Hidden in plain sight on a busy stretch of Fountain Valley, The Reptile Zoo is not your average reptile exhibit. This hands-on haven is home to over 600 exotic critters—from towering tortoises and clever chameleons to snapping alligators and camera-ready snakes—and it’s all packed into one lively, interactive indoor space.
If you’re the kind of person who gets more excited by reptiles than roller coasters, you’re in for a treat. But even if you’re just looking for a memorable family outing, date idea, or weird-and-wonderful pit stop off the 405, The Reptile Zoo makes it shockingly easy to get up close with the kind of creatures you usually only see on Animal Planet.
What We Love
Feeding Frenzies
Ever hand-fed a 100-pound sulcata tortoise or watched a monitor lizard flick its tongue at lunch? Here, you can do both. The zoo offers pre-packaged cups of greens, bugs, or mouse snacks (yes, really!) to feed select residents during your visit.
Hold a Python or Pet a Dragon
The staff are passionate, patient, and always ready to drape a Burmese python around your shoulders or introduce you to a friendly bearded dragon. These animal encounters are supervised and surprisingly fun for all ages—plus, you’ll walk away with fantastic photos.
Meet Frank the Alligator
Frank is a bit of a local legend. He’s large, toothy, and lounging under his heat lamp like he owns the place (he kind of does). Kids love him, and adults can’t resist gawking. Watching him move—slow, deliberate, ancient—is part of the thrill.
Live Shows and Learning Moments
Catch an animal show if you’re around on weekends or holidays. Staffers give live presentations where they introduce crowd favorites, share quirky facts, and answer all your burning reptile questions. It’s science with a splash of showbiz.
Instagram Gold
From neon-green iguanas perched on branches to tortoises roaming the tile floor, there’s no shortage of eye-catching moments. Selfie with a snake? Done. Candid with a chameleon? You got it. Even the gift shop has reptile-themed backdrops perfect for snapping one last souvenir pic.
Atmosphere & Setting
Stepping into The Reptile Zoo feels like walking into a rainforest-themed arcade—bright, colorful, and buzzing with energy. Glass enclosures line the walls, each lit dramatically to spotlight its slithery inhabitant. The air is warm (to keep the reptiles happy), and gentle music plays in the background as you wander through an open-concept layout designed for easy roaming.
The place isn’t huge, but it’s packed with curiosity. Every corner reveals something new: a hatching egg display, a snake pit (don’t worry, it’s behind glass), or a sleepy gecko peering at you through its terrarium. It’s a little wild, a little wacky, and totally one-of-a-kind.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Admission is affordable—around $15 for adults, $10 for kids—and you can easily spend 1–2 hours here, longer if you book an encounter or catch a show. For the price, the experience feels generous, especially considering how much interactivity you get compared to traditional zoos.
Perfect for families with curious kids, animal lovers of all ages, homeschoolers, or anyone looking to shake up their weekend routine. You’ll leave with stories, smiles, and maybe a newfound appreciation for cold-blooded companions.
Other Considerations
Hours & Parking:
Open daily from late morning to early evening (usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check before you go). Free parking is available in the lot out front—just follow the signs behind Prehistoric Pets, which shares the building.
Accessibility:
The facility is single-level and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Restrooms and benches are available, and most of the exhibits are at kid-eye level.
Good To Know:
It can get warm inside, so dress light. If you’re squeamish around bugs or rodents, brace yourself—feeding time can be intense. There’s a gift shop with everything from plush lizards to glow-in-the-dark gecko tees. Outside food isn’t allowed, but there are nearby eats for after your adventure.
Whether you’re local or just lizard-curious and road-tripping through Orange County, The Reptile Zoo delivers a wildly unexpected experience that sticks with you—like a gecko on glass.
The Reptile Zoo
📍 18818 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708