Adults at petting zoos/farms/kids days out

[ExtraHotDoubleShot]

Has anyone else noticed a massive uptick in grown adults (many in late teens and 20s) going on days out aimed at kids/young families? I’m finding it increasingly irritating - small children having to queue behind grown adults to stroke rabbits or see tanks of fish.

(Exception where there is clearly a disability at play)

Play parks don’t allow adults without children in them so it would be unusual to see that and you could report it. Play areas are usually cordoned off. How many times have you seen this?

Before I had kids I wasn’t standing in line to feed a goat.

Why feeding a goat is a kids’ recreational activity?

I thought we introduce kids to animals, so the can learn to be gentle to them, see animals are also sentient, and for general curiosity in other creatures nature has created. If that curiosity and compassion suddenly need to stop arriving at adulthood, what’s the purpose of asking kids to pet animals.

Everyone should have an equal access to nature and its wonders, it’s not exclusive for kids. Also mental health has been ignored, stigmatised for generations, it’s only recently people are understanding the pressures on adult humans which contribute to poor mental health. So if adults want to live a more holistic life, why is it a problem. No one is forcing you to pet animals.

wasn’t aware but good to hear it, it’s important for people to have an interest in the natural world.

I didn't realise my bed had a dress code.

I've never had to dress with dignity to go to sleep.

If it was for kids it would say only adults with children allowed.

I took my children to the theatre, art galleries and museums never once got told I couldn't. If they are well behaved it's fine.

Also, my cat used to fucking hate kids. She way preferred adults.

Even worse... an adult at a petting zoo must have issues.

A couple. To whom and for what do you report though?

How is going to the zoo a childish activity?

I know right, and are childish and selfish!

Does your cat live at a petting farm?

They do 🤷‍♀️

Now these posters will take it to another level to defend their position.

Zoos and farms are not just for children while park plays areas are.

Your implication that only children should like animals is, at best, odd.

I am afraid that your children will just have to learn the age old virtue of patience.

I love going and petting the animals. Donkeys are my weakness or feeding a lamb.

Those comparing it to playground equipment at the park are missing that parks usually have age restrictions on a sign such as under 12’s or whatever.

WTAF? 😆

I'll admit I like 'childish' things as an adult. My Mum was similar to the OP, opinionated about 'appropriate' behaviour which I've learnt most people don't actually care about or even give a second thought to. Planning on having a swing and trampoline at my new house and we don't have kids.

So basically if your children are now adults and don’t have a disability they can’t go to petting farms. Okay got it anyone who wants to go can go. My own children are adults with disabilities who love visiting petting farms. I see no issue here. If you enjoy that type of day out then go and support the business. Times are tough atm they aren’t going to turn people away because they have no children or adults with a disability.

You know what’s sad? Your first thought upon seeing an adult enjoying themselves being “you sad bastard”. Maybe you’re also an adult with issues?

Ah, as an OAP, I suppose we must put my love of stroking and feeding animals down to the fact that I have entered my second childhood? Unfortunately, that doesn't answer the fact that for all those years between my first childhood, and my second, I still loved being close to, and where possible, stroking and feeding, those gorgeous creatures - and yes, to annoy you even more, I am a vegetarian, but I don't try to guilt trip anyone else into not eating our furry, feathery, wooly or muscly friends!

By the way, as you have put yourself up for judgement @ExtraHotDoubleShot
(like you have been judging those of us who enjoy connecting with animals) I actually feel very sorry for you, and a little sorry for your youngsters if you have any, because in my experience, young children love seeing their parents - and grandparents - being just as enthusiastic about the animals as they are themselves... 🐇🐐🦆

I have literally NEVER seen 2 grown men in their 40s on childrens swings and slides/in childrens play areas! Never happens.

I'd struggle to sleep next to a full sized adult with neon Grinch faces stretched, contorted and leering at me from every surface inch of their body. No one should have to see that before they close their eyes.

‘Why can’t they, OP? There’s no sign saying no adults. Are you joyless? Your kids will just have to wait. They’re clearly normal men’ etc

Or? <shudders>. A Cat Cafe?