A rustic Spanish-style farm in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, that's been standing since 1890, promises more creatures than just the area's famous swallows. The picturesque estate is part of ZOOMARS—an all-ages petting zoo that's USDA-approved for cleanliness and the place where more than 200 animals call home. Residents range from goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits, alpacas, an emu, humpbacked zebu and curious llamas who mingle with visitors for pets and feeding. One of the zoo's most popular areas is the guinea pig patch, where some of the farm's fuzziest and friendliest creatures reside. ZOOMARS also features horse and pony rides, a Little Tikes playground, hay maze and mining town where panning the waters reveal rare gemstones and gold.

Meet the Owner

Growing up among the animal farms of New Jersey, Carolyn Franks never imagined that one day she'd be running one. Her path to animal care started in college when she created a line of dog toys for a senior project. After working for numerous pet product manufacturers, as well as the American Kennel Club in Manhattan, Carolyn found herself in California where her passion snowballed hosting educational animal shows for kids, running a chain of exotic bird stores and traveling to South America to help save endangered species. In 2005, she used her knowledge to take over the Jones Family Mini Farm, expanding its pens, adding more animals and transforming the brand to ZOOMARS.

Franks is joined by a well-trained staff of zookeepers who share her vision for teaching kids about animals through hands-on interactions.