Hands-On with Giants: A Private VIP Tour and Big Thrash Experience in Kearns

KEARNS ZOO FIELD GUIDE

Hands-On with Giants: A Private VIP Tour and Big Thrash Experience in Kearns

A two-hour private tour at Scales and Tails Utah that lets groups of up to ten interact with snakes, tortoises, lizards and large monitor lizards through guided demonstrations and feeding experiences.

Hands-On with Giants: A Private VIP Tour and Big Thrash Experience in Kearns.

Duration
2 Hours
Location
Kearns
Operator
Scales and Tails Utah
Category
Zoo
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At Scales and Tails Utah in Kearns, a private VIP tour condenses close encounters with snakes, lizards, tortoises and alligators into an intimate, two-hour window—complete with a ‘Big Thrash’ opportunity to feed and hold one of the facility’s large monitor lizards. The format is designed for groups who want expert-led, hands-on access to a variety of reptiles with personalized attention from a guide throughout the visit.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ANIMALS

Up-close encounters with a wide variety of reptiles

The VIP tour introduces guests to numerous snakes, lizards, tortoises and turtles, with opportunities to interact with many of these animals hands-on under guide supervision.

THE BIG EXPERIENCE

Big 'Thrash' feeding and handling of large monitor lizards

The signature ‘Big Thrash’ portion lets participants feed and hold one of the facility’s large monitor lizards, a dramatic demonstration that highlights the size and power of these animals while remaining controlled by the staff.

THE GUIDE & GROUP

Private format with personalized attention

Private VIP bookings allow up to ten guests and are led by an experienced guide who provides safety briefings, answers questions, and tailors the visit to the group’s interests and comfort level.

What the day feels like

What the two-hour VIP experience feels like

The tour opens with arrival and administrative checks, followed by a short safety talk before the guide escorts your group through exhibits and hands-on stations. The Big Thrash feeding and handling demonstration is integrated into the guided route, with time built in for photos, questions and a stop at the gift shop before you depart.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this tour—and who should think twice.

1
Small groups and partiesIdeal: the private format accommodates up to ten guests, making it a good choice for family gatherings or small groups seeking a shared, guided reptile experience.
2
Families with young childrenGenerally a good fit: staff are trained to make the tour comfortable for all ages and infants 0–2 are admitted free—however interactions are optional for any child who seems uncomfortable.
3
Reptile enthusiastsA strong match: enthusiasts get personalized time with an expert guide and the chance for hands-on demonstrations, including feeding and holding of large monitor lizards when available.
4
Guests with a low tolerance for animalsAppropriate for cautious visitors: the operation explicitly states that guests will not be forced to interact with animals and guides work to ensure comfort.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The VIP tour runs for two hours.

Meeting point

Meet at 4944 W 6200 S, Kearns, UT 84118 for check-in.

What to bring

Bring a camera to capture encounters and demonstrations.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is the price the same if we do not have 10 persons?

Yes, the price for this VIP tour is the same for 1–10 persons.

Do babies count toward our ticket allotment?

Children ages 0–2 are free of charge and do not count toward the ticket allotment.

Is the tour scary?

It shouldn’t be; staff work to make each guest feel comfortable and safe during the tour.

Can I take photos and video during my tour?

Yes—photos and videos of the animals are welcomed during the tour.

Are there other opportunities we can add-on?

Possibly—depending on the day there may be additional add-ons available; check with your tour guide upon arrival to see what can be arranged.

How many guests can the private VIP tour accommodate?

Private VIP tours allow up to ten people.