A Fun, Relaxing Day Trip for Dover AFB Families
Just 20 minutes north of Dover Air Force Base — affordable, hands-on animal encounters.
Live Zoo Status
Connecting to the main gates...
Stationed at Dover Air Force Base or recently PCSed to central Delaware? If you are looking for an easy, affordable morning outing with young kids that does not require an all-day commitment or expensive tickets, 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center is your answer.
Located just 20 minutes straight north of Dover AFB up Route 1 / US‑13 in Townsend, 3 Palms is a non-profit farm sanctuary dedicated to rescuing animals and connecting families with nature in an unhurried, peaceful setting.
What to Expect: We are proud to be a rugged, authentic rescue sanctuary. You won't find commercialized, paved walkways here. Instead, you'll experience a true farm environment with free-roaming rescued ducks, dirt paths, and incredible up-close encounters with our gentle rescued llamas, sheep, and goats. Dress for the farm, not the city!
🌟 Summer Pro-Tip: Because we are a true farm sanctuary, we have very limited shade. Plan your visit for early in the morning! You'll beat the intense midday heat, and catch the animals when they are most active.
At just a few dollars per person (infants under 12 months are free), we aren't an exhausting, expensive theme park. Relax for an hour or two without breaking the bank.
Explore 3 Palms Zoo
Want to see who lives at the sanctuary before making the drive?
✈️ Why DAFB Families Love 3 Palms
- Quick 20-Minute Drive: Easy trip straight up US-13 or DE-1 from the Dover AFB main gate.
- Super Affordable: At just a few dollars per person (infants under 12 months free), you can visit regularly without stressing your budget.
- Low Stress, Toddler-Friendly: A manageable 1 to 2-hour walk with dirt paths, free-roaming ducks, and gentle sheep and goats to greet.
- Delaware's Only Alligators: See Mr. Smee, Delaware's only resident American alligator!
📍 The Perfect DAFB Weekend Morning Route
Here is an easy, stress-free morning plan from the base:
- Head north out of Dover on US-13 N / DE-1 N for approximately 20 minutes.
- Spend a peaceful morning meeting the rescued foxes, owls, llamas, and alligators at 3 Palms Zoo.
- Stop for lunch or bakery treats in nearby downtown Smyrna or Townsend on your way back.
Start your morning adventure now.
Put us directly into your GPS below to start navigating.
⚠️ Critical GPS Warning
GPS units fail here constantly. They often tell you to turn onto (or stay on) "Blackbird Forest Rd." This is wrong. You must turn onto Vandyke Greenspring Rd to find our entrance.