There is something so powerful about the ability to interact directly with inhabitants of the natural world. Petting deer and bunnies can make you feel like a character in a Disney movie, but interacting with lemurs and monkeys is even more exciting. There's one incredible petting zoo in South Carolina that offers you an opportunity to get up close and personal with the aforementioned critters... plus other creatures like snakes, birds, alligators, and more. Get ready to get friendly because the creatures at this petting zoo in South Carolina look forward to greeting you.

Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? Swing by Bee City in South Carolina.

Bee City Zoo is about as interactive and hands-on as a zoo can possibly get, exposing visitors to everything from a honeybee's journey to snakes, gators, and more.

Their honey shop, as Bee City's name suggests, is arguably the sweetest spot on the zoo's campus.

Of course, you'll also find sweetness galore when you swing by the petting zoo and feed some of the critters.

While some animals are friendly and love to be pet, others might not be so friendly. Be sure to respect fences and zoo rules during your visit, and keep an eye out for those hardworking bees.

As cute and cuddly as the critters at the petting zoo are, you will also find some scaly, slimy, and all-around spectacular creatures at the on-site Nature Center.

If you thought the petting zoo was interactive, just wait until the staff lets you hold a snake in the Nature Center.

After you interact with some critters, you might want to take the kids to the Children's Garden or Nature Trail. Either way, you have a lot of walking ahead of you, so choose comfortable footwear.

And if the macropods munching and critters crunching have your own stomach rumbling, you will be pleased to know that they serve food at Bee City Zoo.

Admission to the park is $12 for ages 3 and up, and the park is open all year round. Ask about senior and military discounts!

Or, if you'd like to consider helping out around the park as a volunteer, you'll want to fill out a form for further consideration.

Bee City Zoo in Cottageville is one cool hangout!

What's not to love about this fantastic petting zoo in South Carolina? It is open all year round, and everything from its gift shop to its Natural Trail is charming. Connect with them on Facebook to start planning your next visit!

Are there any other petting zoos in South Carolina that you might recommend? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! If you are planning a trip to this zoo, you'll also want to check out our article on river tubing in Givhans Ferry State Park. That is one adventure you won't want to pass up... and it's just a stone's throw away from Bee City.