Where Children and Animals
Get to Know One Another
Summer is almost here. The newborn lambs are skipping and jumping in the fields. The flowers are blooming in all their glory and Iceland has turned green once again. The volcanic eruptions have only served to fertilise the grass and the blue skies are encouraging everyone to get out into the countryside once again.
Of course, the countryside is synonymous with animals. In Laugarás, close to Skálholt cathedral is the Slakki Zoo and Play Centre, which is one of the country’s most popular animal centres. It would be a mistake to think this was just for children, however. It has activities for all the family, adults included and it makes a great day out in a place where the simple joys of life can be indulged in by everyone.
For the children to be able to experience animals close up, to be able to touch and hold many of them, is such a treat nowadays. They love the opportunity to play with animals of all kinds and to look at the birds and fish in their own environments.
A Safe and Fun Activity Day
There are animals of all sizes from horses to mice, pigs to ponies and everything in between. Some are inside and others can be enjoyed in the gardens. The kittens, for example, are a favourite inside their own little house, where children can hold and pet them for as long as they wish – and that can be a long time.
This is a safe environment where parents can relax, knowing their children will be enjoying themselves without harm. Families often make a day of it, as there is plenty to do. Besides the animals, there is a large aquarium and many different species of birds to enjoy. Even farmers come with their families – often wondering why their children love it so much when they have animals at home!
It’s not just the animals, though. There are other games to play which unite the family in a fun entertainment such as the putting green and crazy golf.
Relax with Restaurant Refreshments
Naturally, when you’re staying all day in a centre such as Slakki, refreshments are very important and here you will find a restaurant and café filled with home-made snacks, including delicious hamburgers with salad and apple cakes with cream.
The café is in a small turf house, with plenty of seating outside where you can enjoy the sun and the yummy, locally-made Kjöris icecream.
Stuffed animals may be fine at home, but nothing can replace the experience of holding or playing with live animals. No computer or TV can take their place, either, so it’s no surprise that many families return again and again.
Slakki’s indoor zoo is open every day throughout the summer months until the end of August. It is one of Iceland’s secrets that is being revealed on the Internet, with pictures and videos being posted by satisfied customers and their happy children. If you’re driving the Golden Circle trip, see for yourself. It’s only a few minutes off the main road to Geysir and is well worth the time to visit. – ASF
Slakki
Launrétt I • 801 Selfossi
+354 486 8783
[email protected]
www.slakki.is
