1 / 2Ghost Ranch Exotics
📍 Marana, AZ
Ghost Ranch Exotics offers private guided tours where families feed and pet capybaras, porcupines, warthogs, emus, and goats at a Marana ranch. Tours run approximately one hour with ample food for each enclosure.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children of any age who want a hands-on exotic animal encounter well beyond a standard petting zoo. The private tour format means personalised attention and unhurried time in each enclosure. Guides flag any animals that prefer space and actively manage interactions so children stay safe.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →980 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Michelle Scott
9 months ago
“Our family had the best experience. The all-animals private tour was beyond what we expected. Very knowledgeable and fun facts for all the animals. You could tell all the animals were very well cared for and loved. We received plenty of food to feed them and plenty of time in each enclosure. The snack tray from Whole Foods was very good quality, and the credit at the gift shop was a nice little bonus for my daughter's birthday. An absolute amazing experience you can't get anywhere else.”
Sara Hipps
8 months ago
“Loved this place. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but the animals are well loved and cared for. Every furry friend we encountered was friendly (except 2 but our tour guide warned us ahead of time and their space was respected). Our tour guide was awesome, and even got some photos of me since I was so preoccupied with getting photos of my kids. I would highly reccomend the private tours. 100% worth the 1 on 1 attention.”
Don Hallstone
7 months ago
“We loved this private tour with the four of us being led by a wonderful tour guide, Hannah. As pre-vet student, she seemed to be the perfect guide. She was so full of information, pleasant to talk to, was a great patient person with 4 adults acting like kids as we fed, petted, and otherwise interacted with capybaras, giant squirrels, porcupines, emus, goats, etc. Enjoyed it immensely. Hope to return with grandkids!”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Ghost Ranch Exotics runs private guided tours at their Marana ranch, letting families hand-feed and pet capybaras, porcupines, warthogs, emus, and goats. Guides are knowledgeable - several are pre-vet students - and provide detailed animal facts throughout each enclosure. The gift shop stocks capybara cheese boards, porcupine quill jewellery, and capybara-themed homewares. Birthday party and picnic experiences are also available.
