pot‑belly pig at the front named Toffee. Tickets were on the pricier side, but honestly worth it -- the money supports an organization that gives animals of all kinds a safe, loving place to live. They also sell produce grown on the farm, along with drinks and snacks you can enjoy while walking around the grounds. They offer upgraded experiences for an additional cost if you want something more hands‑on. We went on a bright, sunny day, and it was HOT -- definitely recommend sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and comfy walking shoes. I was in heaven here. They have goats, camels, pigs, horses, a zebra, and more. You can easily spend the whole day here -- come early to beat the heat and the crowds. It's truly an animal lovers' paradise and a great place to learn about animals, be outside, and have some fun, all while supporting an amazing nonprofit doing meaningful work. A wholesome, memorable outing and a great day trip for families, friends, or anyone wanting to try something new.

This is the most special place I have ever been to, I've never been more happy. If you love animals…read moreyou have to check this place out! First off it's huge and you are allowed to feed and pet ALL of the animals! They have so much to see! Cows, pigs, camels, and even a zebra!! I never thought in my life I'd pet a zebra, this experience is just incredible! They even have turkeys and peacocks that roam and even came up to us for some food! All of the animals were super friendly and adorable. We even saw the smallest mini horse ever that was so cute. There are also cats that roam the property and one of them followed us throughout the whole place. Can you ask for a cuter tour guide?! They also grow their own produce and sell eggs. We picked and cut our own pumpkins and left with some duck eggs as well! Overall this was just the most fun experience I've ever had. I regret not purchasing the membership because ever since I left I keep thinking about how bad I want to come back! This is definitely a hidden gem and a fantastic experience.

SoCalMiniPigs

(467 reviews)

Where do I begin? We absolutely loved our visit here! You can tell Wes and his wife love their…read moreanimals so much and take such wonderful care of them. We booked the Mini Pig Experience and added on a visit with the mini cows: Adeline, Shasta, and Sedona. We really enjoyed our conversations with Wes, and he made the entire experience so fun and memorable. Their ranch, along with the time we spent with the beautiful pigs and cows, gave us the chance to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. We received a complimentary bucket of greens to feed the pigs. Definitely wear clothes you're comfortable getting dirty in - the pigs love the mud, and they also love cuddling up with you! We would love to visit again and stay in their Stargazer Suites that overlook the cows' ranch area!

SoCal Mini Pigs is not just a petting zoo. It's a special place where visitors can interact with…read moremini pigs, from petting to feeding and even adopting. Visits are by appointment only, so my husband and I booked a session on Valentine's Day. This was hands down the best animal experience we've had, thanks to the amazing staff and adorable animals. The animals were friendly, engaging, and active, which is a testament to how happy and well cared for they are. Each party is given a complimentary bucket of lettuce to feed the animals, with more available for purchase. We got to pet and feed not only mini pigs, but also goats, ducks, chickens, and even a large, handsome turkey. And because it was Valentine's Day, the staff passed around glasses of sparkling wine for guests, which was an extra special touch. The setting is tucked away in a mountainous area, making it feel like a hidden gem off the beaten path. It was the perfect stop on our way to San Diego. We're definitely looking forward to returning again next time!

Happy Hens

4.7

(31 reviews)

Cute little coffee spot in Ramona, coffee is delicious! Left cold brew with caramel, right cold…read morebrew with cinnamon brown sugar syrup and cold foam

We wanted to do something different with the kids, So my daughter did some research and she saw…read morethat Happy Hens not only sold farm fresh eggs but they also had fun Egg-tivities. They had a cute tiny store and a petting zoo and inside the zoo a small playground. $10 per person for the petting zoo. Ramona residents $5 and 2 and under is free. They were very friendly . The zoo tickets are sold in the little store as well as the chicken and goat food. We bought some honey, salve, and soup. A little on the pricey side but I'm supporting a small business so to me it's money well spent. The kids had fun feeding and petting all the animals. They played a little on the playground. They had out houses for the restrooms We spent a couple of hours there and you can totally make a longer day of it if you pack a lunch and sit on the benches Sweet family time fun.

Cindy Lu's Petting Zoo

4.7

(27 reviews)

We attended a birthday party where the backyard wasn't super big, but Cindy was able to…read moreaccommodate. It was fun to see everyone enjoy. We did make sure there were only 3/4 people at a time because of the space. The little chicks were everywhere, though. I almost felt I could have stepped on them, lol. Overall, it was fun to pet and take pictures.

Just celebrated my son's birthday and selected Cindy Lu's Petting Zoo to help keep the kids…read moreattending our party entertained. The husband and wife team were friendly and professional. The selection of pets were great. I joked and said they had brought the Noah's Ark Package for our party cause seriously, they had everything but a Chupacabra lol. They brought enough hay and feed to keep the animals at bay so everyone could enjoy them. I highly recommend them if looking for a petting zoo. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again for a future party. Price, value, selection- nobody even comes close!

Free Flight

4.6

(248 reviews)

We had such an amazing experience at Free Flight for my partner's birthday! We were able to…read moreinteract with the birds, feed them, take pictures with them, and simply enjoy their presence and cheerful chirping. There were many different varieties of birds, and each one added to the experience. My partner and kids had a wonderful time, and we especially loved the beautiful koi pond as well. It was a peaceful, fun, and unique outing for the whole family. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys birds and wants a more interactive experience with them. One thing to keep in mind is that visitors are not allowed to hold or pet the birds. However, you can feed them, and if they choose to land on your arm, that's perfectly okay. One of the birds even hopped onto my son's arm, which was a highlight of the visit! Overall, a fantastic experience that we would happily do again.

Was looking to start out my birthday doing something a bit different and this was the perfect place…read moreto start! Located in Del Mar near the festival, if your eyes are peeled open, it can be quite easy to miss. There's a few parking spots available. I came at 10am to see if I can register and walk in right away. They told me to come back at 11am. So I went across the street for a drink and then returned. It was a neat experience. You walk in and use hand sanitizers and get the instructions. If you're not a member you can handle the birds directly. You get a bowl of food and later can circle back to feed the fish. Some birds are outside their cages which is fun and you get some nice photos with them. The ones who ate from my bowl seemed to only really want the apples. The bowls had a mixtures of fruits and vegetables. The ones in the cages they tell you not to take out. Why? Don't know. Flight risk? For 15 bucks a person, it was a nice way to spend a hour and hear why some birds are the way they are (you'll have to ask the workers there why and they'll gladly share stories otherwise it's mostly a independent stroll through the sanctuary). Memberships are available if interested.

San Diego Zoo

4.4

(6.3k reviews)

I absolutely enjoyed visiting the San Diego zoo! I would recommend to get there early in the…read moremorning as the parking lot will get full quick and it won't be as hot. Depending on how much you like visiting zoos or whether you want to see it all you may need to be there early. They have a large parking lot that gets packed pretty quick with some handicap spots on the front. You do not need to purchase the tickets when you get there you can purchase them ahead of time and that will save time getting in. I recommend getting the app to be able to know where you're at and signing up for the attractions that have a sign up online such as the pandas. I love animals so I was super excited to go to the zoo. Be prepared with water and sunscreen you will need it. Because we're not local and we were visiting, I was determined to cover the whole zoo. In order to do this, we had to take the Torres that goes around a lot of the parts of the park, but you need to plan it. We were there about one hour past opening time and stay there until closing time. It was a very long day. They also have a lot of different restaurants and beer on site just remember to stay hydrated. I really like the zoo because the enclosures are big for each of the animals and they do not look like they are stressed. We even caught the flamingos getting a bit naughty. The food inside is OK it's better than nothing.

BEST FROZEN MARGARITA OF MY LIFE…read more Get the mixed one with strawberry, mango, and lime.

Adventure Lagoon

4.1

(222 reviews)

•$

We had such a great experience at Adventure Lagoon! The customer service was amazing from the…read moremoment we arrived. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The park was clean, fun, and had something for everyone. You can really tell they care about making sure guests have a great time. We will definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun day out in the summer !

My family (family of 4) had a blast here! We stayed there for about 6 hours. We did the obstacle…read morecourse twice and rented 2 kayaks while we were there. Bought 3 food items and a gatorade. But we spent alittle over $300 there on everything! There is a $35 or $45 entrance fee depending on when you come. It's just to come inside the lagoon. If you want the obstacle course it's an additional $10 per person for 55 mins (super short). If you want to kayak, use the aqua bike or use the paddleboard it's an additional $10 per equipment/item. There is a kiddie area for small and young children. They DO NOT allow outside food or drinks except water! There is a small shop that sells misc. items, snacks & drinks (overpriced). They also had a foodtruck inside that was expensive and the meals didn't come with drinks. They do have plenty of staff and lifeguards there. The entrance fee should of been $15-20. The obstacle course atleast 90-120 mins instead of the 55 mins. Wish the foodtruck came with drinks and was a bigger portion.

Lake Jennings

3.5

(192 reviews)

Check-in for the campground is 2:00 PM. The workers do a great job maintaining all the…read morefacilities--and they were all cordial. The bathrooms and hot showers were clean and well-maintained. The fish cleaning area and sink were spotless. Trash on the ground or in the water was a rare sight to see. For $58 a night, it was a great value. I had a nice view of the lake, too. After I checked-in and set up the campsite, with my tent, and a small camping table, I rented a rowboat for $25, good for five hours, so that I could go fishing. The walk between the campground and boat rental dock is about 25 minutes each way if you're using the shorter route. The lake itself is very clean. Though I would not drink the water from Lake Jennings without a water filter, out of curiosity, I did put some of Lake Jennings' water into an empty water bottle to see how clear the water is. To my surprise, the water is completely clear! While I was sitting in the rowboat, I noticed lots of different birds--bluebirds, coots, ducks, geese, grebes, hawks, herons, hummingbirds, osprey, sparrows, vultures, woodpeckers, a few others I wasn't sure what they were. Anyway, after the first hour of having my rod cast, I didn't think I would catch anything and began to lose hope. However, as the afternoon started to cool, under the mature trees, off the shoreline, just opposite west of the rental dock, my fishing line started to pull. I quickly reeled the line in and realized that this was a pretty big fish. I dipped my net into the water, to get the fish into the boat. I used my handheld fish scale and the catfish weighed just over eight pounds!! (I used homemade bait made up of oatmeal and fresh garlic, rolled up in a peanut butter ball, that I prepared the night before. Also, the line was about 15 feet under water.) After I caught the one fish, I returned the boat, and went back to the campsite to clean and cook it. I cooked the fish using a portable camping grill grate--with a bit of olive oil, a liberal amount of fresh herbs (oregano, parsley, thyme, diced garlic, and Hungarian sweet paprika), and lemon--over an open fire, in the fire ring, that they have in each campsite. I used Lucela mesquite charcoal to fuel the campfire. The catfish was high quality and delicious--easily the best catfish that I have tasted, in my life, to date. At night, the campground was completely quiet, even on a weekend night. The night sky was nice, too. However, the lake's management is strict about having all campfires extinguished by 11:00 PM. The next morning, I had planned to cook breakfast, but decided to sleep in. At about 11:30 AM, I checked out. Checkout time is before 12:00 PM (noon). Overall, this was a perfect little one-night trip. Hopefully, I will return in the future. If I ever do come back, I'll probably make it a two-night trip, so that I can explore more of the lake, and maybe aim to catch a crappie, sunfish, or trout.

Me and my family have never had to leave before we stayed all our reserved days while camping, but…read morethis campsite set us over. Most of the sites are completely barren with dead grass and bushes, and the view is primarily dead-brush-covered hills with the occasional view of the city below. The campsites are raised on a hill so the lake is barely visible. Even if it is, you are not allowed to interact with it except for fishing, so there is hardly a point. The sun relentlessly beats down on the ground, with the only shade being from sparse trees. The only reason this is not a zero star review (besides the app not allowing it) is for the staff, who were polite and very helpful. Never again.

Lindo Lake County Park

4.0

(48 reviews)

When Im in town I LOOOVE this Park!! This park has a variety…read moreof wildlife to watch and feed. The park has so many Awesome features my favorite being the Bbq Grills which are Top of the line and Perfect for having a Outside date! I enjoyed watching the many types of Birds, by the lake and enjoying the breeze! This park is Huge and Easy to spend the whole day in while enjoying Nature... or Enjoying a Romantic Picnic Cant wait to go back here Next time im in town. Be sure to check them out if your near by

I have not visited Lindo Lake County Park since I was a child. I am glad I visited again. I liked…read morethe new walking trails they have added over the years. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles. The park area offers lush green grass and plenty of places for a picnic and such. As for the lakes, there are plenty of bird species that live there, like geese, heron, pelican, egrets, and more. I observed several families fish there as well. The butterfly garden was new to me. There's a boathouse that can be rented for special occasions, a softball field and skate park nearby, and a children's playground at the park. I read that they plan to continue to improve the park over the next few years. There's a good amount of parking available.

San Vicente Reservoir

4.2

(33 reviews)

This was my second time visiting San Vicente Reservoir, and it's quickly becoming one of my…read morefavorite places. Admission is $10 per person (for adults), and there's plenty of parking available. The reservoir recently expanded the dam, and the lake is absolutely beautiful. There's people fishing, wakeboarding, tubing, jet skiing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water. Just keep in mind that Monday through Thursday is reserved for fishing only while the weekends are open for recreational boating and water sports. The scenery is gorgeous, and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful. It's the perfect place to escape the city, spend time with family or friends, or just unwind and enjoy nature. If you're looking for a relaxing day on the water in San Diego County, San Vicente Reservoir is definitely worth the visit.

I looked up spots to fly drones in town and this one popped up. It's a nice reservoir. If you…read morehave boats and water toys this is your jam. I believe there are entrance and other fees for using them. Since I was not using any of those I got a free pass in to look around. Definitely a nice back drop to just chill and observe even if you do not have any water toys. I hear drone enthusiasts dig this spot. I can see why.

Jonny's Jet Skis

3.3

(12 reviews)

The folks at Johnny's were absolutely excellent in helping me get my jet ski back in the water…read moreafter sucking in some fishing line. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to get the fishing line out, but they were able to do it in 30 minutes. The both of them literally dropped what they were doing to help me because they understood how important it was for me to get the jet ski back in as this was a long distance vacation for us. Our family is grateful to them and we would recommend them to anyone getting expert repair to their jet ski.

Dishonest, Unprofessional, and Disrespectful My 18-year-old…read moreson brought his jet ski to this shop for a basic diagnostic. He was quoted $230, but was later charged more without any updated paperwork or written authorization. On top of that, the ski was returned disassembled even though he was told it would be reassembled at pickup. He was also asked to sign paperwork he wasn't given a copy of, and the repair cost went from $1,000 one day to $3,000 the next after they'd already taken it apart. When we tried to resolve the issue professionally, the owner responded publicly by posting a long, angry message that included personal attacks and completely inappropriate remarks. This was unprofessional from start to finish. The communication was unclear, the work was unauthorized, and the response to the complaint was outright hostile. I strongly suggest taking your business elsewhere.

Windsor Equestrian Center

3.6

(11 reviews)

Special thank you to Evonne and her crew. They took really good care of my 2 horses. Evonne loved…read moremy horses as if they were her own. The ranch is clean and very peaceful. Evonne keeps the heat and dust down with frequent watering. I would highly recommend this ranch for boarding to those that are relatively new to the horse world. You will learn a lot from the crew at Windsor.

We really thought we were going to love this place. I…read morealready wrote a great review six months ago because my daughter was enjoying her lessons with the trainer Julia (although she was really not supposed to be doing lessons and was actually the farm manager). The owner, Evonne, definitely promised a lot as mentioned in the other review by Chris (it's hidden so please go look at hers and others that are there). I was sold just like Chris and other parents in that she told us on how amazing and talented Julia was, after all she was phenomenal Grand Prix Jumper who competed in Europe and all. In Evonne's words, "she's the real deal." I was hooked and my daughter trained with Julia learning to walk and trot, how to tack up, technique of holding reins, etc. Well, that all ended abruptly when we found out Julia was fired. Julia was never truly hired for lessons, and Julia was given SO many! Julia had agreed to do lessons for us and some other kiddos who were further along now, but not for a pony lead line lesson (she's way too valuable and experienced for that). The other young gal trainers should only have been given those, and we all knew it. Sadly, I watched surprise lessons pop up here and there, no warning for Julia and double booked for all the trainers. And these poor horses! We watched so many horses turn lame because the lesson horses went out multiple times a day from Tues through Saturday (they don't have nearly enough rideable horses to have a great lesson program). We loved those horses, and will definitely miss them. But there was no way we could stay at this facility once trainer Julia was let-go. Safety is the number one concern as a parent, and as we finished out our final lessons, we knew and saw that safety concerns were not a high priority anymore and my daughter would not advance as a rider (we never saw anyone jumping or even jumping equipment like cross rails or poles for 7 months). It was a HUGE mistake to let Julia go. This place could have achieved a great riding program with her.

Jazzercise

See more unrecommended reviews

(55 reviews)

Everyone is friendly ! Very clean ! Instructors are so helpful ! I get a great workout mixed with…read moresome strength !

‍Where can you go to get a full body workout, cardio and strength training, and have fun at the…read moresame Time? Jazzercise ElCajon will not disappoint - over 30 Classes a week! Open 7 days a week! Come join us! #Jazzercise #DanceAerobics #FunWhileYouWorkOut #LetsDance #MusicOn

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Rhittyaa H.

9 years ago

Zovargo is absolutely a home away from home to me. It's been over a year now since I've moved to San Diego, and during the first few months, I literally knew no one. I was completely by myself. I'm sure we can all relate to moving from a small town to the big city for school or a job. I was extremely fortunate that my academic advisor had recommended me for a Digital Media Internship with Zovargo. As soon as I went into his office, he had pretty much said to me. "This Internship is PERFECT for you." Then my story with Zovargo began, April 2018 will mark my one year working with Zovargo, and I can guarantee you that there have been no regrets. At this point, it is been more than just an internship, or professional development. It has been a compassion that drove me to excel and help spread the message with Zovargo about conservation. Amanda, Larry, and I have seen a magnitude of growth in my already dedicated work ethic, but as well my photography, graphic design, or anything really digital. It didn't stop there either, I've learned so much from going to event to event, at a photographer's stand point, but as well as a team member of Zovargo. I can go on, and on about how much I've grown just within one year with Zovargo, but honestly the most genuine and dearest thing in my heart that I've learned from Amanda and Larry was to do what you love. That will in turn will let you grow into someone that you never thought you could be. I couldn't have done it without them, and the rest of my Zovargo Family. So cheers to them, and for the future of Zovargo. If I become an Art Director for National Geographic, or even a Ranger for a National Park. It would not happen if were not been for Amanda, Larry and my Family at Zovargo that got me there. Until then, even after I graduate I'll still be volunteering with Zovargo, because they taught me, Do what you love! Zo-Var-GOOOOO!! read more

Katie W.

341

6 years ago

I was an intern for Zovargo for a full year. I accidentally stumbled across them while looking for a way to develop my skills in conservation education and presenting to large groups of people and I am so glad I followed through with my decision to join their team. Without the experiences I have had with Zovargo, I would not be the educator I am today. Amanda and Larry are some of the most passionate people I have ever met and it shines brightly through their work and dedication to this organization and animals. This internship taught me how to be fun and silly while talking about important conservation topics that will inspire future generations to love and appreciate animals. This internship is a MUST if you love animals and want to make a positive change in the community and the world. And as for their programs... they are fun, educational, and amazing! Zovargo ensures that the participants are engaged and interacting with the animals as much as is possible. If you are looking for birthday party ideas for your child, or you are a teacher trying to incorporate some fun into your students' educational experience, definitely check out Zovargo! read more

Ann H.

8 years ago

After attending my first Zovargo presentation, I knew that I had found the right place to share my passion for animals and the environment. Working with Team Zovargo - a group of people who are passionate about animals and nature - makes for unforgettable experiences. It was wonderful to be able to learn from one another and to create a bond grounded in the wish to make the world a better place. Amanda and Larry's commitment to animal conservation and education, as well as their dedication to the Zovargo ambassadors is second to none. They represent consummate role models for every animal lover and conservationist around. I thank them both for their guidance and support throughout my internship with Zovargo. During my internship with Zovargo, I had the opportunity to broaden my knowledge about animal handling and husbandry, as well as speak in front of many types of audiences. All in all, Zovargo's Animal Educator Internship provided a wonderful way to give back to the community and to help others experience the unforgettable human-animal bond that convinces us all to protect nature. read more

Madeleine M.

10 years ago

I worked with Zovargo as an intern for six months beginning in February 2016 and had an amazing experience. Amanda and Larry make excellent leaders by modeling real dedication to their mission and striving always for excellence in their programs. A big part of the internship program was training. Amanda has a wealth of experience and knowledge related to interpretation/education, and she was highly effective in passing on some of her skills to me. I was able to grow from a nervous and unsure educator at my first programs to the confident Animal Educator I am today, able to lead solo programs and assist in training other interns. Now at the end of my time with Zovargo, I can reflect on my experiences as both challenging and extremely rewarding. The atmosphere working with the team is one of acceptance and inclusion, and I walk away having built lasting friendships. Thank you Zovargo! To anyone considering working with them or booking them, I recommend it wholeheartedly! read more

Juliana H.

9 years ago

I worked with Zovargo as an Animal Educator Intern for a little over a year and I can honestly say it was one of the BEST experiences I have had since I moved to San Diego. Zovargo not only provided me with new knowledge on animals I had never worked with, but sparked my passions for critters I never knew I could love (Grace!). Amanda and Larry provided such great materials for their interns, allowing us to be fluent in animal behavior and education while we were presenting. They allowed us to be independent on stage but always reassuring us they were there to back us up. Creating connections with Leo, Chico, Baby Bird, and even the cockroaches only affirmed what I have always believed to be true about animals: their hearts are purer than gold. Did you know cockroaches can have personalities? I learned that from experience! Being with Zovargo made me feel like a part of something greater in my community and I am forever thankful for the time I spent with them. read more

Samantha B.

7 years ago

Zovargo is an amazing organization with an incredible mission. I was able to attend one of their programs that was held at my child's school and I have nothing, but great things to say about them. Amanda and Larry, and the rest of their team lead a professional event that catered to the kids. They got all of the kids involved and made it fun, while getting their message for conservation across to everyone. The animals that they shared were ones that you don't see everyday and it was a joy seeing everyone's excitement as they brought them out. My child raved about the event the rest of the day, giving me facts about the animals and how to help them in the wild. It is clear that everyone involved with Zovargo is really passionate about the messages they are sharing and they truly enjoy what they are doing. If you are looking for something fun and different for your kids to do, I highly recommend Zovargo as you will not be disappointed. read more

Cristina Z.

10 years ago

Amanda and Larry from Zovargo came to my 9 year old daughter's bday party yesterday. The kids absolutely loved everything!!! Several kids in the group want them to their bday parties in the future. THEY even got their business card!! They were very patient and kind with the kids, answered questions about the animals, educated them on protecting our environment, so the animals can be safe, kids fed and held animals, etc....They arrived on time to the party and set up a beautiful display table for the kids. Amanda always provided excellent customer care by promptly returning phone calls as well as my emails. Dimitri couldn't come to the party, however we understand that whether was too cold for him; his well being comes first! They offered a great price. Our experience with them couldn't have been better and we TOTALLY recommend Zovargo to ANY kids bday party! Thank you so very much guys, Cristina read more

Sarita P.

8 years ago

Zovargo programs are so entertaining and engaging! My daughter, who has many struggles with anxiety and sensory processing difficulties, absolutely LOVED their Pets Girl Scout badge workshop! She willingly touched all of the animals - mostly because of the encouraging, fun, and calm instructors who explained how to touch them safely and made even a millipede an exciting creature to interact with. My other daughter participated in their 3 Cheers for Animals Girl Scout journey workshop and was telling the family all kinds of facts about animals and their habitats -- what she learned really stuck in her head because of the hands-on activities and interactions with animals. I would definitely recommend this organization for any school, scout group, or even private events. The staff is knowledgeable and fun, the kids stayed engaged in the program and excited to learn. read more

Jena O.

2 years ago

I did an internship program with Zovargo and it was amazing! I learned so much about animals and how to teach others about animals! We went to schools, libraries, birthday parties, and much more all over San Diego County to teach about our animal ambassadors, habitats, and how we can help. We work with lots of children so we pride ourselves in making it a fun and exciting experience by getting silly with costumes, activities, and interactive learning. I learned how to teach and to work with the wiggles and the energy to create an amazing animal experience. Seeing people excited to meet and learn about animals is the most rewarding thing about the whole internship. There is truly no other volunteer or internship program like this, and I couldn't recommend it more. The team is so friendly and we all have a shared passion for animals. read more

Larry M.

483

10 years ago

Not a brick and mortar place you can visit, but a mobile zoo that comes to you! Zovargo is so much more than a simple petting zoo. All of the other reviews I've read are spot on! With a wide variety of animals to encounter children of all ages are captivated for the entire program. Their creative ability to engage children and adults alike keep the laughter, learning, and excitement flowing. The staff is knowledgeable and the passion they have for their work really shows in the way they interact with the audience. I highly recommend Zovargo for your next birthday party, private event, educational seminar, school enrichment, or just to have a good time learning and interacting with animals. I can honestly say I view the world around me with a little more respect and an open heart for the planet we live with. read more

Jen H.

10 years ago

We hired Zovargo for a joint birthday party for our 10 and 7 year old and I cannot say enough wonderful things about Amanda and her crew! They arrived on time, with an amazing display and their set up was swift and quick. They were interactive, informative, engaging and so patient with 20 excited kids and their love for animal conservation really shows in their presentation. Our experience with Zovargo was so much more than we could have ever imagined. I would recommend Zovargo to anyone for a birthday party or event. Both adults and kids would really enjoy having them, their wide range of animals and I can guarantee you and your guests will not be disappointed!! Thank you again Zovargo, you all were absolutely AMAZING!! We can't wait to have you back for our next event! read more

Jani P.

9 years ago

Zovargo is an amazing educational organization that really cares about providing authentic experiences with their rescued animal ambassadors. Their team of animal educators made everyone feel comfortable and excited to meet their creatures. During the program they were able to include adults and children - making it fun for everyone! My daughter Sophia had the best time interacting with the animals and learning about them. We met so many different types of animals from feathered, furry and scaled! So cool! The zovargo program has created some great memories for our family. From start to finish, our experience was superb and I recommend Zovargo highly! read more

Airam O.

10 years ago

My experience with zovargo was absolutely incredible! Amanda and her team of profesionals really know how to work with kids. I lead a troop of Girl Scouts (Daisies) and was a little worried my girls wouldn't participate or be scared of the animals/bugs in hand, they brought a millipede, red crown parrot, tarantula, and a guinea pig. I was worried for nothing! The girls were taught to coexist with these animals including bugs and the special job each and every one has in this world and more. We still talk about the time we all held a tarantula a memory we will always have. BOOK zovargo I strongly recommend them! read more

Jessica H.

7 years ago

I went to a special event provided by Zovargo called "walk on the wild side." It was so nice to see several of their animals up-close and be able to interact with them as well! I had heard about this group before at my local library but didn't get a chance to see them there. They put on a great animal program and were truly professionals! I felt included in the program, engaged, and I appreciated that they included conservation messaging into the program as well! Beautiful animals, professional staff, and a great animal experience! I hope I can catch them again sometime in 2020! read more

Kelly S.

9 years ago

I'm a BIG fan of Zovargo! I have seen them around town at several public events like Earth Day in Balboa Park. The staff are always friendly and the animals at Zovargo are really interesting. I appreciate that this organization supports conservation of all animals. I was able to participate in my sisters Girl Scout program which is where I first saw Zovargo. They were so great with the girls and our group of girls loved all Bengal Cat and the Parrot. Their animals were calm and great with the kids! I highly recommend them for schools, scouts, or event a birthday party! read more

Robin E.

8 years ago

I met the staff of Zovargo at a recent festival in San Diego and knew their organization would be a great fit at my school. We coordinated the program and dates with ease and they brought along a few really amazing animals for several classrooms to enjoy. Their educators were so great managing the students! The animals they brought were all well-cared for and fit well with our grades. I'd recommend them highly for any school program or even private event! Thank you for making this work for us - we can't wait to work out another date in the future. :) read more

Vinita K.

10 years ago

Wish there were more than 5 stars to award to Amanda, Maddie and Larry for being fabulous. They were well in time and ready to start at the planned time for my daughter's birthday. Started with good energy and continued with educating/entertaining adults and kids alike. They even had additional props like soft toys, costumes and games for kids to get them interested and involved. The event's show and tell even had adults participating with loud cheers. Thanks guys for being so awesome and loved having you with us ....three cheers! :) :) :) read more

Andrea S.

9 years ago

I highly recommend Zovargo for your animal loving child's next birthday party! My daughter wanted to invite her whole kindergarten class over to see animals and Zovargo delivered and then some! Amanda was so great to work with! Very accommodating and flexible, offering suggestions, etc. They entertained the kiddos with animal crafts and then an amazing interactive educational animal presentation. The whole team was amazing!! Great pricing and well worth every penny. All the kiddos (and I think the parents too) had a blast! read more

Samantha B.

10 years ago

Zovargo is amazing!! I worked with them as a photographer, and then on the other end as they hosted an event for my daughters girl scout troop. They are so helpful, affordable, and make things super easy! You can choose the animals they bring to you which are so adorable! They help to teach and inspire kids, and adults to learn about animals, and how to love and protect them. It's very informative and structured in a way where its fun! Definitly would reccommended them for your next fun event! read more

Diane T.

6 years ago

Intern Testimonial: I loved my time with Zovargo! It pushed and tested me in many ways. I took steps outside my comfort zone and had the support of a great team to back me up. This internship gave me some wonderful friends and showed me what I'm capable of. Every educator is so invested in the program and helping teach people about the amazing creatures they work with and how the things you do everyday can impact the world. I'm so grateful for the connections and tools Zovargo has given me! read more

Zovargo - educationservices - Updated August 2026

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