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)

The idea that adults should outgrow the need or desire to pet animals is truly sad. I still delight in seeing and petting animals. It makes me feel good and happy. Does this mean I'm pathetically childish? Of course not. The world is full of wonder and it's a sad day when we no longer appreciate that.

Op isn’t talking about science museums though is she? Shes talking about petting zoo’s with little rides for children little tea cups twirling, tractor and trailer rides, little sand pit areas etc.

I went there years ago with college. It was awful. You could not read any of the exhibit info or have any hope of having a go at the interactive stuff because of kids running about, pressing all the buttons and generally getting in the way.

A science museum where i used to live had the occasional adult only evening. It was amazing.. but the comments online were complaints from parents that they could not take their kids in the evening during those events, and that any adult that went there was sad because it was "for kids".

Adults deserve joy too. I think thats too often lacking in adults' lives. And I don't see what's inherently childish about wanting to be around animals anyway.

Before I had kids I had a membership at London zoo and went often. As an adult on my own, families/people with kids generally assumed my experience was less important to them and would push in front of me or tell the kids to, etc. I generally let it happen because I wanted to kids to have a nice time, but it was pretty tiresome. (And I avoided school holidays for obvious reasons).

I couldn't disagree more with this statement. Why shouldn't people who like animals pay to go and see some animals? Who gets to set the age rating on each activity? Am I not allowed to go ice skating for example or is this exclusively for children to enjoy? Should I not be able to play sports in case I use a pitch that children could use? What do you suggest are appropriate adult activities?

According to another poster on this thread... watercolours and Chelsea Flower Show... oh, and make sure your nightwear is lacy nighties too. Fluffy Grinch PJs in adult sizes are for kids.

Whats weird, about teens wanting to go out and do stuff?

I remember as an older teen taking my pals little brother to the zoo, really we wanted to go to the zoo, the brother was just an excuse.

People moan about teens getting drunk or hanging around the street corners And now people are moaning about teens going to the zoo!

Where exactly do you want teens to go?
Remember your children won't be little forever, in 10 years time where would you rather they were on a Saturday?

As a single parent I couldn't afford to take my 2 places. When I did, had to pay 1 adult, 2 children and it cost more than for family.

So you are inherently better because you get your joy from seeing your child pet the rabbit?

And most of the petting zoos have lots of animals. And many people live nearby.

Surely you'd just pay they family ticket?
That said some places do have 1 Adult family tickets as well as the standard 2 Adults and 2 kids.

My local petting zoo place has an admission price for a single adult.. suggesting that it is not just for kids.

My 2 are in their late 20s, so probably changed since they were little.

This.

Do you actually know how odd and entitled this makes you sound!

Why can't young adults/adults go to farms and zoo's etc. People of all ages love animals and pay the ticket price to enter. My son is 17 and his GF 17 have been recently to an animal park and loved it, what would you rather teens do, causing chaos hanging out on the streets or some that actually want to do something nice with their hard earned money. I am proud that my son loves going on day trips like this with his GF and with us. Will you stop your children doing things they like once they get to a certain age?

I actually think you are being so unreasonable and sound just like the sort of person that would look down their nose at a baby on plane or baby in a restaurant.

Get a grip, life is so tough nowadays for everyone and people like you want to suck the fun out of everything or take a little bit of happiness away from people that aren't bothering you and have paid actually more to get into the place than your child's ticket! Honestly!

I can see this thread ending up in the mumsnet classic archives 😂

Or the Daily Mail.

Nothing wrong with adults liking to stroke animals

Its one to read when you're bored, will make you smile unless your a sad individual, who's too far up their own backside to have fun, like Mrs Bucket! .

I also think that by prioritising children, we are encouraging a generation of spoilt little brats who will grow up to be spoilt adults. By making them wait and take their turn they will learn that the world does not revolve around them and that's a valuable life lesson. It will teach them respect for other people, realise that this is an enjoyment for everyone and that patience is a virtue.

Right off to buy my tickets ....

You said it was childish to want to hold or stroke an animal. So therefore only children should be allowed to stroke family pets.
You obviously don't find it childish, you're just annoyed your child has to wait their turn. Get used to it, your child can't always be first to do everything.

I don't have children and I hate art galleries and city centres. But I do love the countryside.

If I want to pet a pig, pat a pigmy or ruffle a rat, if I've paid my ££ entrance fee, I'm bloody well going to do it.

Teach your kids the skill of waiting patiently.

What a misery guts you are

I love animals, more than anything else really, went to a wildlife park yesterday and absolutely loved it, more than my kids did

Just a thought, OP...

By any chance, do you work in a school, on reception, and is there a portrait of you up in the foyer, sporting a 'tache and angry eyebrows?

Nah bollocks. I will do animal petting, teacup rides and carousels to my hearts content

because embracing the inner child is good for the soul (and you’re a long time dead)