A Peaceful Animal Encounter Near Newark
Just 25 minutes south of Newark down DE-896 — meet friendly rescued animals.
Live Zoo Status
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Searching for family-friendly things to do around Newark, DE? Located just 25 minutes south down DE-896 / US‑13, 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center offers an unhurried, hands-on farm rescue experience that kids and parents love.
Leave the paved walkways behind and enjoy an authentic farm sanctuary where you can hand-feed friendly llamas, see rescued foxes and native birds of prey, and visit Mr. Smee at Delaware’s only live 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?
🦊 What Makes 3 Palms Unique for Newark Families
- Direct 25-Minute Route: Straight shot south on Route 896 through Middletown to Townsend.
- Hands-On Connection: Feed the gentle goats and llamas right from your hand in a calm environment.
- Delaware's Only Alligators: The only exhibit in the state where you can see live American alligators.
- Affordable Family Morning: Admission is only a few dollars per person, keeping family outings stress-free.
🗺️ Newark-to-Townsend Itinerary
- Take DE-896 South out of Newark through Glasgow and Middletown directly to Townsend.
- Spend 1 to 2 relaxing hours at 3 Palms Zoo meeting the rescues and alligators.
- Grab lunch at a local Middletown eatery on your way back, or explore the trails at Lums Pond State Park.
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.