Posted : August 7, 2013
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Reptile Lovers Rejoice!
Reptilia is a 25,000 square foot reptile zoo and educational facility in Vaughan dedicated to cold blooded creatures.
Open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day, Reptilia houses an extensive collection of reptiles and amphibians.
This could be a good or bad depending on if you love slimy, scaly animals or the furry kind.
A recent visit to Reptilia with our two kids proved to be both educational and entertaining.
I say entertaining as my kids and husband laughed at me as I stepped out of my comfort zone to hang out with some of my not so favourite animals.
I put on a brave face and spent close to two hours with some new animal acquaintances.
Alligators, Snakes, Spiders, Lizards … Oh My!
The glass enclosures the animals are housed in are large and low enough that toddlers can see them without tippy toeing or from the comfort of their stroller.
Visitors can get as close or stay as far as they like as the walking path is very wide.
While I stayed at the centre of the aisle for the majority of our visit, my husband and kids almost had their noses pressed up against the glass.
Thankfully, there are several hand sanitizer dispensers located throughout the building.
Wandering the path checking out the creatures is not the only fun that can be had at Reptilia.
There is a children’s play area where kids can colour, play in the sandbox, or feed a turtle. Bring a loonie for turtle food!
This reptile zoo has scheduled shows and feeding times throughout the day for visitors who want to learn more about the animals that call Reptilia home.
We timed our visit with a cobra feeding and watched it devour a rat.
Cast Members are very hands on, engaging and knowledgeable and many photo opportunities are available during shows and feedings.
A volunteer catches a tortoise on the run!
Looking for something more exciting? Watch a python eat a whole goat! This feeding is only offered several times a year so call ahead if this on your “must see” list.
Planning a Visit to Reptilia
It is very warm in here and I’d recommend dressing in light layers.
Check the feeding and show schedule beforehand if you want to catch one during your visit.
Reptilia offers in and out privileges with your admission and visitors can leave for lunch, dinner or snack time as Vaughan Mills shopping centre and several restaurants are located near by.
Know Before You Go
Reptilia
2501 Rutherford Road
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 2N6
Reptilia is located in Vaughan and is easily accessed by car and public transit.
Hours and Admission:
Open 364 days a year (closed on December 25).
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Weekdays
10:00 AM – 6: 00 PM Weekends
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Holidays
Adults (13 to 64): $15
Kids (4 to 12): $10
Seniors ($65+): $12
Children (0 to 3): Free
Parking is free and plentiful so rain or shine, hot or cold, Reptilia is great for close encounters of the scaly and slimy kind!
Cheryl is founder of Kids On A Plane – a blog dedicated to family travel in North America and the Caribbean. When she’s not on a plane, you can often find her exploring York Region and the GTA.