Bees, Alpacas and Goats, Oh My! Five Unique Animal Experiences Around Denver

Denver animal lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re not into zoos – and let’s face it, many people find them too crowded or even cruel – there are ways to experience the beauty and power of animals that don’t involve cages. While dogs and cats may come to mind first, you can meet up with all kinds of creatures, from alpacas, bees and cows to tigers, goats and more.

Whether you’re looking for a different opportunity for the kiddos or a unique way for visitors to see Colorado, here are five ways to get up close and personal with some incredible animals.  

Capella Ranch Bee Therapy
9774 Phillips Road, Lafayette 
Here’s a fun fact you probably didn’t know: allegedly, beekeepers live longer because they breathe beehive air. After all, honey has many healing properties, and it is present in the vapor that comes from the beehives. If you want to add some time to your life, book a bee hut at Capella Ranch. A thirty-minute session costs $35, and an hour session is $60. The hut resembles a sauna; it has a bee side and a human side – so don’t worry about getting stung. Pop inside and just…bee. Benefits of the experience include the earthy, floral, or sweet smell the bees give off – depending on the pollen – and the relaxation you feel from being in a quiet, meditative state. The calming buzz of bees is said to benefit the parasympathetic nervous system. If you’re someone who enjoys the hum of a fan, this is even better. Many guests talk about a tingling sensation they feel as they begin to relax; others note they have more energy than ever. Even if these so-called benefits are full of bee-logna (sorry), you can’t argue with the advantages of carving out some alone time to simply sit in solitude. 

Wild Animal Sanctuary
2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg
If you were like most of us during the early COVID-19 lockdown, you watched Netflix’s Tiger King. But once you get past the drama and shock of the show, a pit of sadness creeps in for the fate of these tigers, who were once in Joe Exotic’s care. Rest easy knowing they are in good hands at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keensburg, about 45 minutes northeast of Denver.

To understand the visitor experience, picture a really high elevated walkway about 1.5 miles long where you can peer down and catch glimpses of the animals — tigers, bears, wolves, lions and more — without disturbing them. Sometimes they are right below you, other times they are far in the distance (but you won’t mind because it signals freedom even though the property is technically enclosed).

Fun fact: the “Mile Into the Wild” walkway holds the Guinness World Record for the longest footbridge in the world. As you stroll, you’ll encounter different points of interest where you can learn more about the animals below. Let’s be clear: this is not a zoo. If you merely intend to come for entertainment, go elsewhere. Instead, visit to learn and appreciate a place where formerly abused or neglected animals can finally roam free. 

Smooth Alpaca
18300 West Alameda Parkway, Golden
There’s something about an alpaca that just brings a smile to your face. If you need a pick-me-up, book a guided tour with Smooth Alpaca, located about fifteen minutes from Denver. This is a fully immersive experience, which includes petting, feeding, taking photos and learning about alpaca conservation. Everything is included as part of an adult ticket price for $44. The tour lasts an hour and twenty minutes; times vary, although they are typically offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. It’s the perfect activity for out-of-towners because, with Red Rocks as your backdrop, you also get to show off Colorado’s impressive beauty. Stick around for the gift shop. “Smooth Alpaca is all about small-group, hands-on animal experiences that are intentionally calm, guided and focused on animal welfare,” says founder Joseph Sarto. “It’s not a traditional petting zoo. Guests spend time getting to know the alpacas and goats, hear their individual stories, and enjoy a slower, more meaningful experience. That thoughtful, relaxed approach tends to really resonate with both adults and families.”

Cat Fest Colorado and Denver Dog Fair  
Locations vary 
Both events for cat and dog lovers are run by Dana Cain Events, an event planning company. “We only do events we love and care about,” says owner Dana Cain. “I’ve always loved cats.” The idea for Cat Fest started when Cain used to co-own the Denver County Fair and launched the Kitten Pavilion in 2012. Since then, the fair was sold and is now defunct, but the cat portion lives on.

In 2026, Cat Fest Colorado offers three opportunities to get your cat fix: March 21 at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland; July 25 in Colorado Springs; and November 15 in Denver at The National Western Complex. At the event, you can expect kitten yoga, a cat video cafe, adoption booths, cat-themed vendors, free face painting, cat bingo, costume contests, an Egyptian Cat Temple with tarot readers, emcee Purrcilla Pawsley, and more. Cat Fest offers free adoption booths to all cat shelters with the goal of on-site adoptions to good homes. 

Similar in nature, the Denver Dog Fair started in 2024 and will take place this year on June 27 at the National Western Complex. Events include a puppy kissing booth, dog adoption booths, doggy derby, meet and greets with rescue groups, doggie salons for pampering (think hair bows and other accessories), and a dog fashion show.

For tickets and more information, visit Cat Fest Colorado and Denver Dog Fair.

Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary
8640 Dahila Street, Henderson
When you think of animal rescues, you probably think of cats and dogs first. But what about goats, pigs, chickens, donkeys, and cows? Broken Shovels is a sanctuary for homeless, abused, neglected, and slaughter-bound animals. The sanctuary is only open to the public a few times a month, so check its website or Facebook page for details. Private tours can also be booked for parties, school groups, corporate team building, or just groups of friends. Events typically last an hour and a half, and you can meet the different animals and hear their stories. As a small operation and nonprofit that is expensive to run, Broken Shovels is always in need of donations to help with animal care. This is not a petting zoo; the folks at Broken Shovels are very clear that you are a guest in the animals’ home and they are not here for your entertainment. 

Bonus: Sploot Veterinary Care Events
Locations vary 
Sploot is a little different than a traditional vet, bringing wellness, urgent care, surgery and preventive care under one roof. It’s also committed to supporting pet parents, and part of that work is creating and hosting community events: 

• March 28: Adoption Happy Hour with PawsCO at Happy Camper
• June 7: Annual Paws with Pride at Union Station, including vendors, a doggie drag show, and giveaways
• July 23: 2nd Annual Date With Your Dog at Improper City. This is a singles event that saw more than 200 attendees last year and includes live podcast interviews, drink specials, and giveaways. It’s free to attend, and bringing your dog is encouraged.

For more information and updates, follow Sploot on social media or visit its website.