The Reptile Zoo
Fountain Valley, CA
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.3(2,370 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Small. Several reviewers say much smaller than the word zoo suggests and closer to a pet shop in feel, with criticism of the enclosure sizes. What kids get is hands-on: holding snakes, feeding tortoises and fish, and staff happy to explain. Expect under an hour rather than a morning out.
Home to 100+ exotic reptiles and amphibians, this indoor spot is a hit with kids who love snakes, lizards and giant tortoises. For an extra $5 the whole family can hold and pet some of the smaller creatures under staff supervision. It's compact, so it pairs well with another nearby stop.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
Happening near here
- The Original Lobster FestivalFountain Valley · 2 mi
- Fiestas Patrias Festival & ParadeSanta Ana · 6 miFree
- Bowers Museum — Free Sundays (Santa Ana residents)Santa Ana · 7 mi · 10am–4pmFree
- First Thursdays Art WalkLaguna Beach · 14 mi · First Thu 6–9pmFree
18818 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Adults $15, kids 3+ $10 (+$5 to handle animals)
Map
What visitors say
- Sledge Family★★★★★
We had an amazing time at the Reptile Zoo with our family and friends! It's the perfect place to spend quality time together while learning about some incredible animals. The environment is welcoming, family-friendly, and especially great for children. It offers a unique sensory experience that keeps kids engaged while teaching them about reptiles and other fascinating creatures. We were amazed by the variety of animals and how well cared for they all appeared. Some of our favorite experiences included taking photos with snakes, feeding the tortoises and fish, holding a tarantula, and even seeing scorpion babies…something we'd never seen before! The staff was knowledgeable and happy to answer our questions, even offering helpful recommendations for reptiles and other household pets. Every interaction felt safe, educational, and memorable. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us, and we left with a greater appreciation for these amazing animals. Our only wish is that they had an even larger facility because we would have loved to see more! We highly recommend visiting if you're looking for a fun, interactive, and educational outing for the whole family. Great way to celebrate my son’s born day!
a month ago
- Gabriel Tellez★★★★★
We had a wonderful time at the reptile zoo with my son. It’s a great place to spend quality time with your kids. The environment is perfect for children to have a unique sensory experience and learn new things in a fun and engaging way. Being able to interact with and observe such exotic animals makes the visit even more special. Seeing such a wide variety of reptiles in one place was truly amazing. It was an unforgettable and enriching experience for both of us.
3 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
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