Popcorn Park Animal Refuge
📍 Lacey Township, NY
Mission-driven animal refuge housing rescued wildlife including monkeys, a fox, reptiles, and free-roaming peacocks on compact, navigable grounds. Admission proceeds fund ongoing animal care. Wagon recommended over stroller for unpaved paths.
“We visited Popcorn Park Zoo with our whole family and were absolutely delighted! This place is truly special — it’s home to animals that have been rescued and given a second chance at life. The atmosphere is so warm, and it’s clear how much love and care goes into every animal here. The grounds are clean, well maintained, and everything is organized to be interesting for both children and adults. Our daughters were thrilled to see the animals up close, and for us as parents it was especially meaningful to show them how important it is to care for and help animals. You can really feel the heart and mission of this place. We will definitely come back again and recommend it to all our friends!”
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged 1–8 who want an intimate animal encounter without the scale or crowds of a conventional zoo. The rescue mission gives the visit a tangible educational layer that resonates with young children. Free-roaming peacocks are a reliable child highlight.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →2,836 Google reviews
Tatiana Dankova
7 months ago
““We visited Popcorn Park Zoo with our whole family and were absolutely delighted! This place is truly special — it’s home to animals that have been rescued and given a second chance at life. The atmosphere is so warm, and it’s clear how much love and care goes into every animal here. The grounds are clean, well maintained, and everything is organized to be interesting for both children and adults. Our daughters were thrilled to see the animals up close, and for us as parents it was especially meaningful to show them how important it is to care for and help animals. You can really feel the heart and mission of this place. We will definitely come back again and recommend it to all our friends!””
Jillian Grzelak
5 months ago
“I cannot recommend Popcorn Park Zoo enough as a wonderful place to have your child’s birthday party! We had my son’s 6th birthday party there this weekend! Their instructor was amazing and coordinating was SO easy! Plus, the money for the party goes towards a good cause! The kids had an animal ambassador experience in the picnic area, ate and then went into the zoo! Such a great experience! 10/10 would recommend! Ages ranged from 1-6 and all had a great time!”
Jenn
a month ago
“What a great little find! Reasonably priced and plenty of free parking. Not big and overwhelming but an excellent experience. My son was a huge fan of Ozzy the monkey, while I would have loved to snuggle a fox. There was a nice array of animals and even a reptile house. We would definitely go back if we're ever in the area again.”
Tee S
4 months ago
“A small but fun animal filled park perfect for families looking to get out of the house and explore with their littles in low cost places. It was somewhat stroller friendly, but I recommend a wagon as it is rocky and unpaved. It was not crowded which was a plus. The kiddos loved the roaming peacocks!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge operates as a working rescue facility for animals that cannot survive in the wild, housing monkeys, a fox, reptiles, and a reptile house alongside peacocks that roam the grounds freely. The compact size means families cover the full refuge in a comfortable visit without fatigue. Birthday party packages include an animal ambassador experience with a guided presenter. Grounds are unpaved and uneven in sections — a wagon handles the terrain more easily than a stroller.