A Unique Country Day Trip from Kennett Square
Just 35 minutes south of Chester County — hands-on animal rescue encounters.
Live Zoo Status
Connecting to the main gates...
If you are in Kennett Square or southern Chester County, PA and looking for an easy, peaceful family excursion, 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend, DE is an ideal 35-minute day trip.
Our non-profit sanctuary provides a relaxed farm environment where children and adults can connect with rescued animals up close. Meet our friendly llamas and goats, view rescued native birds and foxes, and visit Mr. Smee at Delaware’s only live American alligator exhibit.
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 Chester County Families Love 3 Palms
- Scenic 35-Minute Drive: Straight south down Route 1 / DE-896 past Newark into rural Townsend.
- Hands-On & Calming: Dirt paths and open pens make it an authentic, peaceful alternative to noisy theme parks.
- Delaware's Only Alligators: See live American alligators in their dedicated rescue habitat.
- Affordable Family Adventure: Enjoy an enriching 1 to 2 hours of exploration for just a few dollars per person.
🗺️ Kennett Square Day-Trip Itinerary
- Take DE-896 South from Chester County down into Townsend for a morning with the animals at 3 Palms Zoo.
- Hand-feed the llamas, watch the alligators bask, and meet the rescued owls and foxes.
- Head to historic Odessa or Middletown for lunch and treats before your drive home.
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.