scales nature park

My daughter and I took my 7 yr old grandson to Scales in the summer. We all had a really great time. Knowledgeable and very personable staff, my grandson had lots of opportunities to hold snakes and feeding the tortoise was terrific. Highly recommend for any ages.

We visited this venue using a previously purchased Groupon for a family pass including a guided tour. With the 4 kids (ages 11, 8, 6 and 3) we often have difficulty finding activities that have something of interest for everyone -- and this tour far surpassed our even grandest expectations of versatility and mass appeal. ALL the kids had a great time and were already asking when they could come back before we even started the van!The staff was all very friendly, exceptionally patient and willing to answer any and all questions (and with 4 kids there were lots and lots of questions). No request to hold anything that was able to be held was denied -- which amounted to 6 different snake species, a turtle and two lizards. The kids all had equal opportunity to hold and touch with no real time limit. My daughters favorite were the 'spot the ...' species tanks. They had a number that listed the species and told you how many were in the display and dared you to find them all -- which was a magnet to my daughter.Although they concentrate on native species they do have a sample of other interesting reptile species to see as well which makes for a well rounded and very interesting tour and are equally knowledgeable about native and exotic species. It was a guided tour option we took so likely more holding/touching/question answering than maybe regular admission but my kids let 'no stone unturned' and had a great learning opportunity. All my kids are animal lovers but my 6 year old especially was taken with each and every one of the reptiles (especially the snakes) -- which was something we never knew about him prior to this visit.He was so taken by the snakes (talked of nothing else) that we contacted them via phone to get some information and guidance about a snake as a pet and they were so helpful and graciously answered yet another round of questions. Needless to say - with great thanks to their vast knowledge - we are now well informed, happily educated corn snake owners!If you have kids ready to sponge up information, enjoy reptiles and hands-on learning and fun this is the place to go!

Awesome adventure.Went with our 2 boys & had a great time. Very hands on. Staff super friendly & extremely knowledgeable. Kudos to Stephanie ~ who was inundated with questions about reptiles amphibians & everything in between from both our boys. She has and amazing amount of patience and was super friendly so much so that we kept delaying leaving. It is a small venue...but AMAZING. It is right off the highway...perhaps 3 minutes from the ramp. In Orillia. Located in a house that has been transformed into a reptile haven. Many of the reptiles are rescue animals. Some from people who purchased without realizing the work required to keep a reptile. Some found abandoned. Some taken from the Human Society because again people purchase without being informed. Sad but yet good because the animals have found a great home!Our kids were excited because they got to hold as many reptiles as the wanted. We even got to take "Calvin" the tortoise outside for a special treat...Back inside ~ they got to pick up a bearded lizard...and just about every snake, not to be forgotten are the 2 geckos & the turtle . FYI...if the snake has a hand print on its information card ~ you are able to handle them. I drew the line at the Boa's...apparently you can handle them but I preferred to look at them from the other side of the glass!Awesome day spent ~ they also have a nature trail that has a pond on the property...apparently you are able to see turtles in and around the pond...Again small but AWESOME! Worth the drive to Orillia!!!

We've been there a couple of times and had a amazing visit each time!! It's incredible how enthusiastic & knowledgable the staff are! You can touch & hold so many critters. My boys loved it! It's a real diamond in the rough.

We went there with our kids 6 and 10. My 6 year old enjoyed seeing all the reptiles and asked tons of questions which the staff graciously answered. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. We had a chance to hold quite a few snakes and other scaley creatures. Overall I would give it 2 thumbs up because my 6 year old had such an amazing experience.

We went today with four kids ranging from 4-8 and they had a great time. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and brought out quite a few animals for the kids to get a closer look at, touch and hold if possible. We did some crafts upstairs as well. It was a good value for the time frame that we were there and the kids really enjoyed themselves - they can't wait to go back. We were there for about 2 hours.

We had a really great time here. It was small, but when you compare it to Reptilia, it was nice to be able to interact with a lot more animals, and be more hands on. Our 5 year old son loved it and had such a great time. It wasn't a full days worth in an activity, but we were there for a couple of hours and were not bored at all.

The staff is very nice. They are friendly and when you ask questions, they know the answer. The problem is that there is not much to see. A few snakes, a few lezards and some turtles and frogs. We can hold some of them. There's a path outside where we can take a walk in the woods. That's it. We wish there were more animals to see.

Kids really enjoy holding and touching so many of the reptiles. Staff really know their stuff and its a very educational visit. We have seasons passes now and go there frequently as it's different each time we go. Definatley one of the little known secrets of Oro-Medonte.

Exxellent for everyone, loved the variety of reptiles. Staff friendly and work hard to educate and entertain.

This is a small local place and they put a lot of work into care and education programs. My daughter 15 and son 10 loved it so much we got season passes. Snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, turtles....... If you ask they will bring them forward and you can hold onto them. Go upstairs for hands on crafts and educational stations. Individual tour guides to inform and educate. The people are second to none. They have some over seas students on placement. Great place for all ages. If you enjoy reptiles, snakes, frogs....... Great place reasonable price! Take it in! Rainy day activity for cottagers and a nice hike outside as well. Enjoy!

I was able to take my son and nephew here for a "Boys Day Out" and it was great. We were able to view many reptiles from here and afar. We were taken on a guided walk around the grounds outside. While we were there the boys were able to handle a couple of snakes. Great fun for a reasonable price!