My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. "We only take your group around together, so you will not be mixed with other people and feel left out," Lightfoot said. All rights reserved. The entire experience was AMAZING! Railbiking Is a New Adventurous Way to Experience Train Travel Here Are the Best Places to Try It in the U.S. 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for the Ultimate Care-Free Vacation, 11 European Castles to Spend the Night Like a Royal, 15 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire, 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States, 10 Farm Stays in the U.S. to Get in Touch With Nature and Animals, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 12 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples Who Want White Sand, Gourmet Food, and Private Resorts, Can't-miss Places to Visit in Australia, According to Australians. Visitors also have the chance to participate in giraffe feedings during select times throughout the week. No exceptions! There's a ranch near Waco where you can swim with otters during their playtime | All your money goes towards caring for the animals here! We are going to be about 150 lbs each. The Blue Hills Ranch Resort, north of Austin, provides a variety of animal excursions including swim time with two adorable otters. Children must have an adult in the pool with them (ticket required). Monique Welch was an engagement reporter for the Houston Chronicle. You've probably heard about swimming with dolphins, but what about swimming with otters? Dine and have an adventure with our tallest friends at Blue Hills Ranch. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Head to Blue Hills Ranch, just 15 minutes outside of Waco, and you can look forward to the most unique animal experiences in the state. The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok . We love to be out and about in Austin and are always looking for fun things to do with the family. 2019 Do512 Family. The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. River otters are native to Texas, but because of the demand for pelts back in the 19th century, followed by habitat loss and water quality degradation, otters were virtually wiped out except in . Our favorite game is hide and seek. Chalk Ridge Falls Park. I am still learning all the new sounds and smells of the different animals. We were donated in March of 2021 and we patrol the fence line. Loved our visit, and thanks to the staff. If you scratch our belly, we will roll over. The ranch offers visitors a chance to stay in its cabins, where guests can pay$200 per personto experience the otter swim service. For $300 you can spend the day in their facilities and can spend up to an hour with their two otters, Sweet Pea and Otto. Zebras. Elvis, Garth, Dolly, Wynonna, Naomi, Salt, Pepper, Patsy, Madonna, Pink. I am Google, the 1 year old giraffe who follows in Blue's footsteps, learning all about Blue Hills Ranch. The one-mile-long lazy river at BSR Cable Park is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the cool water on a sweltering summer day in Texas. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. ), and wedding and event venues. When youre ready to book your visit, check out www.bluehillsranch.com! A native Baltimorean and previous Tampa resident, Monique joined the Chronicle in the summer of 2021 after nearly four years at the Tampa Bay Times where she worked on all things digital, launched the newspaper's first race and identity newsletter, Regarding Race, and covered local news. Another popular place to swim in Waco is the BSR Cable Park. Fish popsicles and shrimp treats are their faves if youre lucky, they may offer toys to you and share their mischievous energy, must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Barn Hill Preserve is one of only a few zoos in the United States that allows otter swims. Be Bound By, Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay in Texas, Your Austin To-Do List: Best May Family Events, Where to Rent Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs on Lady Bird Lake, The Best Family-Friendly Breweries Around Austin, Summertime Green: Great Spots for Teens to Work in Austin. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Mr Blue Sky - Fiach Moriarty & Various Artists. "Our priority is the safety and care of the animals.". A Chronicle investigation reveals the extent of the ballot paper shortage in Harris County's November election, including how the shortages could impact the future of Texas' election laws. No smoking or open flames on Ranch property, Outside animals are not allowed outside RV Area, Children under 18 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult at all times, Wild animals are present, death or injury can occur, Liability Waiver must be signed by all visitors prior to entering the Ranch. They can be seen from multiple perspectives, whether performing their graceful underwater maneuvers or just napping in the sun after a long swim. Blue Hills Ranch is approximately 20 miles from Waco and offers a unique safari getaway where visitors can swim with otters, feed giraffes, observe donkeys and zebras and more. If you're interested in swimming with Otto and Sweet Pea, you must be at least 12 years old and your group must make a reservation. Its a low priority if food is scarce, but otters who are well taken care of tend to spend lots of time having fun. Coupled with a wedding / event venue and adventures it makes for the perfect destination to stay or just come for the day. I thought you might be interested in this story from the Tour Texas web site: Get your copy of the Texas State Travel Guide, the comprehensive guide to all that the Lone Star State has to offer. We were rescued November of 2021. We are a little shy but getting better at letting you see us. The otters looked happy to interact with the women as they excitedly scurried around them in the pool. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What a very cool family sleepover! They weigh no more than eight to 10 pounds and measure up to two feet in length. This enrichment is vital to engage these smart and active otters both mentally and physically. I am a King Charles. I would recommend that anyone check out this place for a great family or group event. Fish popsicles and shrimp treats are their faves if youre lucky, they may offer toys to you and share their mischievous energy. These highly-intelligent mammals live around rivers, canals, lakes, marshes, and bays, where they build their lives around water. Take a ride with us and see all our animal families, including our free-roaming cows, deer, emus and more. For $150 to $200, guests at Blue Hills Ranch outside of Waco can hop in a heated hot tub for nearly an hour with two otters, Otto and Sweet Pea. The otters are the most popular attraction of the place. We use a state-of-the-art saltwater pool system that is temperature-controlled for both guest's and the otter's comfort level no matter the time of year. We are still very shy but enjoy seeing new people. You certainly dont have to book an overnight to have a wonderful experience at Blue Hills Ranch. Along your journey, the zoo has many play areas for kids, including a splash pad open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. 38. You can find us hanging out with our Mustang friends. For $300 you can spend the day in their facilities and can spend up to an hour with their two otters, Sweet Pea and Otto. What is the April new moon and what does it mean? Adult Swims: $280 per person + taxes and fees Kids Swims: $225 per person + taxes and fees (Ages 10-15 years) Book Tickets Hear From Satisfied Guests This was a great place to visit. RELATED: Otters take rare swim near downtown portion of Buffalo Bayou after Tropical Storm Nicholas. A womans gym mystery catches the attention of a famous author. Do512 Family is all about what to do in Austin with kids. Camp Fimfo Waco. In cases of inclement weather, tickets may be rescheduled. The guests were able to swim among two otters, Otto and Sweetpea, who loved to play-fight each other. All your money goes toward caring for the animals here! @readysetjetset said in thecaption. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. One of the best places to swim with the otters, this swim with otters San Diego cove is a fun weekend outing for the family, and goes above and beyond as far as options to do once you arrive are concerned. If you see us, we will go hide again, because you are always "it". You can take a day trip to enjoy a grand safari tour where the owner of the ranch will drive your family around the property in an open-air safari vehicle to show you ALL of the animals. What the heck is Swig, and why are the lines for it so long? Ranches to Experience the Great Outdoors, Take Glamping to the Next Level With These Airstream Airbnb Trailers, The 17 Best Trips Our Travel Editors Took This Year, 10 Adults-only All-inclusive Resorts Around the World. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the . If otters aren't your thing, you can also come face to face with giraffes and camels. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. What is the song 'car dragon' on TikTok and where did it come from? Warm waters are where these otters thrive, so you can expect the hot tub to be about 85 to 90 degrees. Is Abbott Trading Texas Future to Become Trumps Running Mate? The otters and the kids will all have a wonderful time! At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! If you scratch our belly we will roll over. The video received over 2.6 million views on TikTok. This increase is a response to protect our otter ambassadors safety as they grow older. Headless Animals Repeatedly Dumped In Houston Neighborhood, Houston Black and Hispanic Neighborhoods Fight Back Against Concrete Pollution. or As you watch the sunset, youll enjoy the sight of zebras just walking around your cabin. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Travel blogger @readysetjetset stopped by Blue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal . There are about 50 of us at Blue Hills Ranch. Soon after, we welcomed Monica, then along came Ross. Next, slither over to the Herpetarium and get cozy with the snakes, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit rainforests and deserts before taking a safari across the African Savanna. Come swim and play with our Asian Small-clawed Otter water sausages, Otto and Sweet Pea, in their private hot tub! We are the newest puppies to the mix at the ranch. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions- swimming with otters. Encounter animals native to Texas, such as cougars, black bears, jaguars, ocelots, coyotes, bison, and otters. With realistic plants and scenery, several swimming areas, and even a slide, these otters have every opportunity to get wet and wild. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! I am blind and needed a good forever home. Our favorite snacks are strawberries and watermelon. Cameron Park Zoo is known for its lush, natural habitats that give visitors close-up views of its exotic inhabitants. Swims will still happen in cases of rain. We came to the ranch fall of 2021 from the ranges of Utah and Nevada. Press Enter / Return to begin your search. Business is booming for Waco-area animal sanctuary, Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. This aquatic exhibit mimics a Texas river bed, the natural habitat of these highly intelligent mammals. We loved riding around and feeding the many gorgeous cows and horses, and a camel, too. Inside Wacos Cameron Park, you'll find a place where the wild things are Cameron Park Zoo. We may be small but we are mighty! Immerse yourself in a wild journey around the world by adventuring through the Brazos River Country, African Savanna, Asian Rainforest, and much more! Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I love my walks to find bugs and frogs, and I enjoy napping anywhere I want. Giraffes. SWIM WITH THE OTTERS now available at Capital of Texas Zoo!!! Our trainers interact with our otters and provide them with enrichment to keep them physically and psychologically healthy. On their Say Hello page, you can learn more about the people who run Blue Hills Ranch and the names of all the animals that reside there. 129 talking about this. Here's what the data says. for the whole 60 minutes, the giraffes do also eat from trees during adventure. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. I am sometime shy but I am definitely the sweetest. Swims are limited so it remains a positive experience for them. "Plus a pedestrian suspension bridge, several nice fishing and swimming holes, and pretty good." more. For a special way to celebrate a recent birthday, we booked an overnight stay in the the giraffe-themed cabin. Then visit the South America exhibit and see capybara, sun conures, king vultures, squirrel monkeys, giant Galapagos tortoises, scarlet ibis, sloths, and other South American animals. Kangaroos. And for something even more exciting, you can actually reserve overnight stays in luxury cabins in the middle of the ranch! Kids get to interact with animals and swim with otters in a transparent slide that takes them through an otter swim tank. There are thought to be 50,000 of us in India and 35,000 of us in Texas. We get visitors from all across the country for this experience. Take a ride with us and see all our animal families, including our free-roaming cows, deer, emus and more. According toHow Stuff Works, Playtime ranks at the bottom of adult otters priorities, and the mustelids must ensure that theyve satisfied their basic necessities of nutrition and shelter first. Kids will never say no to a playscape, and the Cameron Park Playscape is pretty large. My little sister is in a motorized wheel chair she was able to get around. At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! If you see me, stop and say hello because I love meeting new people and love being the center of attention! Located 86 miles north of Austin, the 150-acre Blue Hills Ranch Resort provides a variety of animal excursions, including swim time with two adorable Asian small-clawed otters named Otto and Sweet Pea. Mini Donkeys. The installation offers 60-minute exclusive tours of up to six people that let them see and interact with animals like giraffes, kangaroos, mini donkeys, zebras, cows, deer, emus, and more. The Capital of Texas Zoo is the largest and fastest growing zoo in Central Texas. In 2000 we were considered extinct by the IUCN. Woman is saved by Uber Eats driver after locking herself out on roof: Hope you tipped that man well. The otters prefer to swim warm waters, so Blue Hills maintains temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees in its hot tub, depending on the day. Blue Hills Is trying to help with the repopulation of Oryx into the wild. The Brazos River Country Exhibit features native species and the history of the Brazos River Basin. In the audience's saltwater pool, audience members can swim with Asian small-clawed otters. Monique holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Media Studies from Goucher College. Travel blogger @readysetjetsetstopped byBlue Hills Ranch, a 150-acre giraffe and animal sanctuary. The animal sanctuary/resort/wedding venue allows guests to swim in a heated hot tub with two otters adorably named Otto and Sweet Pea for about an hour, the San Antonio Express-News reports. "They're also spoiled so they have to have that perfect temperature.". Luke, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, Darling,Wheelie. The final portion of the experience is a one-of-a-kind chance to swim alongside Asian small-clawed otters in our climate-controlled saltwater pool! My favorite treat thus far is carrots. Tickets will sell out quickly, so reserve yours today! Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. We do not have an observation deck for bystanders to view otter swims, those wanting to participate must purchase a ticket to access the pool. Cameron Park Zoo combines family-fun education and conservation with entertainment for visitors of all ages. You'll feel as though you've. The 3-year-old small-clawed otters, the smallest of the otter species, were donated by a couple from California. Blue Hills Ranch is just about a 15-minute drive from Waco, TX, where you'll find 15 acres of exciting activities away from the busy city life. The 60 minute swim time costs $200 per person. Lilly and I were the first animals here at Blue Hills Ranch. We will see you before you see us. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok. The prices are definitely worth it. My mom is my guide to the world and is very protective of me. or An animal guide will be there to answer questions during your hands-on wildlife experience. Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. Blue Hills Ranch inside of a 150 acre Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary. Enjoy a private tour of up to 5 people for a luxury private safari only in Texas. Blue Hills Ranch is a 150 acres animal sanctuary in McGregor, Texas with activities and facilities such as an RV resort, cabin rentals, animal encounters (giraffes, zebras, mini cows, pigs, kangaroos, you name it! Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. Log In. The resort offers encounters with other animals like giraffes, and camels but the otters are what's made them famous. Spanning 150 acres in McGregor, Texas, Blue Hills is an animal sanctuary that doubles as a cabin/RV resort and wedding venue. One-night stays are priced at $229 for an adult couple - with cleaning, service, occupancy taxes and fees the price comes out to $310. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. Our otters enjoy meeting new people, they look forward to swimming and interacting with you. With this increase, we will also be decreasing the number of otter swim experiences sold each year. I was born in Texas but grew up in California, but I am for sure the Princess of the ranch. You can actually swim with otters in Texas and TikTok is officially obsessed. See more of Waco, TX Local - News Break on Facebook. An excellent non-profit organization that is sure to inspire and provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime . Here, you'll encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, white rhinos, and meerkats. Swim with otters at Blue Hills Ranch near Waco, Texas! Of course a big thanks to all the animals. Because of this, the otters have quickly become the most popular guests at the resort. More than 1,700 animals, representing more than 300 species, live within the natural habitat zoos 52 acres. This Texas ranch resort lets you swim with otters in a hot tub and is a 3-hour road trip from Houston. Otto and Sweet Pea are Asian small-clawed otters, the smallest of the 13 otter species. We spent some extra time with the young giraffes, Google and Blue, and it was truly wonderful! The experience is only available to those 12 and over, with a minimum of two participants and maximum of six people per swim. We are called British Whites, better known as the Mickey Mouse cows. 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402. This website relies on Javascript to function properly. Business is booming for Blue Hills Ranch, thanks to a viral TikTok of one of their most popular attractions: swimming with otters. A top priority is to ensure our animal ambassadors are safe and secure at all times. She's my favorite here. I enjoy playing with the pigs and laying under my tree. Come spend 20 minutes swimming and interacting with our baby otters, Kumo and Okami, The world's smartest baby otters! All otter swim encounter tours include the full Barn Hill encounter tour and petting zoo experience prior to the swim. This is a carousel. I am a Saint Bernard. Experience being a part of their playground and share in food time fun. She and a friend sat in a small pool with Asian small-clawed otters fooling around in the water. We came to the ranch November of 2021. Come swim and play with our Asian Small-clawed Otter water sausages, Otto and Sweet Pea, in their private hot tub! May 14, 2022 You can swim with otters on Blue Hills Ranch, Texas, outside of Waco. The swimming excursion takes place in the otters private bubbling jaccuzzi, and visitors are given the unique chance to swim, play, and feed the otters their favorite treats including fish popsicles and shrimp. Theres a ranch near Waco where you can swim with otters during their playtime. I am the newest mini cow, and I am a Belted Galloway. Wine (choice of drink) Charcuterie Board, Dessert included, 1 hour experience, inside or out (based upon weather conditions and safety of giraffes). This month, a family of otters at the Lake Waco Wetlands has been getting some public attention, thanks to photos posted online by Lake Waco Park Ranger Mike Champagne and veteran local wildlife . You will not be able to watch others swim. 1 of 12. The otters quickly became one of the resort's most popular attractions. If you have $200 burning a hole in your pocket, why not use it to swim with otters? We help our zebras stand guard and protect our other animals from any harm, but we will also seek, Bonnie, Clyde, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Emma, Joey. Nurtured by Nature - California. | Meet Otto and Sweetpea | .. Otters exhibit a characteristic love of playtime. I am going to show Google the ropes here at Blue Hills and introduce him to all my animal friends. The Capital of Texas Zoo is one of Greater Austin's and Bastrop's most exciting adventures! I spent the entire video wondering if Im being punkd or not, People are willing to wait a very, very long time for their famous Dirty Soda., I got locked on my roof and nobodys available to come help me out. We watch over the cattle and the baby calves, and stand guard to let the other animals know if we see any possible trouble. The sanctuarys owner, Matt Lieberman, started the project to be able to give animals a forever home in a space thats designed for their needs. It's the only place in the state and just one of six spots in the. Tel: 225-286-3003, Email: delaware@barnhillpreserve.com The other animals don't know it, but we pretty much run the place. We are the prettiest deer out there because of our unique white spots. We all enjoyed our time. Come and watch our swimming skills while we eat our favorite treat - fish popsicles! At Blue Hills Ranch, located just outside of Waco, you can do just that! 've ever wondered what it's like to swim with otters, here's your chance! This interactive experience begins with a 1 hour guided tour of our facility led by our experienced and knowledgeable staff. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 3. The dinner date with Giraffes starts at $400 per person. No exceptions! These tours are private per family so youre not mixed in with a big group. We will have 2 bottles available to bottle feed our 1 humped friends. Gypsy, Mia, Cash, Misty, Lightning, Smokey, Cisco, Junior, Spirit. We once roamed North Africa. This is the only place in Texas and one of six opportunities in the country to swim with these cute creatures. Classic Waco Tour: Best Sites & TV highlights in Waco 2,184 Recommended Bus Tours from $78.00 per adult Amazing Brazos River Sunset Boat Adventure in Waco Texas 20 Recommended Water Tours from $59.00 per adult Waco Wine Tours 13 Recommended from $119.00 per adult Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only 11 Recommended Walking Tours from $23.95 $280 per person + taxes and fees, Kids Swims: Just outside of Waco, TX sits the perfect destination for animal-lovers to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroo, lemurs, otters, horses, mini cows, and more. At the Otter Mill, children can swim with the otters by sliding through the exhibit down a built-in slide. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. They were donated to the facility by a California couple and are almost 3 years old. I used to live inside the farmhouse but now I hop around the barn yard. The response has been great. the ranchs team told Travel + Leisure recently. The pool is evacuated in event of lighting. Lisa may come up to say hi while I stand back and be her watch guard. They definitely want to see you up close and personal. #texascheck #texas #texastravel #bluehillsranch #wacotexas #otters #ottersoftiktok The King 55.9K exploringamanda I came to Blue Hills Ranch at just 6 weeks old. You must be at least 12 years of age to swim with Sweet Pea and Otto, and 18 years old to go to most animal activities (minors must be accompanied by an adult). The Blue Hills Ranch & Resort has a variety of accommodations for overnight guests, including animal and pirate themed cabins which range in price from $100-$500 per night. We love our treats and want you to come say hello. Every effort will be made to get great pictures including going over time limit if needed. April 6, 2022, 9:42 AM.