Cooler temps are here and splash pads are becoming less realistic, so what is next on our socially-distant weekend activity list? Alpacas of course!
Magnolia Blossom Ranch is the family adventure you didn’t know you needed. The ranch is located in Newcastle, just a short drive 25-minute down I-44 from OKC. So our family packed up our lunch and snacks and hit the road for our 10 a.m. tour. Here are three reasons I’d recommend your family make the trip as well:
- Gentle beasts: This was our family’s first experience with any kind of petting zoo, and while our nearly 2-year-old son is gentle with our family dog, I was a little nervous about him being patient with animals that were not familiar with us. I expressed that concern to our tour guide, Kerry Bates, who gave a little laugh. “Our alpacas love kids of all ages. They are calm and gentle, and that attitude tends to rub off on the little ones, too.” He was right! “Cocoa Chanel” came and sat down right next to us, letting Jimmy pet her. She was slow-moving and immediately put us all at ease. I was expecting alpaca fleece to be coarse or wooly, like a sheep. Surprisingly it was silky-soft. Kerry explained that the fleece is actually moisture-wicking, making them very adaptable to extreme heat (I’m glad one of us was staying cool!)
- Room to run (in a socially-distant environment): Wherever we bring our little
dude, he is sure to find some kind of truck/tractor/construction vehicle to inspect. Kerry modeled the same patience as the alpacas in letting him run around and explore. Since Magnolia Blossom Ranch is only accommodating one family per session, the tour was really customized to us, whether we needed to get moving, stay a little longer or whatever the baby dictator decided! While Jimmy was inspecting the grounds, one of the alpacas kept inspecting him as well (click here to view the reaction video). - Support local: Magnolia Blossom Ranch has a partnership with Answered Prayers Alpaca Ranch. Together they sheer alpaca fleece and create beautiful products such as clothing, toys, accessories and other souvenir items. We couldn’t leave without purchasing an alpaca doll of our own, made from the same silky-soft fleece we had touched on the ranch. We nearly left without a pair of running socks, and I am so glad we scooped them up! The same moisture-wicking properties the fleece provides to the alpacas are used in making the most luxurious pair of athletic socks your feet have had the pleasure of being wrapped in. It’s a must-try, folks!
dude, he is sure to find some kind of truck/tractor/construction vehicle to inspect. Kerry modeled the same patience as the alpacas in letting him run around and explore. Since Magnolia Blossom Ranch is only accommodating one family per session, the tour was really customized to us, whether we needed to get moving, stay a little longer or whatever the baby dictator decided! While Jimmy was inspecting the grounds, one of the alpacas kept inspecting him as well (Our Sunday on the ranch is a day we will always treasure! We cannot wait to go back. If you 
are interested in visiting, you can find Magnolia Blossom Ranch and their partners at www.magnoliablossomranch.com or on Facebook @magnoliablossomranch. One-hour tours are about $25 per family and reservations can be made by calling (405) 412-4845. Magnolia Blossom Ranch also hosts events, including alpaca yoga, “Painting with Pacas” nights, farm festivals and more. Other services include birthday parties, overnight camping, event space rental, off-site events and photography sessions.
