Animals are an integral part of the American West—and always a hit with families with children. At the next Family Fun Day at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, live animals both wild and domestic are the special guests in the Center’s gardens. The family-focused event is June 27, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
“We invite everyone to come learn more about Wyoming’s wildlife,” says Emily Buckles, the Center’s Interpretive Specialist and coordinator of family activities. “We’re excited to bring live critters, both large and small, to the museum to share with our visitors.” Buckles adds, “Families are welcome to come for the entire time or simply drop in for as long as they wish during the day.”

In addition to the popular live birds of the Center’s Draper Museum Raptor Experience, the event promises some surprises from Zoo Montana, calves from the George Family Farm, and other animals from the Bighorn Basin. With the help of a pony, kids can learn about the important role of horses in the region.
Thanks to a special grant from the R. Harold Burton Foundation, the Center’s summer Family Fun Days are included in the cost of regular admission and free to Center of the West members. Future summer Family Fun Days include arts and crafts activities at a “Summer pARTy!” July 18, and “Music of the West” August 8.
To find out more about Family Fun Days and other educational family programs and activities, contact Buckles at [email protected] or 307-578-4110. The Center of the West’s full calendar can be found at centerofthewest.org/calendar.
Since 1917, the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West has devoted itself to sharing the story of the authentic American West. The Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. For additional information, visit centerofthewest.org or the Center’s Facebook page.