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)

And that’s your opinion so those of us who enjoy it can carry on

@Needmorelego

"I like rabbits.
I live in a flat so can't exactly keep one as a pet."

I'm not actually recommending it, but I had a friend who did. It chewed through a lot of wires (never electrocuted itself) and was not litterbox-trained, but friend didn't seem to mind. It was called Bun.

If I get the chance I will willingly stroke goats, rabbits, capbarras ( no spiders) snakes especially if it’s to show kids that they arnt scary, won’t bite
I talk to wildlife as well so 🤷‍♂️ do I care what you think
No I don’t , not a jot

Back in the 90s I did a petting zoo in Austrialia and petted kangaroo, koala bear and snake.

The girl holding the koala had a tough job because every time someone petted it it dug its claws in.

I also saw "crocodile attack" show where they swung meat at the crocodiles on ropes.

Not sure whether any of this is allowed these days.

I don't think it should be allowed if the animal doesn't like it. Some do some don't.

Although I guess lots of people who visit Australia want to pet Koala bears.

Do you think the whole world should revolve around you and your needs or is it specifically just confined to petting zoos?

Maybe they can go round kicking in shop windows instead, or stealing parcels from doorsteps. Altogether more adult pursuits.

You have a very rigid mindset. I hope you don’t teach your kids these strict rules about grown world.
I guess adults are machines, their only purpose is to produce and contribute. This kind of thinking is okay until you have a burnout or hit a mental health crisis. Nature and fun is for everyone.

On a different note, why children are entitled to petting animals? Have animals given them special permission?

Never mind your kid I would push my own out of the way to pet the animals myself!

That is so lovely.
I can guarantee a lot of the people you see in cosplay are closer to your age then the kids there. Living their dream of being a stormtrooper from their favourite childhood film.

It is partially caused by some adults, mostly parents assuming everything is /should be aimed at children.

Adults taking young children to the adult outdoor exercise equipment.
Adults taking children to older age category movies.
Escape rooms are originally aimed at older teens and (young adults).
Some concerts and shows...
There were parents complaining that the latest Barbie movie wasn't child friendly enough!

It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it follows that mixing of ages goes in both directions.

I must have missed the memo that things like escape rooms and Center Parks were only for under 12s.

Ok, a few people agree, so I’m not completely alone in thinking this 😂

There are loads of places people think are unsuitable for kids - pubs, clubs, the theatre, art galleries, certain films, the gym, other sports… which I agree with.. but a few sad adults are crashing the kids days out so they can hold a hamster. Sorry I stand by it!

I would think it's great that young adults are cherishing animals, it's a relaxing enjoyable day out to visit those sort of places, a real break from the daily slog and cheap compared to theme parks.

Many adults never get to see animals in the wild or touch them, why shouldn't adults get to enjoy that too and it's meant to be very therapeutic not only for children and disabled people. I find it rather sad that you feel you are too grown up to stroke a rabbit and that it's infantile to actually enjoy interacting with animals unless you are a child.

I think it’s absolutely fine that you don’t find zoos, theme parks, animals fun. I don’t find watercolours fun, I prefer acrylics lol. But you sound joyless and judgmental. Tell us OP what do you find fun?

I remember as a teenager it was a popular date going to the zoo with a new boyfriend. Good memories

This is the arsehole 😆

Some people seem to think that it's childish to have hobbies and interests and embarrassing to attempt things and be bad at them to start with. I do ballet much to the bemusement of my friend with kids because she thinks it's a children's activity. I also went to the zoo yesterday, it was great. I learnt loads of stuff I didn't know. Capybaras are fookin massive!

This is very much a you problem.

You seem very uptight op, perhaps you need to relax?...pet some animals or something... 🤔

I guess Goat Yoga is off the menu. Far too silly for grown ups.

Lots of things. I like restaurants, pubs, hiking, the cinema, camping, walking my dog, making jewellery.

Peppa Pig is aimed at kids, it's their TV show, marketed at them. Animals are universal, it doesn't follow that it's 'sad and silly' for adults to enjoy interacting with them.

If adults are allowed to have pets at home, why shouldn't they pet them at a zoo? It's well documented that stroking pets reduces blood pressure and stress so it's as good an activity for adults as kids. The queues at petting zoos will

There have been at least two threads on here about lone adults going to see Disney films at the cinema... like it is wrong and should not be allowed. One was about a man, and assuming he must have been a paedophile.

Why is it sad? Please explain.