Disclosure: This post is a sponsored post in collaboration with Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. While our family receives these benefits to share our experiences on our blog, all reviews and opinions expressed here are my own.

Did you know you can add special Animal Interactions to your Six Flags Discovery Kingdom experience?  We recently were invited to check out Merlin's Fins and Friends Animal Interaction, it was such a unique and special time. We were able to get up close and personal with a Bottle Nosed Dolphin.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA, is a short one-hour drive from Sacramento. During our visit they had Viva La Fiesta going on, which I shared about on this blog post here. You can still catch Viva La Fiesta, but hurry, it is only here through June 11th. 

For the Merlin's Fins and Friends Animal Interaction, we met near the entrance, across from where the center dolphin fountain is. You will see a meet here sign. We were escorted into the Dolphin Discovery show area with an animal ambassador. We were introduced to sweet Maddy one of the Bottle Nosed Dolphins at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. 

She was so playful, and sweet, and has such a cute personality. The Animal Ambassador shared a wealth of knowledge about Bottle Nosed Dolphins and showed us how fast they can swim and how high they can jump. It was so cool to be so up close to the tank while she showed just how amazing she is. We were able to feed her fish, and touch and feel how soft she is. We even found out she is ticklish, it was too cute. We even were able to give her a hug and give her high fives. My youngest likes to tell people his first kiss was at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and then he lets on that it was with Maddy the Dolphin. Such a memorable encounter for sure!




The Animal Ambassador was so great with all our questions and helped show us just how beautifully majestic these marine mammals are. Merlin's Fins and Friends is available at 12:30 PM for on-line bookings and at 3:30 PM for in-park and on-line bookings. This experience runs about 15 to 20 minutes and costs $49.99 per person. Up to six guests at a time can attend this interaction. You will get to know and see firsthand how special these Dolphins are. You will get a little wet during this experience, as you are up close while they jump and wave, creating quite a splash. 


As for the other Animal Interactions, they have a variety of experiences you can book. Some you can pre-book on-line, and a couple you must book while in the parks. 

Sal's Slither and Scales! Burrow into the fascinating world of reptiles with Sal’s Slither & Scales program. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the park cares for these scaly vertebrates. Have an up-close encounter and gain a greater appreciation for these often miscast animals.  Includes Behind the Scenes tour of Reptile Discovery. Starting time at 1:30pm, guest needs to book by 1pm at Safari Guest Relations. This experience is limited to 6 people and costs $19.99 per person. You will receive a unique photo opportunity with a reptile.

Paint 'N Create with Dolphins! Create a truly unique work of art with a dolphin! For the dolphins, painting is a form of enrichment that adds an interesting and complex activity to their daily routine.  Participants get to pick the colors, meet the dolphin, and take a photo of the dolphin with the one-of-a-kind masterpiece that is theirs to keep. This animal interaction is $39.99 per person. Pricing per person will include an up-close interactive dolphin experience,12×12 canvas, picking 3 custom colors, and a photo opportunity. Program time: 12-1pm. All participants are to meet at the ride entrance to White Water Safari. ONE Free chaperone for children under the age of 10 and or below 50″ tall. All other guests require either a paid observer ticket ($20) or paid participant ticket.

Cain's Lion Encounter! Guests will enjoy a close encounter with the lion pride. This tour will take place behind the scenes at the Lion’s Lair where one of the animal care specialists will educate you about the lion’s here at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom as well as their wild counterparts. Guest will be able to see the lions up close and may have the opportunity to safely give the lions a treat. This tour will last about 15 minutes and is available Saturdays and Sundays only. Discover the unique personalities of the park’s lion pride. Observe closely as the lions walk around, and you will notice that their heels don’t touch the ground. Another behavior you might witness is a soft rumbling or purring sound, which is how the lions communicate contentment. Interaction time: 2:30pm Price: $39.99 Capacity: 12 guests Purchasable in Park Only.

Backstage Safari! Have you ever wanted to learn what goes on behind the scenes at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom? Now is your chance! Backstage Safari allows our guests to meet some of the unique and exotic animals that are in the care of the Animal Specialists at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom! This educational program gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the park cares for the animals, their individual stories, and the importance of protecting their counterparts in the wild.  With the help of our knowledgeable Animal Specialist, guests opportunity to ask questions and gain a greater appreciation for the park’s animal ambassadors! This tour cost $59.99 per person.

Wildlife Adventure Tour! The Wildlife Adventure Tour is an exhilarating new experience that gives guests the opportunity to have an awe-inspiring encounter with the majestic animals at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Get up close with many of the animals that call Six Flags Discovery Kingdom home in an intimate and private setting. The package also includes one photo and a small snack per person. The tour takes place on closed days only, rides are not available. Be prepared and bring your walking shoes, as this tour is traveled by foot throughout the park. Guests may go up and down stairs. Wildlife Adventure Tour is held once a day on days that Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is closed. The maximum capacity for each available tour is 8 people.  Each person must have their own voucher. Children who are 2 years old and/or younger do not require a voucher. This experience is $99 per person.

Dolphin Discovery is a 2-hour Experience available Friday through Sunday, you can choose a 9:15 AM session or 1 PM session. You'll meet the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in this rare hands-on in-water learning session! Must be at least 50” tall and 10 years old. Minors must be between 10-17 years old, and must be accompanied by a paid chaperone or paid adult participant. All jewelry must be removed. No exceptions. If you are enjoying the park, you will meet inside the park near Coaster Candy.  If you are just visiting for the experience alone, you will meet by the glass Doors in the Dolphin Discovery Parking lot next to the Batman the Ride. Must book 48 hours in advance, available for purchase online only. $149.00. Observer tickets are available for $20.

These Animal Interactions would be a great way to make family memories this summer. An adventure that is sure to be remembered. To book your Animal Interaction and for more information click here.

You can check out videos of our time with Maddy the Dolphin at Merlin's and Friends on our social media pages. We are on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Thank you for following along with our family adventures. We truly appreciate every like, comment and share! Cheers to an amazing summer full of smiles and sunshine!