A family field trip to a camel farm in Southern California.

A month ago, we drove to Julian for a family field trip to go apple picking. As we drove away from our field trip and pie eating, we saw a large sign that read, ”Oasis Camel Farm.” Camels in Southern California are extremely rare. My husband and I looked at each other and decided we would return for the open house scheduled in October. It was only a few weeks away and the Julian pie store was near the camel farm so a great reason to attend both. The trip seemed to promise a fun family day. A few weeks later, we returned to San Diego County and the weather was hot. Traffic was horrendous on our way to the farm and we arrive a little late to the Camel open house. The farm presentation had just started as we walked in. Camels could be seen in the distance. One young camel was being walked by his trainer towards the crowd. This camel was a little shy. He did not want to do the show and tell so stopped firmly and would not move. With a little help from another trainer and some treats, the camel finally began to cooperate and show us all of his tricks. He had many tricks to show us but what stood out the most was that he was a gentle animal and a little shy. It was a hands-on moment for all of us.

After the presentation ended, visitors were invited to purchase sliced apples to feed the camels. My family ran to feed the camels. We were second in line and quickly purchased our apples. The kids were happy to feed the gentle giants. They smiled the entire time they fed apples to the friendly residents of Oasis Camel Farm. The moment was so comfortable that I decided to join in and feed a camel too. That is until I turned from one camel to feed another. As I turned, he could see our happiness and began to put his chin on my shoulder. He was so close that I got camel saliva on my shoulder and arm. It was so incredibly uncomfortable for me that I screamed and ran way. The crowd that was behind me began to laugh while video-taping my escape from my new friend. Looking back, I can now say it was funny to be face to face with a camel. My kids teased me and said that the camel blessed me with his kisses. Camel rides were next on the schedule. The kids rode the camel together, laughing and hanging on. My husband felt like he was on top of the world. The ride was short however it was long enough for the kids and my husband to get a hands-on experience. They said that with it being so hot that it was easy to image riding in the Sahara Desert. For a few moments all of us were transported to a different country. While I did not ride the camels because my back and legs were hurting, the experience was not lost on me. I took pictures and enjoyed watching my family have fun. It was something we will never forget. We ended our family field trip by going to the gift shop and purchasing lip balm made with camel milk and a few post cards. The whole day was great for us. Family field trips are an important part of our lives and it helps to bring us closer together.

NEXT OPEN FARM DAYS: October 29 & 30, 2016
Animal Show starts at 1:30... don't miss it!
(2:15 to 3:00: extra apple feeding available with the camels.)

POMEGRANTE DAYS: November 25 - 27, 2016

Contact information: http://www.cameldairy.com/

Telephone: 760-787-0983
Email: contactus@cameldairy.com

Location: 26757 CA-78, Ramona, CA 92065

ADMISSION: CAMEL RIDE:
$15 GENERAL $10.00 GENERAL
$12 SENIOR AND MILITARY $5.00 KIDS 3 to14
$10 KIDS 4 - 14 Toddlers and babies are not able to ride the camels for their safety. Camel Ride weight limit: 200 lbs.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and ideas are all my own. Make sure to call ahead to confirm times and dates.

Los Angeles Zoo is hosting spooktacular events in October.

Tigers, bears and snow cones, oh my goodness. October in Southern California is usually hot and snow cones are very much needed when visiting Boo at the Los Angeles Zoo spooktacular. The 133-acre Zoo is filled with wild animals and plants. During October, expect to find the corn stalk maze, pumpkin carving demonstrations, spooky caves, Mad Science fire and Ice show and so much more. We visited the LA Zoo this past weekend to get the scoop on the activities. 

The park has many wonderful creatures. We got a chance to see the giraffes gracefully walking around posing for pictures. It felt as though they knew where to stand and when to turn their heads. They are like the super models of the zoo, extremely well dressed and amazingly tall. The hippos were a different story. It looked like the hippo family was just relaxing by cuddling together. They did not move or look our way, sleeping lazily in their pond. Both wild animals were fun to visit and photograph.  

Pink flamingos, black bears and giant insects were all part of our experience when we visited the Los Angeles Zoo. Our entire family enjoyed mapping out which zoo resident to discover next. The journey was filled with jungle noises and birds singing. As we looked for the tiger exhibit something interesting occurred. The monkeys could be heard talking to one another. We all laughed and giggled when we heard them because it was so surreal.  Their voices could be heard near the tiger exhibit. The kids were fascinated with the monkey chatter so we sat down to listen them carefully while enjoying a snow cone. All of us were happy to sit for a minute and rest our feet. 

After visiting with the zoo residents we stopped by the weekend Boo adventures. Pumpkin Carving by Gene from Masterpiece Pumpkins was engaging. The Corn Maze was a great photo opportunity for fun pictures with the family. Finally, we enjoyed the "Mad Science fire and ice show".  Spending the day with the family at the zoo was memorable.   This fall make time to visit the LA Zoo with family and friends. 

List of Weekend Boo Adventures offered at the Los Angeles Zoo. These activities are included with the price of admission. Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

• Spooky Crafts – Create bat and spider web masterpieces from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Musical Monster Mash-Up – Laugh and sing along with Swazzle’s sweet-and-spooky Halloween puppet show at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Fire & Ice Science Show – Enter a mad scientists lab and witness jaw-dropping demonstrations at 2:30 p.m.
• Halloween Dance Party with the GEC Street Team – Dance and play fun family games (with prizes!) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Masterpiece Pumpkins – Marvel at expert carving demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Strolling Characters – Meet and take pictures with spooky and fanciful characters from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fearsome Feedings & Creature Treats – Watch as our animal residents enjoy seasonal treats all their own. See schedule below. Warning: Includes carcass feedings. Parental discretion is advised.

*** Dinosaurs Unextinct at the LA Zoo is offered for an additional $5.00. Prepare to get sprayed by one of the dinosaurs as you walk through the exhibit. It is being offered for a limited time. 

General Admission Prices

Rates and fees are subject to change at any time.

Adults (age 13 and up): $20

Seniors (age 62 and up): $17

Children (ages 2 to 12): $15

Children (under 2): FREE

Disclaimer: Media event. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.