Have you ever fed a lemur? What about a big, hairy spider... ever held one in your bare hands? Want to hold a baby alligator? These are some of the more extreme animal encounters at a fun little interactive zoo in South Carolina that most people don't even know is right here in our own back yard. If you haven't discovered the wholesome family fun at Bee City in Cottageville, then it's never too late to get in on the fun.

Bee City opened more than 30 years ago as a honey farm and has since grown to include one of the best interactive zoos in the South.

After an affordable paid admission, visitors can have animal encounters all over the zoo. The natural enclosures make it easy to reach over (or through) many of the animal habitats in order to touch, feed, and pose with a variety of species.

For some, Bee City is their first time seeing many of the friendly animals that live at this zoo.

You can purchase animal food for only $5 (which is an ample amount to have enough for all of your encounters), and then feed the animals while you have a one-on-one meet and greet with each one. Imagine the look on your little one's face when the llama eats out of their hand. (You'll definitely want to bring a package of wipes on this adventure.)

Have you ever seen a prairie dog that wasn't off in a field in the distance?

The trained staff at Bee City routinely makes it possible to get to know some of the smaller creatures in the zoo. They treat the animals like family members — because they are — and it really shows in the demeanor of each and every zoo resident.

You'll love the miniature horse habitat. It's designed to replicate an Old West town.

If you have a little one who's never been on a horse...

They can practice all they want at Bee City!

There are horse dummies complete with ladders so the kiddos can practice mounting techniques. When Bee City does interactive, they take it all the way.

If you have arachnophobia, then you may want to steer clear of the spider encounter.

Over in the zoo's Nature Center, you'll find variety of odd (and even creepy) encounters. From snakes and lizards to huge hairy spiders, and more, this is the place for those who love a thrill.

How many places can you name where you can hold a baby alligator?!

Precisely. Bee City's Nature Center is pretty amazing and shouldn't be missed, even if spiders do give you the creeps.

A less creepy zoo resident should bring smiles to everyone in the group.

You'll come away from this adventure feeling like you know all of the creatures that live at the zoo.

And you may learn a few things, too.

Can you name this animal?

When you purchase food, you may want to go ahead and get some extra... those lemurs are pretty cute!

If you find you're spending more time than you thought at Bee City, you can head over to the cafe and refuel with some kid-friendly food. Chicken tenders, pizza, hot dogs, and more are on the menu along with famously popular fries and a brownie dessert.

And don't forget, Bee City IS a honey farm, so stop in the gift shop and stock up on the best pure honey that money can buy.

If this is the first you're hearing of Bee City, then by all means, tell your friends and get a convoy headed in the direction of the zoo asap...

It's located a little out of the way, but is so worth the drive for the unique animal encounters found at this one-of-a-kind interactive zoo in South Carolina.

What began as a honey farm oh-so long ago has matured into one of the best interactive zoos you'll ever visit. Have you already explored the fun at Bee City? We'd love to see your animal encounter photos in our FB comments!

Bee City is open year-round with hours that vary by season. Summer 2019 hours are Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12/person. Military and seniors get a $1 discount, and kids 2 and younger get in for free. Learn more on the official website for Bee City and follow the Facebook page here.

Address: 1066 Holly Ridge Lane, Cottageville, SC, 29435

Want more fun places to explore with the kids? Keep reading here for seven kid-friendly hikes the whole family can enjoy!